July 2010 - Posts

• Volunteer...

  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   Posted Jul 13 2010, 04:19 PM by Simon with no comments

• University Investment in Future Students

  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) Posted Jul 08 2010, 05:09 PM by Simon with no comments

• Start a Team...

  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 Posted Jul 08 2010, 02:08 PM by Simon with no comments

• Sponsor the Programme...

  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.   Posted Jul 08 2010, 11:29 AM by Simon with no comments

• Schools...

  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 Posted Jul 08 2010, 11:06 AM by Simon with no comments

• Become a coach...

  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 Posted Jul 08 2010, 10:57 AM by Simon with no comments