FIRST LEGO League UK

Body Forward UK and Ireland - Roll of Honour

Simon — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:18:00 GMT

Body Forward National Champions - SGC Robotics, St Gerald's College, Ireland

Robot Challenge Winners - SGC Robotics, St Gerald's College, Ireland
Robot Challenge Runners Up - iRobot, Amberfield School, Suffolk

Robot Design Winners - AI, Bury Grammar School Boys, Lancashire
Robot Design Runners Up - Dr Bots, Wirral Grammar School Boys, Cheshire

Research Project Winners - Brickbrains, King's School, Worcester
Research Project Runners Up - TechHEds, North Wiltshire Home Educators, Swindon

Teamwork Winners - LINKS, The Norton Knatchbull School, Kent
Teamwork Runners Up - Quigley's Angels, Thomas Alleynes High School, Uttoxeter

Ford Award for Team Spirit - Wantage Primary School, Oxfordshire

Loughborough University Award for Innovation - Bawdsey Bionic Bots, Bawdsey Primary School, Suffolk

Judges Award - Team Chauncy, The Chauncy School, Hertfordshire
Judges Award - DRAT, St Michael with St John Primary School, Blackburn

Body Forward Mission Video

Simon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:44:00 GMT

Click here to view the the Body Forward missions

Body Forward Robot Game Q&A

Simon — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:48:00 GMT

The 2010 Body Forward ROBOT GAME question and answer page is now available here - http://www.firstlegoleague.org/media/twocol.aspx?id=268

Please note that the order of precedence for information is as follows:
1. Current robot game Q&A at the link above
2. Missions and Field Set Up pages
3. Rules page

The 2010 Body Forward PROJECT question and answer page is now available here - http://www.firstlegoleague.org/media/twocol.aspx?id=314

Sample Week by Week Project Plan

Simon — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:39:00 GMT

WEEK ONE

Start wth team building exercises, choose a team name, review all the team member roles and responsibilities, brainstorm team goals and create a season calendar. Have members review all challenge documents for the Robot Game and the Project.
Robot Game - Begin constructing the mission models from the instructions contained on the CD in the Field Setup Kit. Have members try to program the robot to go a certain distance, turn and maybe climb a book.
Project - Have members share what they know about the challenge theme, associated problems and existing solutions or technologies. Brainstorm sources for research, project ideas, field trips and professionals to contact.

WEEK TWO

Check the robot game question and answer (link available from 3rd September 2010). Agree on reasonable goals for the season (for example, 'just have fun', 'get our project in the local paper', 'do half the missions perfectly every time').
Robot Game - Finish building the mission models. Set up the practice field. Review the missions and rules, and brainstorm possible mission strategies and associated robot designs. Experiment with chassis designs and simple programming tasks.
Project - Share research to date, select a problem to focus on, and begin researching the problem and existing solutions. Keep in mind that research can be done at the library or on the internet, and should include interviews with experts in person, or by phone or email. Collect data related to the identified problem. Finalise plans for a field trip.

WEEK THREE

Check the robot game question and answer (link available from 3rd September 2010).
Robot Game - Design and program the robot to perform the two missions that the team considers the easiest. Consider robot designs and strategies for expansion to other missions. Save copies and back-up programs.
Project - Share team member research on the selected problem, existing solutions to that problem, and results from contacting the experts. Refine the team's identified problem and brainstorm innovative solutions. Continue researching existing solutions and talking to experts.

WEEK FOUR

Check the robot game question and answer (link available from 3rd September 2010).
Robot Game - Design and program the robot to achieve at least half the team's Robot Game goals. Save copies and backup programs.
Project - Select a unique solution, and brainstorm how members will share their findings with others in the community

WEEK FIVE

Check the robot game question and answer (link available from 3rd September 2010). Reassess team goals. Have members consider if the team's goals need to be adjusted based on their progress to date.
Robot Game - The team should ensure that all intended scoring and strategies are legal and worth points. Remember to update copies of the missions and rules documents as they are updated in the game rulings. Try to meet 75% of the team's robot related goals.
Project - Finish preparing materials and plans for sharing the team's findings with the community. Have members do the necessary research to fill in any gaps and work on the visual aids needed for sharing their findings.

WEEK SIX

Check the robot game question and answer (link available from 3rd September 2010).
Robot Game - Try to meet 75% of the team's robot-related goals with increasing reliability.
Project - Implement sharing plans or strategy. Brainstorm how to creatively present the team's project in a live presentation for the judges. Begin creating presentation materials for the project presentation.

