Have you ever been frustrated with FTC? Like, really frustrated?? Ever ask yourself: “WHY doesn’t the robot work?”; “Are we REALLY ready for the tournament?”; “How important is the engineering notebook? Do the judges read it anyway?”; “FTC is not making a difference in MY life!”
(Yes, the judges do read your notebook!!)
Trust me, I have been frustrated too, but its more because of the mounds of paperwork (processing Memo of Agreements, making qualifying tournament assignments, collecting subaward agreements, establishing POs for 100+ teams, receiving and processing quotes from vendors, reserving vehicles, reimbursing qualifying hosts, processing registration fees, etc.). I’m not complaining - but sometimes I just need to see a little MAGIC to get me through a long day.
So, here are five stories of FTC MAGIC, happening this season, that have inspired me and hopefully they will inspire you.
FTC MAGIC -- A Student’s Life
During the Awards Ceremony of the Nov. 17th Cedar Valley Qualifier, the emcee was stumbling a bit while reading the award script for the Connect Award. He said “Love. Peace. And....” stopped. One of the students in the audience, stood up very proudly, and shouted “Love! Peace! And, chicken grease!” The audience erupted in applause while the team from Mason City, Iowa came down to accept their award.
This team is a rookie team from a district with 54% Free & Reduced Lunch. It is only because of the funding from the Rockwell Collins Rookie FTC grant and the STEM Scale-Up grant were they able they were able to start a team.
It was after the event when I realized how much FTC has impacted Johney, (a.k.a Mr. Love. Peace & Chicken Grease). On Monday, Nov. 19th, I got an email from his coach saying that Johney said that the day was “the best day of his life”.
If we can make a Saturday the best day of a student’s life, then its all worth it.
As a “Thank You!”, I’d like to say “Love! Peace! And, Chicken Grease!”
FTC MAGIC -- Never Too Small
On Sat., Dec 8th Team #6583 only had a student and a coach. For whatever reasons, the other teammates could not attend. Put it simply: The student rocked. The coach rocked. Team #6583 was selected during alliance selection and made it to the semi-final matches.
A team is never too small to be loud and impressive.
FTC Magic -- Last Ranked Team
FTC tournaments are very unique. Regardless of where your team is ranked at the end of the qualifying matches, they still have the potential of advancing.
After the qualifying rounds of the Dec. 1st event in Solon, the teams were ranked and alliance selection process made the event VERY interesting. The first ranked team picked the second ranked team, which essentially moved the fifth ranked team, Team #367, into the fourth position -- and could make a selection. (Game Manual 1 - Section 2.6.8: Alliance Process) Because they had done fantastic scouting, Team #367 picked team #5143, which ironically, was ranked last. Team #367, #5143 and their alliance partner #3866 developed a great strategy and ended up winning their semi-final and final matches!
Many of our qualifiers advance five teams. (Game Manual 1 - Section 2.8: Advancement Criteria) As we advanced five teams, we arrived at the #5 Criteria: Winning Alliance, 1st Team Selected. Simply put, team # 5143, the last ranked team, Advanced to the FTC-Iowa Championship!
“The students have been re-energized and are working non-stop on the robot” said #5143 coach, Barb Miltner. “It was a great example of Gracious Professionalism!”
FTC MAGIC -- Inspiring a Volunteer
FTC Events are long, no doubt about it. Sometimes after a long exhausting week at work its hard to get the motivation to leave the house at 5am and drive to the venue, set up and be ready for doors to open at 7am. However, during the day - and being with amazing students, sponsors coaches, mentors and volunteers - it evolves into a motivating and energizing event.
Craig Martinson, a FTC volunteer says that he helps because he sees how it has impacted his daughter and the students of his community. “I see how it motivates girls to go into engineering. I see how kids work together, even if they are on competing teams. I see how much value FTC gives students working and problem solving with others.”
Again, these events are motivators. I go home and I’m wired. At the end of a long tournament day, despite how exhausted my body may be, I feel like I did something positive to change the world. That’s FTC magic.