WEEK SEVEN

Check the robot game question and answer (link available from 3rd September 2010). By this time the team probably knows what it wants to achieve and what it's capable of achieving. Make final goals that are meaningful and realistic.
Robot Game - Try to meet all robot-related goals, most of the time. Have members test the robot in different lighting conditions, understand the effects of a battery change and practice changing robot operators. Save copies and back-up programs.
Project - Put the finishing touches on the presentation and visual aids. Have members assess whether they include all three steps of their project adequately in their presentation. Rehearse! Use a stopwatch to make sure the team is staying under the five minute limit. Have members practice setting up and cleaning up without adult assistance, as well as responding to questions.

WEEK EIGHT

Check the robot game question and answer (link available from 3rd September 2010).
Robot Game - Fine tune the robot's design and programming. Make sure that all robot related goals can be consistently met. Practise changing robot operators.
Project - Fine tune the Project presentation to make sure that the team can consistently set up their own, finish in five minutes, present smoothly, and respond confidently to questions.

Volunteer...

Simon — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:19:00 GMT

FLL is a journey of self-discovery for both team members and volunteers. Everyone learns skills they can use for life, including respect, professionalism, teamwork, leadership, creativity, and spirit.

FLL Volunteers:

Help kids discover the fun in science and technology
Help capture the minds of young people
Have a positive impact on the lives of the children
Are inspired and energised through their participation

What you can do to help...

Mentor or coach a team
Volunteer at an FLL Event
Judge
Co-ordinate a Team
Help with Fundraising
Recruit New Teams

University Investment in Future Students

Simon — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:09:00 GMT

FIRST LEGO League is proud to partner with some of the world's most respected institutions of higher education. Universities are a valuable source of coaches, mentors, and volunteers. University student, faculty, and administration can participate by volunteering their technical expertise as coaches and mentors, and also making facility space and equipment available to teams.

Universities can get involved by:

Hosting an FLL tournament for the community
Recruiting volunteers
Contacting local primary and secondary schools
Spreading the message around the university
Recruiting, marketing and engineering students to help mentor/coach teams

For more information please email Simon Davenport (sdavenport@firsthandtechnology.org.uk)

Start a Team...

Simon — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:08:00 GMT

FIRST LEGO League puts the children in charge. Teams mix curiosity and imagination with LEGO bricks, sensors, motors and gears to invent unique, autonomous robots capable of completing various missions.

FLL Teams:

Investigate, strategise, design, build, program, and test their robotic inventions
Search the web, talk to scientists, visit the library, and develop compelling research presentations which relate to a problem or opportunity facing the world today
Develop employment and life skills including critical thinking, time management, collaboration, and communication while becoming more self confident
Compete with peers in high energy, sports-like tournaments

Getting Started

Team registration is available here from late April until early October, subject to tournament availability
The annual challenge is revealed in early September
Regional tournaments take place through November and December
The UK and Ireland National Final event takes place in January

Who can form a team?

A school classroom, after-school programme, extracurricular group, home school, neighbourhood group, club or community organisation
Up to ten children, ages 9 to 16, and at least one adult coach

What does it cost?

New teams will require a LEGO MINDSTORMS kit (apoproximately £250) and FLL registration (£150)
Returning teams will just need to complete FLL registration (£150)

For more information please send an email to info@firsthandtechnology.org.uk

Sponsor the Programme...

Simon — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:29:00 GMT

First Hand Technology is currently looking for businesses to support the programme throughout the UK and Ireland to enable us to extend the opportunity to a wider audience and integrate two further projects for continuous education from age 6 to 18. Providing sponsorship:

Provides significant positive PR and a link to one of the best known brands in the world
Strengthens company reputation
Builds a technologically literate workforce
Increases employee volunteerism
Provides renewed inspiration to company employees

We have a range of packages available to suit the needs of any company wishing to become involved. If you would like further information and to arrange a meeting please contact Simon Davenport either by email sdavenport@firsthandtechnology.org.uk or by phone on 07970 002426.

Schools...

Simon — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:06:00 GMT

By starting an FLL team a school can literally change the lives of its students. FLL creates student interest in science, technology, engineering and maths by encouraging teamwork, initiative, self-confidence and appreciation of diversity. The program effectively engages children from various backgrounds, instilling new ideas and concepts in more experienced children, while helping to inspire, motivate, and encourage basic learning principles and skills amongst children with less experience. Through their involvement children learn key employability skills such as time management, reasearch, collaboration and presentation skills.

Your school can:

Form FLL teams
Bring FLL into the curriculum
Spread the word about FLL
Provide a space for teams to work
Be a tournament site
Help mentor/coach a team

The benefits of FLL:

Enthusiasm for learning science and technology
Translation of classroom learning into real-world application
Self directed learning opportunities for students
Outreach to under-represented students
Positive community relations

Become a coach...

Simon — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:57:00 GMT

Meaningful involvement of adults is an essential component for developing young people's potential. FLL creates powerful relationships between the children and the adults who participate. Coached by adults, FLL participants have the opportunity to explore scientific principles and practises whilst working with a positive role model. Non-technical mentors can offer valuable research, presentation, project management guidance and administrative team support. This role is an extremely rewarding opportunity for the coach as they:

Provide valuable team interaction that develops both technical and interpersonal skills in team members
Empower children with a sense of accomplishment
Are respected and admired by team members
Are inspired and energised through their participation

Coaches can be:

Professionals (technical or non-technical)
Teachers
Professors
Parents
College and University students

Body Forward - Generating Initial Ideas

Simon — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:23:00 GMT

With the Body Forward season fast approaching this page will be updated with relevant links to start the thought process and help you generate ideas for project content.

Prosthetic foot mimics real muscle action - BBC News, May 2010

A better life for Bionics - National Geographic, January 2010

Robot Arm Controlled by the Mind - BBC News, May 2010

Struggle Ahead for Haiti's Amputees - BBC News, January 2010

Scientists Unveil First Bionic Fingers - BBC News, December 2009

New Life with a Prosthetic Limb - BBC News, January 2010

Researchers receive $1.4million grant for prosthetic hand - Channel 6, USA, June 2010

10 Prosthetic Limbs gearing to simplify things for the amputee - The Design Blog, June 2010

Frequently asked questions about Biomedical Engineering - Biomedical Engineering Society

Transporters Taiwan FLL Visit 2010

Simon — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:20:00 GMT

The Transporters from Blakewater College in Blackburn recently attended the FLL Open International Championship in Taiwan. Read all about their experience of the tournament and the trip in their guest blogs.

Transporters Blog Day 1

Transporters Blog Day 2

Transporters Blog Day 3

Transporters Blog Day 4

Transporters Blog Day 5

Transporters Blog Day 6

Transporters Blog Day 7

TSM Roboteam at the World Festival

Simon — Fri, 21 May 2010 08:43:00 GMT

In January, TSM Roboteam qualified for a place at the FLL World Festival by becoming National Champions at Loughborough University. At the prestigious world event, the team competed with 83 teams from more than 30 countries.

A major part of the challenge involves running their autonomous robot (pre programmed by themselves) through a series of complex tabletop missions. This takes place over three rounds. In two of these rounds, the team scored a perfect 400 points! Only three other teams gained full scores for all three rounds, so this is quite an achievement. The judges also felt that the research work that the team carried out was of great value towards improving road safety – based on the transport theme for this year’s contest. As if this wasn’t enough, the team were very pleased to gain 2nd place Inspiration Award.

“The team were highly regarded by all the judges and were brilliant ambassadors for the UK, they can be very proud of themselves”.

Click Here to read their full report from their exciting trip!

The trip back home was almost thwarted by the antics of a certain volcano. Some of the team returning via Amsterdam had to take a coach and ferry to get the rest of the way back to the UK. The remainder were lucky to get their scheduled flight home as Heathrow just opened again a few hours before the flight was due. The team had an amazing time in Atlanta taking part in all the events and activities and meeting teams from many countries. TSM Roboteam would like to thank parents, friends and sponsors for all their help and support.

You can watch the exciting two 400 point robot rounds by searching on YouTube for ‘TSM Roboteam’ or use this link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tMXkmO7Xe4

Thanks from FIRST

Simon — Mon, 10 May 2010 13:20:00 GMT

To Our Respected FLL Coaches Around The World,

The recent close of the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) World Festival officially ended another season. Because of you and your commitment, over 15,000 teams, 150,000 children from over 50 countries participated in 300+ qualifying events and almost 100 Championships around the world. And, let’s not forget the Open Championship events held in Istanbul, Turkey, and Kaohsiung, Taiwan as well as the hundreds of local events hosted by our amazing FLL teams. Talk about inspiring our future innovation leaders! You have to admit, the activity from this past season is pretty significant. Even more so given that it was all volunteer driven – by you. Talk about commitment!

However you got involved with FLL, I believe it is fair to state that you had absolutely no idea what you were getting into. You veteran coaches know what I am referring to. For you rookie coaches, oh, you thought you knew what you were in for. But now that you have been through a season, I bet you would agree that you really had no idea! Thank you all, veteran and now former rookie coaches, for taking this journey with us and all the children around the world. We know FLL takes a lot of out you - personally, professionally and resource wise - many times dipping into your own pockets to make ends meet. With every journey, there are moments along the way when you need to stop, rest and refresh yourself. The FLL headquarters team and I hope you take the time to do so. The kids and FLL really need you. Hopefully one thing that keeps you going is the knowledge that you are – without question - making a difference. Without you, these children may never have had the experience to learn the power they hold through the world of science and technology to make a real difference in their lives and the world.