FTC MAGIC -- Connecting Around the World
FTC students are doing some amazing things -- and making the world a smaller place. Team #3550, Beta, from West Des Moines has developed a way to remote connect with a robot half way around the world. The magnitude of this is just awesome - the technical elements I just cannot comprehend. Controlling the robot from Des Moines, Iowa and the watching the robot move in Moscow, Russia or Sydney, Australia? Wow.
That is FTC MAGIC.
**Team #5975: Continue On and Be Strong. Your mentor would have wanted it this way.**
Again, regardless of how frustrated you may be for the short-term, please remember, there is a thing called FTC MAGIC and it gets us through the tough times.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
Love your Team # | Resources | Qualifier Assignments | Socialize with us!
2012 FTC-Iowa Coaches:
Welcome to the 2012-2013 FTC Season! For many of you, this is a new experience and you may be lost. That is ok. Just remember one thing: breathe!
1. Love Your Team #
2. Resources. Resources. Resources.
3. Qualifier Assignments
4. Socialize with us!
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1. Love Your Team #
The 4-digit permanent team number will become an element of pride. These numbers stick with the team. If you can integrate it in what your team does, please do. Example: if your number was 5280 your slogan could be "We go the extra mile". If your team # was 360, your logo could be "2Pi". Get it? Be creative.
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2. Resources. Resources. Resources.
Looking for resources as to where to start? Great question.
Online Resources
- FTC-Iowa Webpage (bookmark!): http://www.engineering.uiowa.edu/ess/future-students/k-12/first-tech-challenge
- FTC Webpage (bookmark!): http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc
- FTC Forum (For a specific game rule item, in which you need expertise, please review the Game Forums. Also good idea to bookmark): http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/
- YouTube (always a great place to find videos of teams and what they are doing.)
- Attached is a JumpStart Guide compiled by Team #3550, Beta and an
FAQ guide about FTC - including a letter to send out to local businesses
to generate support.
If you are needing a human resource we have those for you too!
- Attend a non-tournament event - these are FREE! You can find a listing of them on our Events Calendar page (http://www.engineering.uiowa.edu/ess/future-students/k-12/first-tech-challenge/event-calendar) We do ask for teams to register...and you can up through two days prior to each event.
- Scrimmage in both Van Horne & Waterloo: Nov. 17
- Looking to use LabView for your programming language? We have a LabView training scheduled for 10/27 in Maxwell.
- In Western Iowa and want to attend a non-tournament event? Scrimmage on Nov. 10th - West High School, Sioux City, Iowa, 12pm-4pm.
- Scrimmage in Winthrop: Nov. 17
- Scrimmage on the far SE tip of Iowa: Nov. 17th Central Lee High School 10am-2pm
- Workshops in Davenport: Nov. 17 & Dec. 15
- Learn from other teams: Next week we will distribute a listing of folks who indicated they are willing to have their contact information be shared.
Please do not hesitate to contact these folks. Hint: the smaller the
team number, the more years of experience they have. If you see a team
with a number lower than 5600, they experienced FTC last season and are
now considered "returning teams".
By the end of next week, we should have the qualifier assignments completed. If your team received funding from Rockwell Collins or the STEM Scale-Up program, you are required to compete at a tournament - or your grants will be void. More information about qualifier tournaments, and how to prepare for them, can be found at: https://www.engineering.uiowa.edu/ess/future-students/k-12/first-tech-challenge/qualifier-tournaments
4. Socialize with us!
We want to be social with our teams! Create a Facebook account and lets be friends! Lets tweet. If your team uses social media (Facebook & Twitter are easy to set up) please complete this form. (This is also a great way for potential sponsors - local businesses & industries - to follow your teams' progression throughout the season.
Thank you! Good luck and welcome to FTC!
Rebecca & the FTC-Iowa Team
Friday, October 5, 2012
Upcoming Events | Iowa Qualifer Information | Field Drawings & Bill of Materials | Missouri Workshop
2012 Teams:
Just a quick note -- welcome to those who have just joined the FTC program!