You are remarkable in what you do. We learn from and appreciate you every day. Your energy and enthusiasm is what fuels us here at FLL headquarters. We see first hand the difference you are making through your selfless commitment. Because of you, there are children on teams whose lives have changed forever. These same children for the first time achieve goals they never imagined or thought possible. Because of you, these kids come to believe in their own power to change the world…and they do change it. It is not uncommon to hear about an FLL team filing for a patent for some great new innovation! Yes, we see countless examples of your work every day. On behalf of all of us at the FLL headquarters, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you do.

After a remarkably successful decade with many veteran coaches and team members staying with the FLL program, there is a lot of great wisdom that deserves to be shared. We are making a concerted effort this year to capture all of the great experiences and lessons you and your fellow coaches have learned and are willing to share. Please check out www.usfirst.org/fll for some exciting new rookie team resources, specifically for teams by teams.

You should also check out the results of the formal survey about FLL conducted by Brandeis University at www.usfirst.org/aboutus/content.aspx?id=46 -- it will make you even more proud of what you have accomplished.

With Great Respect,

Anna Maenhout
Director, FIRST LEGO League & Jr. FIRST LEGO League

UK Teams win awards at World Festival

Simon — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 10:57:00 GMT

Congratulations to TSM Roboteam and Grey Matter for each receiving an award at the 2010 World Festival in Atlanta!

TSM Roboteam collected second place in the Inspiration Award category, and also achieved two amazing perfect 400 scores in the Smart Move robot game. Grey Matter, our core values nomination, came third in the Teamwork Award category and interest was very high in their giant arm robot! This was the first year Ireland had a team at the World Festival and a special mention must be made about their positive attitude throughout and the challenges they overcame to participate to such a high standard.

All our teams were exceptional in presenting their work on the world stage, and demonstrated exceptional FLL Core Values throughout the entire event. We are all very proud of you!

The Body Forward World Festival moves to St Louis, USA from 27-30 April 2011 - register your team now to compete for the opportunity to represent the UK and Ireland on the global stage!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Simon — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 21:39:00 GMT

FIRST LEGO League presents a unique opportunity for corporate responsibility by joining a global initiative that invests in the workforce of tomorrow. We currently have a range of opportunities for companies to become part of the growing FLL community in the UK and Ireland.

The aim of First Hand Technology is to encourage more young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor based programmes that build science, engineering and technology skills that inspire innovation, and that foster well rounded life capabilities including self confidence, communication and leadership.

See the action and benefits of FLL at the Ireland tournament

How will FLL benefit your company?
LEGO is all about ‘building the learners of tomorrow’ and your involvement can only generate excellent PR. In particular FLL provides your company with:

·         A high visibility presence to make a direct and positive impression on a key youth age group.

·         Development of key life skills in children that are directly related to your workplace environment – investment in the future.

·         National and local press releases providing your company with positive publicity.

·         An association with one of the best and most well known toy brands in the world.

·         An opportunity for your staff to become involved with community outreach programmes.

·         A direct impact on improving education opportunities in the UK and Ireland.

·         Association with the solution teams provide to real world issues. For example during the 2009 Smart Move season a Member of Parliament tabled an early day motion based on one teams research into safety walking to school.

For further information and to discuss the possibilities please contact Simon Davenport on 01235 854743 or email sdavenport@firsthandtechnology.org.uk

Become an FLL Tournament Partner

Simon — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:30:00 GMT

Are you interested in hosting a high profile event at your location? We are currently looking to develop the network of tournament partners to host regional finals and encourage local schools to participate in the FLL challenge. There are many benefits to you by incorporating FLL within your outreach programme, including:

·         A programme that can underpin a significant amount of outreach work for you through a sustainable structure.

·         Engagement with your local community, including schools, youth groups and businesses.

·         Development of key life skills in children who are the target audience for your courses and career opportunities – investment in the future.

·         A high profile event in your local area and a link with LEGO^®, one of the best known brands in the world.

·         Community engagement through a mentor scheme for local schools – an excellent opportunity for CV enhancement.

·         Association with the real life solutions teams provide as part of their research project. For example during the 2009 Smart Move season a Member of Parliament tabled an early day motion based on one teams research into safety walking to school.

For further information please contact Simon Davenport on 01235 854743 or email sdavenport@firsthandtechnology.org.uk

ARCHIVE: 2009 Smart Move Challenge

Paulfo — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:30:00 GMT

2009 FLL Challenge - Award Winners

SMART MOVE - Transforming Transportation

Congratulations to all those who participated in the FLL UK and Ireland Smart Move National Finals, held at Loughborough University on 23rd January! The quality and innovation of all teams impressed the judges and referees, as did the excellent spirit demonstrated on the day. Special thanks must go to Loughborough University and all the volunteers, whose exceptional support makes the day such an overwhelming success.

The National Final Award Winners - Loughborough University, 23rd January 2010

National Champion's Award Winners - TSM Roboteam (Trimley St Martin Primary School, Suffolk)

Robot Performance Award Winners - Widcombe Wrobotiers (Widcombe Junior School, Somerset)
Robot Performance Award Runners Up - TSM Roboteam (Trimley St Martin Primary School, Suffolk)

Robot Design Award Winners - TechHEds (North Wilts Home Educators, Wiltshire)
Robot Design Award Runners Up - Concord Unoriginal (Concord College, Shropshire)

Research Project Award Winners - Eco-reatton (Boreatton Scouts Group, Shropshire)
Research Project Runners Up - Little Einsteins (Ballyclare High School, County Antrim)

Teamwork Award Winners - Transportation Targeteers (St Margaret's Preparatory School, Wiltshire)
Teamwork Award Runners Up - Cleadon Controllers (Cleadon Village Primary School, Sunderland)

Ford Award for Team Spirit - The Red Dragons (Newbold Verdon Primary School, Leicestershire)

Loughborough University Award for Innovation - Transporters (Blakewater College, Blackburn)

Judges Award (for personal development of team members) - Team F.A.I.L. (Commonweal School, Wiltshire)

Judges Award (for excellent technical communication) - LEGO Models (Wooldale Junior School, Huddersfield)

The 2009 Regional Champion's Award Winners

Congratulations to all our award winners during the Smart Move Season. The following teams are our Champion's Award Winners and qualify for the National Final at Loughborough University on Saturday 23rd January 2010.

Belfast (24/11/09) - Ballyclare High School

Kent (24/11/09) - Knockholt (St Katherine's C of E Primary School)

South West Day One (25/11/09) - Widcombe Wrobotiers (Widcombe Junior School)
South West Day One (25/11/09) - Techheads (North Wilts Home Educators)

South West Day Two (26/11/09) - Team F.A.I.L. (Commonweal School)
South West Day Two (26/11/09) - Sodbury Dynamics (Chipping Sodbury School)

Cambridge (28/11/09) - TSM Roboteam (Trimley St Martin Primary School)

Staffordshire (01/12/09) - Concord College

Bedford (02/12/09) - Team Chauncy (The Chauncy School)
Bedford (02/12/09) - Walton High

Shaftesbury (03/12/09) - Transportation Transformiers (St. Margarets Prep School)

London (05/12/09) - Grey Matter

Teesside (05/12/09) - John Emmerson Batty Primary School

Far South West (07/12/09) - West Exe Technical College

Essex (08/12/09) - THS (Thorpe Hall School)

Edinburgh (08/12/09) - Duddy Cybernetic (Duddingston Primary School)

South Tyneside (09/12/09) - Cleadon Controllers

Sheffield (09/12/09) - Lego Models (Wooldale Junior School)

Merseyside (10/12/09) - Kilo 2 (King's School Macclesfield)

Blackburn (10/12/09) - Blakewater College

Hampshire (10/12/09) - Firecrackers (Reeds School, Surrey)

Manchester (11/12/09) - Eco-reatton (Boreatton Scouts Group)

Middleton and Rochdale (11/12/09) - Middleton Technology School

Peterborough (12/12/09) - Newborough Primary School

Leicestershire (15/12/09) - Newbold Verdon Primary School

Archive: 2008 Climate Connections

Paulfo — Sat, 23 May 2009 19:33:07 GMT

Climate Connections Final a great success!

The UK & Ireland Final of the Climate Connections Challenge was held at Loughborough University on 24 January. There was a tremendous spirit throughout the day as teams enthusiastically competed for the coveted awards. For the first time, we were delighted to welcome teams from Scotland and N. Ireland.

The extra space offered by the Final’s new venue was welcomed by the 24 teams and spectators and it also allowed the teams to display their research materials in a much larger team pit area.

This year’s Robot Performance game had proved demanding for most teams throughout the Climate Connections season but at the Final one team – Technobotts 3 - dominated throughout the rounds all the way through to the final match, achieving a perfect 400 score along the way.

The Research Project required teams to investigate how climate affects their own community and the judges were very impressed with both the quality of the research and the creativity of the team presentations. The award winners were Tech HEds.

Teamwork is the foundation upon which success is achieved and is valued highly within FLL. The judges interviewed all the teams and decided that S.R.T. Smart Robotic Technologies were worthy winners of this award. In a closely related category, the Ford award for Team Spirit on-the-day went to Cleadon Climate Connectors.