1. Upcoming Iowa Non-Tournament Events
2. Iowa FTC Qualifier Information
3. Field Drawings and Bill of Materials
4. Missouri Workshop
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1 Upcoming Iowa Non-Tournament Events:
We have some fantastic events scheduled throughout all areas of Iowa. The next one is Saturday, Oct. 13 and many after that.
Dates of the events, including registration information can be found at:
http://www.engineering.uiowa.edu/ess/future-students/k-12/first-tech-challenge/event-calendar
Even if you don't have your kit, or won't have anything "built" prepared for an event, I would certainly encourage that you attend. Many of these are "workshops", in which a robot is not required.
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2. Iowa FTC Qualifier Information
We will be hosting 11 qualifiers this season. The registration process will be the following:
a) a link to an online form will be sent out to all registered FTC-Iowa teams.
b) teams will have one week to complete the online form.
c) on that form, teams will indicate # of qualifiers (1 or 2) they want to compete in.
d) for each qualifier, they will indicate a preference of three events they would want to participate.
e) the form will ask for payment, either credit card or invoice.
After the registration window has closed, teams will be "assigned" to tournaments according to their preferences.
If invoice method of payment is selected, payment MUST be received within 30 days of invoice being sent.
NOTE: This registration window has not opened. Teams will receive an email when it does open.
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3. Field Drawings and Bill of Materials
For those teams and coaches who are new to FTC, information about the game, and the field and equipment can be found at: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/game
If you received STEM Scale-Up funding, you have a $300 allowance to build the field components. Please review the Field Bill of Materials.
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4. Missouri Workshop
Received this note from our partners in MO.
If any of you are interested in attending the PD in Missouri, please visit the website and register.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!!
Just a quick note -- welcome to those who have just joined the FTC program!
1. Upcoming Iowa Non-Tournament Events
2. Iowa FTC Qualifier Information
3. Field Drawings and Bill of Materials
4. Missouri Workshop
---
1 Upcoming Iowa Non-Tournament Events:
We have some fantastic events scheduled throughout all areas of Iowa. The next one is Saturday, Oct. 13 and many after that.
Dates of the events, including registration information can be found at:
http://www.engineering.uiowa.edu/ess/future-students/k-12/first-tech-challenge/event-calendar
Even if you don't have your kit, or won't have anything "built" prepared for an event, I would certainly encourage that you attend. Many of these are "workshops", in which a robot is not required.
-----
2. Iowa FTC Qualifier Information
We will be hosting 11 qualifiers this season. The registration process will be the following:
a) a link to an online form will be sent out to all registered FTC-Iowa teams.
b) teams will have one week to complete the online form.
c) on that form, teams will indicate # of qualifiers (1 or 2) they want to compete in.
d) for each qualifier, they will indicate a preference of three events they would want to participate.
e) the form will ask for payment, either credit card or invoice.
After the registration window has closed, teams will be "assigned" to tournaments according to their preferences.
If invoice method of payment is selected, payment MUST be received within 30 days of invoice being sent.
NOTE: This registration window has not opened. Teams will receive an email when it does open.
----
3. Field Drawings and Bill of Materials
For those teams and coaches who are new to FTC, information about the game, and the field and equipment can be found at: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/game
If you received STEM Scale-Up funding, you have a $300 allowance to build the field components. Please review the Field Bill of Materials.
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4. Missouri Workshop
Received this note from our partners in MO.
If any of you are interested in attending the PD in Missouri, please visit the website and register.
It looks like we have extra capacity at a workshop we're hosting on Oct. 20th to cover PTC, LabView, & ROBOTC for
FTC teams. I was wondering if you'd like to invite teams from
Iowa who might be willing to give up a Saturday & drive down
to St. Louis. The conference starts fairly early in the
morning, but it may still be worth it.
All the details (thus far) here: http://stlfirst.org/
As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
STEM Scale-Up Grants | Upcoming Non-Tournament Events | Social Media
Hello!
Just a quick note..
1. STEM Scale-Up Grants - DEADLINE: Friday, Sept. 14 (Tomorrow)
If you have not already applied, please apply for the STEM Scale-Up Grants. More information, including the registration form, can be found at www.iowastem.org
A description of the FTC STEM Scale-Up funds can be found at: http://www.engineering.uiowa.