Teams were also evaluated on the technical aspects of their robot, with judges asking questions about the robot design and the programming used to accomplish the game missions. The winners of this award were KES1.

With all the judging completed, teams were presented with their FLL medals and the scores from each team’s performance in all 4 categories were used to decide the overall FLL Champion Award winner – congratulations to Technobotts 3. The runner-up was St Gerald’s College and third place went to Widcombe Wrobotiers. These three teams will now go forward to represent the UK & Ireland at the World Festival in Atlanta and the Open European Championship in Copenhagen. We wish the teams the very best of luck- have a great time!

See the full list of Award Winners.

TSM Roboteam 2K7 - Power Puzzle World Festival, Atlanta

Paulfo — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:30:00 GMT

Young Engineers return from Atlanta World Festival

A team of young engineers from Trimley St Martin Primary School in Suffolk, have just returned from the trip of a lifetime after competing in the FLL Robotics World Festival held in Atlanta, USA.

TSM Roboteam UK had previously won the top award at the UK and Ireland National Finals held in Birmingham from an initial 400 teams nationwide. This qualified them as the only UK team to take part in the World Festival in Atlanta.

After winning the UK Finals there was much to do. Fundraising was a major issue, how were we to raise the estimated £12000 needed? Parents stepped in to help with events and raffles, and local people, businesses and larger organisations helped greatly with donations – not to mention the help of Young Engineers!

There was also the problem of cutting down our research presentation material to reduce weight and bulk. It was fine for travelling to Birmingham in a minibus, a journey of approximately 170 miles. Now we were faced with a 4000 mile flight in a 777 with baggage weight and size limits, and baggage handlers at each end! In the end a ‘trimmed’ version of the material was packed in various people’s suitcases and all was well. We just had to hope they would survive the journey without loss or damage.

Oh yes, mustn’t forget, there’s also the robot. The basic robot is built around a Lego Mindstorms NXT intelligent brick. It’s quite small and sits within the area of an A4 sheet of paper. We were lucky to be able to use a large food container (kindly donated by a local hardware store) to protect it, along with extra foam packing. Then we had a fright. We were told that the robot would have to go into the aircraft hold. We had visions of it self-converting back to some sort of a kit, and bits of lego strewn across a baggage carousel. Fortunately, that information proved to be incorrect and we were able to keep it in its container in hand baggage – phew! By the way, the robot has lots of attachments which were stored in a similar container, also kept in hand baggage.

After much preparation, we set off early on Monday 14th April, the team somewhat daunted at the prospect, but also very excited and determined to do their best. Whilst on the flight, one of the team noticed a familiar face in a seat nearby. It was singer Kate Nash, travelling economy to a gig in Atlanta! She was very friendly and interested in our team. Now they all have autographs and photos of this encounter. After a long but pleasant nine hour flight, we arrived in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

We spent absolutely ages passing through security. Passport check was fine…but baggage check and reclaim was a nightmare, especially considering we were now around 23:00 UK time. We had to go through the same process as at Gatwick (not so bad), but after reclaiming our baggage normally, it all had to be sent off for yet another security check only to be reclaimed AGAIN at another part of the airport. And this took an eternity! Also standing next to us was Kate Nash’s crew, hoping that they’d see their guitars once again. Fortunately they did, and we finally collected our bags all in good shape.

Now back to more pleasant things.

Prior to our visit, we had been in touch with a primary school a short way outside the city, so on the Tuesday we went to visit them. Here, the team were delighted to be able to talk about our home area and to present and demonstrate their work to a large number of enthusiastic students of a similar age. The effect was such that the school is seriously considering entering the FLL Challenge themselves in the near future. So once again, Young Engineers spread the word. It was also the birthday of one of our team. The school had found out about this and made a special cake which was much appreciated and enjoyed by all.

Wednesday 16^th April

On Wednesday morning we took the opportunity to visit the World of Coca Cola. Here, they show you a small bottling plant in operation. This was an interesting display of engineering in it’s own right. The highlight was to be able to try samples of up to 70 different flavours of Coke from around the world. Some of them were absolutely revolting! But it’s a shame that some of the other more pleasant examples aren’t available in the UK.

In the afternoon the team went to register for the event. It was our first close look at the Georgia Dome and the World Congress Center (sorry, have to spell it that way). Not surprisingly, we met several other teams converging on the area. We were given our official team badges and were all set to go!

Late afternoon we headed for the nearby CNN Center (sorry, that word again) where they have a huge food hall. This rapidly became a favourite eating establishment for the visit. But soon our thoughts drifted to what was in store the next day.