Selected applicants will receive notices on or before Oct. 1, 2012.
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2. Non-Tournament Events
Registration for the 2012/2013 Non-Tournament Events can be found at: http://www.engineering.uiowa.
All non-tournament events are FREE.
This calendar is updated frequently, so check it often.
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3. We are Social!
Like us on Facebook: "FTC Iowa"
Follow us on Twitter: "ftc_iowa"
Or add us to your Circles G+: "FTC Iowa"
Don't forget our blog: http://ftc-iowa.blogspot.com/
Time for us to "Ring It Up!"
Just a quick note..
1. STEM Scale-Up Grants - DEADLINE: Friday, Sept. 14 (Tomorrow)
If you have not already applied, please apply for the STEM Scale-Up Grants. More information, including the registration form, can be found at www.iowastem.org
A description of the FTC STEM Scale-Up funds can be found at: http://www.engineering.uiowa.
Selected applicants will receive notices on or before Oct. 1, 2012.
----
2. Non-Tournament Events
Registration for the 2012/2013 Non-Tournament Events can be found at: http://www.engineering.uiowa.
All non-tournament events are FREE.
This calendar is updated frequently, so check it often.
----
3. We are Social!
Like us on Facebook: "FTC Iowa"
Follow us on Twitter: "ftc_iowa"
Or add us to your Circles G+: "FTC Iowa"
Don't forget our blog: http://ftc-iowa.blogspot.com/
Time for us to "Ring It Up!"
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Ring It Up! | STEM Scale-Up | Register Your Team
Welcome to RING IT UP!
1. Celebration of STEM & FIRST - Wrap-Up
Thank you to those coaches, mentors, students, and volunteers who attended the Celebration of STEM & FIRST yesterday at the Iowa Memorial Union. We estimated there were between 400 - 450 attendees. We had great workshops and a excellent line-up of special dignitaries (Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov Reynolds, Univ. of Iowa president Sally Mason, Iowa State President Steven Leath, JP Besong from Rockwell Collins and FIRST Program Officer Ken Johnson) who really promoted the importance of STEM and FIRST. Our very own Jerry Lalor did a great job introducing the game.
Check out the special video message from Dean Kamen: www.engineering.uiowa.edu/ess/
From the feedback I received yesterday morning, there were no issues of heavy traffic and parking could be easily found nearby. For those wondering about the venue, we had plenty of room to accommodate our large crowd and could have accommodated even 200 more. So, thank you to those who attended!!
2. STEM Scale-Up - Deadline is Friday, Sept. 14
FRIDAY, Sept. 14 is the application deadline for STEM Scale-Up. Remember to apply at www.iowastem.org
Are you curious as to what is included or covered by the STEM Scale-Up funds for FTC?
The entire listing, of what the package includes, can be found on our website at:
http://www.engineering.uiowa.
We are unsure of this funding for next year, so if you are on the fence, this is the time to apply for funding.
Applicants will receive notification on or before Oct. 1, 2012.
3. Register Your Team for Ring It Up!
If you are a returning team from last year, or if you have received a Rockwell Collins FTC grant, please register your team. It is important that we get all of the teams registered as soon as possible so we have an accurate number to plan out our qualifier events. Teams can register at https://my.usfirst.org/ftc/
1. Celebration of STEM & FIRST - Wrap-Up
Thank you to those coaches, mentors, students, and volunteers who attended the Celebration of STEM & FIRST yesterday at the Iowa Memorial Union. We estimated there were between 400 - 450 attendees. We had great workshops and a excellent line-up of special dignitaries (Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov Reynolds, Univ. of Iowa president Sally Mason, Iowa State President Steven Leath, JP Besong from Rockwell Collins and FIRST Program Officer Ken Johnson) who really promoted the importance of STEM and FIRST. Our very own Jerry Lalor did a great job introducing the game.
Check out the special video message from Dean Kamen: www.engineering.uiowa.edu/ess/
From the feedback I received yesterday morning, there were no issues of heavy traffic and parking could be easily found nearby. For those wondering about the venue, we had plenty of room to accommodate our large crowd and could have accommodated even 200 more. So, thank you to those who attended!!
2. STEM Scale-Up - Deadline is Friday, Sept. 14
FRIDAY, Sept. 14 is the application deadline for STEM Scale-Up. Remember to apply at www.iowastem.org
Are you curious as to what is included or covered by the STEM Scale-Up funds for FTC?
The entire listing, of what the package includes, can be found on our website at:
http://www.engineering.uiowa.
We are unsure of this funding for next year, so if you are on the fence, this is the time to apply for funding.
Applicants will receive notification on or before Oct. 1, 2012.
3. Register Your Team for Ring It Up!
If you are a returning team from last year, or if you have received a Rockwell Collins FTC grant, please register your team. It is important that we get all of the teams registered as soon as possible so we have an accurate number to plan out our qualifier events. Teams can register at https://my.usfirst.org/ftc/
Thursday, August 16, 2012
New FTC-Iowa Website | Kick-Off Information | STEM Scale-Up
Hello, FTC-Iowa Volunteers, Teams & Coaches:
This note contains some important, yet very exciting, information. Please read all items very carefully. Also, please distribute the information to any interested parties (parents, colleagues, school administrators, etc.)
1. NEW! FTC-Iowa Website!
Announcing...the FTC-Iowa has a new website!!!
Please change ALL bookmarks, shortcuts, links, etc to the following page:
http://www.engineering.uiowa.edu/ess/future-students/k-12/first-tech-challenge
This new site has all of the upcoming events, funding ideas, software/hardware resources, game/program information, and even a page with awesome videos. Check it out.
As always, we are on Facebook (FTC Iowa), Twitter (ftc_iowa), G+ (ftc.iowa), and the blog (http://ftc-iowa.blogspot.com/)
(The Google Site has been, or will be shortly, taken down.)
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2. Kick-Off Celebration: Saturday, Sept. 8
The FTC-Iowa Kick-Off Celebration will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Iowa Memorial Union in Iowa City, Iowa. Please note the change of location as the event has grown beyond the original anticipated capacity.
The 2012-2013 FTC-Iowa Kick-Off Celebration will now be at the Iowa Memorial Union, in Iowa City.
The basic agenda is as follows:
9:00am-10am: Workshops
10:00am-11:30am: Keynote addresses
11:30am-12:30pm: Game Reveal
A more detailed agenda will be distributed prior to the event.
A few things:
1) Iowa City will also be the host to the Iowa vs. Iowa State football game. Since parking will be a commodity, we encourage the following: a) teams carpool as much as possible; b) arrive early c) and avoid using Melrose Ave in Iowa City and Hwy 6 through Coralville. The University of Iowa Parking and Transportation Department is trying to work out a parking solution for us, but please be patient, remember the Gracious Professionalism, and allocate extra time to get to the Iowa Memorial Union.
2) The FTC-Iowa Kick-Off will conclude prior to the Iowa vs. Iowa State football game kick-off.
3) We are requesting RSVPs. (If you've previously registered, we are asking for you to register again.) If you have not registered, this is the time to do so. Click here to register.
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3. STEM Scale-Up Applications
As announced in July, FTC was selected, through a tough competitive process, as one of the 12 STEM Scale-Up programs through the Governor's STEM Advisory Council. For FTC to be recognized as a scale-up program is a great accomplishment. Thank you to those folks who wrote a letter of support for FTC. Your efforts, through the letter, really contributed to a solid and well-rounded application.
Schools, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, 4H Clubs, non-profits, etc. (known as Local Education Agencies, or LEA) which are located within IOWA, can now apply for Scale-Up funding for FTC. The program descriptions and a map of the STEM regions can be found at www.iowastem.org
Click here to access the application to apply for Scale-Up Funds.
A few things to keep in mind:
--
Thank you and hope to see you on Sept. 8th in Iowa City.