Thursday 17^th April

The contest started today. We arrived early to set up a display in our pit area (team table). We had hundreds of team badges, pencils and other items to give away, and it wasn’t long before we had visits from other teams wanting to exchange similar items. It didn’t stop there either. For example, there was a team from Hawaii giving out chocolates and you could try your hand at painting traditional face masks with the team from China.

Later it was our turn for the first part of the competition. This comprised the three judging sessions relating to three of the main competition areas. In a one-hour period, the team was judged on their energy research project, robot design, and teamwork. This was an intense and demanding time, but the team performed admirably. Judges also paid impromptu visits to our pit area through the day to speak to the group informally.

Everyone also had the chance to visit other teams at their tables and see the various Mindstorms and FLL sponsor display stands.

That evening, all the teams headed for a special celebration at Centennial Park, a short walk from the Dome. It was a fun event where free ice creams were served and several teams put on special song or dance performances. The weather was great. It was a perfect end to the first competition day.

Friday 18^th April

The next day saw the official opening ceremony for the robotics competitions. This took place in the huge 70,000 seat Georgia Dome, the arena used in the Atlanta Olympics. It was addressed by non other than George Bush senior who is a strong supporter of FIRST and its objectives and values.

Shortly after the ceremony, the team started competing in their robot performance rounds, also held in the Georgia Dome. Here, the sophisticated lego robot, designed and programmed by themselves, had to undertake a series of complex tabletop missions, completing as many as possible within 2.5 minutes. The mission tables seemed tiny in such a huge structure, whereas our table tends to dominate the school ICT Room. There were slight technical hitches in the first two rounds, which were a bit worrying and mainly outside of our control. However, all three rounds were high scoring and our team was thrilled that in the final round they achieved a maximum possible score of 400 points! This was the first time we had achieved this in any competition so far. As a result, we knew that we should be amongst the highest scoring teams.

Late afternoon saw the Awards Ceremony. Everyone in the team was given a special participation medal, but sadly, no prizes for us, but it was great to see all the teams together again and cheering the various winners.

In all, 81 teams took part from 25 countries. The majority were from all over America, but others were from as far afield as Australia, Egypt and South Korea, to name but a few. This gave all the teams a fantastic opportunity to meet people from these countries – and all in one building! There was obviously a language barrier between many of the teams, but communication was universal with smiles, handshakes and the exchange of badges, pencils and other mementoes.

The event was extra special as it was also a celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the FLL Challenge (over the years our teams have competed in six of them), and the 50^th anniversary of the Lego brick.

“This was an occasion not to be missed. We know that we are not in the top three overall, but this is not the real point, it was worth all the effort just to be able to take part in such a prestigious event. The team have had a wonderful time simply being there and participating in a friendly multicultural atmosphere. All of us will remember this experience for many years to come”.

To quote our youngest team member, “The best experience for me was just being there in Atlanta! It was just so amazing to actually go there for someone so young as me at the age of nine! Atlanta is so different from the UK, going there for the World Championship for the FLL Lego Challenge is probably a once in a lifetime experience and it was just so brilliant!”

Since our return, our team has featured on local radio, and BBC and ITV regional news. If you would like to see a short video report featured on BBC Look East, please click on the link below:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7363896.stm

The cost of our trip was in the region of £12000. We are very grateful to everyone who helped to fundraise and who donated, but we still have a shortfall and have had to have deep pockets to cover this. If any individual or business is able to help us to recover some of this cost it would be greatly appreciated. It could also help to fund the initial costs for a new team attempting the next FLL challenge later in the year.

Our next team is waiting in the wings………

Derek Edwards

Young Engineers Club Leader

Coach/Mentor – TSM Roboteam UK

With contributions from team members

Seem more pictures from the trip in the gallery!

Team TSM Roboteam 2K7

Paulfo — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:35:00 GMT

I was lucky enough to attend the Cambridge FLL tournament this year and to meet the TSM Roboteam 2K7 who won the tournament!

The team from Trimley St. Martin Primary School have some great solutions in their robot design - the solar panel delivery arm has a superbly smooth motion! - but also impressed the tournament judges in all their presentations.

See you in Birmingham!

Archive: Bodo frontpage news

Paulfo — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 08:54:21 GMT

Widcombe Wrobotiers Win at Bodo!

Widcombe Wrobotiers have won the Innovative design award and the Presentation award at the First Lego League Open European Championship's in Bodo, Norway!

You can follow all the action on the Open European Championship blog on this site.

Thank you to everyone commenting on the OEC blog!

Robot finalists are:

from Sweden - First Edition.

from - China Compass

What next?