This note contains some important, yet very exciting, information. Please read all items very carefully. Also, please distribute the information to any interested parties (parents, colleagues, school administrators, etc.)
1. NEW! FTC-Iowa Website!
Announcing...the FTC-Iowa has a new website!!!
Please change ALL bookmarks, shortcuts, links, etc to the following page:
http://www.engineering.uiowa.edu/ess/future-students/k-12/first-tech-challenge
This new site has all of the upcoming events, funding ideas, software/hardware resources, game/program information, and even a page with awesome videos. Check it out.
As always, we are on Facebook (FTC Iowa), Twitter (ftc_iowa), G+ (ftc.iowa), and the blog (http://ftc-iowa.blogspot.com/)
(The Google Site has been, or will be shortly, taken down.)
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2. Kick-Off Celebration: Saturday, Sept. 8
The FTC-Iowa Kick-Off Celebration will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Iowa Memorial Union in Iowa City, Iowa. Please note the change of location as the event has grown beyond the original anticipated capacity.
The 2012-2013 FTC-Iowa Kick-Off Celebration will now be at the Iowa Memorial Union, in Iowa City.
The basic agenda is as follows:
9:00am-10am: Workshops
10:00am-11:30am: Keynote addresses
11:30am-12:30pm: Game Reveal
A more detailed agenda will be distributed prior to the event.
A few things:
1) Iowa City will also be the host to the Iowa vs. Iowa State football game. Since parking will be a commodity, we encourage the following: a) teams carpool as much as possible; b) arrive early c) and avoid using Melrose Ave in Iowa City and Hwy 6 through Coralville. The University of Iowa Parking and Transportation Department is trying to work out a parking solution for us, but please be patient, remember the Gracious Professionalism, and allocate extra time to get to the Iowa Memorial Union.
2) The FTC-Iowa Kick-Off will conclude prior to the Iowa vs. Iowa State football game kick-off.
3) We are requesting RSVPs. (If you've previously registered, we are asking for you to register again.) If you have not registered, this is the time to do so. Click here to register.
---
3. STEM Scale-Up Applications
As announced in July, FTC was selected, through a tough competitive process, as one of the 12 STEM Scale-Up programs through the Governor's STEM Advisory Council. For FTC to be recognized as a scale-up program is a great accomplishment. Thank you to those folks who wrote a letter of support for FTC. Your efforts, through the letter, really contributed to a solid and well-rounded application.
Schools, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, 4H Clubs, non-profits, etc. (known as Local Education Agencies, or LEA) which are located within IOWA, can now apply for Scale-Up funding for FTC. The program descriptions and a map of the STEM regions can be found at www.iowastem.org
Click here to access the application to apply for Scale-Up Funds.
A few things to keep in mind:
- The applying LEA must be in Iowa.
- Application Deadline is Sept. 14. If you don't apply by that date, you may not be able to reapply. Award notifications will be distributed no later than Oct. 1.
- The idea is for FTC to be scaled up. So, if you are a rookie team for the 2012-2013 FTC Season, apply.
- Teams who have participated in previous years will receive high marks if they: are from a rural or urban location; have a high student population with FRL; are a non-profit organization and are not affiliated with a school; have teams that are ethnically and/or gender diverse; incorporates outside partners or mentor, like a who helps your team; serves as a mentor for teams; have participated in public engagement/outreach to spread the word about FTC. If you are a returning FTC team and are unclear as to whether or not you should apply, feel free to ask.
- If you know of a LEA who is "somewhat" interested in FTC but are
hesitant because of the costs, this will give them a great reason to
apply. It is ok if a team is not registered and signed up prior to
Kick-Off on Sept. 8th.
- FTC needs 100 teams -- so spread the word!
--
Thank you and hope to see you on Sept. 8th in Iowa City.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Exciting news for FTC-Iowa | Upcoming Events | Call to host an FTC event | 2012-2013 Qualifiers
What a busy summer! Lots of important information to share, so please read through all of the items. (There are a lot of links, so please save this note so you can refer to the links in the future.)