Paulfo — Tue, 22 May 2007 17:24:00 GMT

Yes, it doesn't stop here.

We have completed the 2006 challenge but already the 2007 challenge is beckoning - The Power Puzzle. This site will soon host a registration system allowing individual teams, or groups of teams to be easily registered for the 2007 challenge - and hopefully reduce the amount of administration involved!

After attending any of the First Lego League tournaments or after talking to the teams you can be left in no doubt that this challenge is of tremendous benefit to the education and life skills development of the children taking part.

We need to extend this opportunity to more children in the UK.

How can you help?

I have heard so many super stories from parents and children about the benefits of the challenge. Please tell your stories to your team's school and others, let them know the positive impact of participating and look for ways in which you can support the schools to ensure they can participate again in this years challenge.

If you know of other schools not yet taking part, speak to them, let them know about this site, Chris and I will be very happy to answer their questions.

If you know of youth groups or other such organisations let them know about the opportunity too. The First Lego League is open to all youth organisations and independent teams (like family entries). Two of the UK's successful teams in the 2006 challenge were independent/family teams: TechnoBotts and The Next Generation.

Of course, having teams is only part of the challenge. The teams need mentors and coaches and a regional tournament to participate in.

Talk to your employer or local University or Technology College about hosting a regional tournament. Birmingham University successfully fielded some of their Computer Science students as mentors for teams this year. Could your local University do the same or maybe you and your colleagues at work could help out?

Funding. The UK Government, local Councils and a variety of other charities and trusts provide a wealth of funding that can be applied for to support the setting up of teams with the Lego sets (one time cost) and challenge entrance fees. Obviously there will also be travel expense and other miscellaneous expenses too. Be assured that myself and a number of other experienced UK First Lego League volunteers are looking into this and with their help I hope to produce a guide to publish on this site for reference by teams.

Lets build on the success of 2006 and look to increase the number of participating teams in 2007, 2008 and beyond. All the children in the UK deserve to have this opportunity.

PS. Next years Open 'European' Championship is in Japan!

Wrobotiers make CBBC Newsround!

Paulfo — Tue, 22 May 2007 03:14:00 GMT

The Technobotts report seeing a news report on the Widcombe Wrobotiers on CBBC Newsround. I think (being a fan of Shaun the Sheep!) that Newsround will be repeated just before 17:25 today on CBBC so remember to look when you get home from school!

You can see the written report on the CBBC site here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_6670000/newsid_6678400/6678401.stm

Thank you sharp eyed Technobotts!

Widcombe Wrobotiers go wild!

Paulfo — Tue, 22 May 2007 02:41:00 GMT

After a tremendously exciting final and the happy surprise of winning TWO awards Widcombe Wrobotiers relaxed Sunday evening by going on a Moose Safari. The weather was rather wet but nothing was going to dampen the teams high spirits!

On the trip we learned about the tidal flow from a fjord into the sea which causes an amazing Maelstrom of whirl pools as the tide goes out. This was the 'white water' Up 'n' Atom experience earlier in the week in their boat ride. They reported that you could see a height difference between the water in the fjord and the sea level of over 1 metre. The fjord is very big and very deep - over 500m deep - it fills up with water as the tide comes in, but as the tide goes out the entrance to the fjord is so narrow that the water cannot escape quickly so it rushes through the gap but not as quickly as the sea level drops creating the difference in height and the spectacular rough water.

After walking over the bridge above the entrance to the fjord we continued in our search for moose and we were very quickly rewarded. As the evening progressed we saw more and more of these funny looking animals. The moose is the largest European land mammal. It has very thin legs, a large horse, camel like body with a horse, llama, camel type of head!?!?

Half way through the evening we stopped to allow the team to learn how to make a fire and roast marsh mellows. It had rained for most of the day so this was not going to be an easy task. Most of Norway is mountains and hills which meant the team had to find a site for their fire and fire wood in a hill side forest. Our Norwegian guides told the team the types of wood and bark that we needed to find and we set about the task with enthusiasm. We even found a reindeer antler!

Having found silver birch bark and a suitable selection of wood the team worked together and soon had a fire going - which was very welcome as it kept trying to rain.

Having each enjoyed a roasted marsh mellow, the fire was properly put out and we continued our search for more moose. On route we even caught a look at a sea eagle before it flew down behind a hill. The first sea eagle any of us had seen.

After seeing several more moose we returned to our hotel. It was really late by then, nearly 23:30, but because the sun doesn't set during the summer months in the Arctic Circle Norway has daylight for 24 hours a day - no dark nights until the winter when the sun barely rises enough to give much daylight. So despite being late it was still day light when we got to the hotel.

It was a fabulous trip out and we learned many things.

Thank you for inviting me Wrobotiers!