1. Exciting news for FTC-Iowa
2. Upcoming Events -- Mark Your Calendar
a) Kick-Off Celebration
b) Call to host a 2012-2013 FTC Event
c) 2012-2013 Qualifier Tournaments
3. Changes for 2012-2013
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1 Exciting news for FTC-IowaOn Monday, July 16, the FTC program was selected as one of the State of Iowa Scale-Up Programs! This is HUGE! (Thank you to all of you who wrote letters of endorsement/support for the Scale-Up application.)
What does being a scale-up mean? To put it simply, ALL students of Iowa will have access to FTC. ALL Regions of Iowa, (regardless of location, population density, district size, etc.) will be promoting FTC, and there will be financial assistance to help with the expansion of FTC. (More details to come soon!)
The hard work of getting to be recognized is over. Now, we NEED YOUR HELP as we recruit more rookie teams. Please promote FTC in your neighboring communities and school districts. Spread the word of FTC - Recruit more teams, volunteers, mentors, etc. We need to get 100 teams by Sept. 8th.
Resources for teams to get started:
- Rockwell Collins grants are still open. New teams, or teams who were rookies last season, can still apply. Complete the Rockwell Collins grant application.
- FTC Team Resources
- FTC-Iowa Affiliate Partner (ftc.iowa@gmail.com) -- Please if you know of anyone who is interested, encourage them to email us.
- YOU! Current teams, volunteers and supporters are THE BEST way to promote and support FTC.
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2. Upcoming Events -- Mark Your Calendar!!
The plans for the 2012-2013 FTC Season are well-under way. We have several events already scheduled on the books.
a) Kick-Off Celebration
The 2012-2013 FTC Season will be Kicked-Off on Saturday, Sept. 8th at Vinton-Shellsburg High School (210 W. 21st Street, Vinton, Iowa). Similar to previous years, we will be having workshops in the morning (10am-12noon), Lunch (12noon-1pm), and then the Game Reveal. We do ask that all interested attendees to please register.
b) Call to host 2012-2013 FTC Events
We are currently seeking venues who are willing to host events (scrimmages, workshops) for the 2012-2013 FTC Season. Thank you to those who have already applied to host an event! If you are interested in hosting an event, please complete the 2012-2013 FTC Host Event form.
The form will ask for up to five potential dates, desired time, capacity, a lunch plan, and local volunteers.
c) 2012-2013 Qualifier Tournaments
Qualifier Tournament for the 2012-2013 Season are set! You can find a list of the Qualifiers on the FIRST Website -- click on "What FIRST Teams & Events are In My Area" -- narrow the search to "FTC", "Events", and "Iowa".
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3. Changes for 2012-2013A few changes for the 2012-2013 FTC Season:a) Many events will be on the same day. This includes workshops, scrimmages and qualifiers. The idea behind this is so we can have many events throughout the state to serve as many teams.
b) Remote Mentoring.
To help support and grow teams in all areas of Iowa, we have decided to implement on the concept of remote mentoring. Teams will be able to get help via the new technology of Google+ Hangouts. (Attached is a pdf to learn more about how to get started with Google Hangouts.) Please keep in mind, Google+ Hangouts is a new technology, so there may be some glitches. If you are interested or in need of remote mentoring, please fill out the Remote Mentor form.
c) Videos for Judges.
In order for the judges to learn more about the teams, we are encouraging teams to submit a 2 minute video one week prior to the qualifiers they plan to attend. Although this is not required (highly encouraged) for teams at the qualifiers, it will be required for any team who advances to the FTC-Iowa Championship. Benefits: Judges will learn more about the teams prior to the event; Teams will have the opportunity to put anything they want to in the video; Reduces the "gosh, I wish we would have said/done this..."; Allows teams to show their creativity, their outreach, etc. Yes, we understand teams are usually stressed and worried about the function of the robot in the days/weeks before the competition, but the video will be a tremendous help at the competitions.
The process is still being finalized, but more than likely teams will be asked to upload videos to YouTube. Teams will have the opportunity to make the video private or public.
Thank you all and have a fantastic summer!
Until Kick-Off,
The FTC-Iowa team
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