John,

Looks like you have already received some great advice. I'd like to add some myself.

In my opinion, you'd be missing out on the entire FLL experience if you skip the project. Remember the FLL Core Value, "What we discover is more important than what we win."( http://www.firstlegoleague.org/mission/corevalues). Please understand that in FLL, the competition is less of a competition, but more of a celebration of what you have done throughout the season. If you make your meetings meaningful learning experiences, it does not matter how well you do at the tournament, they will have learned and grown together. You'd be surprised in how much you can get done by tournament time, even with a "barely functioning group of 7".

Recommendations for all FLL teams, not just yours:

1)      Do the project

2)      Go to the tournament even if you do not feel you are prepared (in any of the areas).

If you truly are "behind", consider this a building year. As it says in the FLL Coaches' handbook, "If it is your rookie year, enjoy it for what it is: a survey of the course. Your goal should be to simply take a lap around the block with FLL. With a fun experience and meeting realistic goals under your belt, you and the children will be brimming with ideas about what to do next year." (http://firstlegoleague.org/sites/default/files/Challenge/TeamResources/FoodFactor/CHB%202011%20Ch%202%20web%20res.pdf)

Best Regards,
Bill

From: First Lego League in Virginia and DC [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Britto
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 5:44 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: EXT :[VADCFLL-L] Skip the Project?

We are a rookie team just getting started with the 2011 tournament requirements.
In the interest of time, we may have to focus on the robot game and not work on the Project/presentation.  Is this something that is ok to do?
Our team of 7 is barely functioning together and our time may be better spent working on the game!

Thanks,
John Britto

________________________________
To UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your settings, please visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-l.html and select "Join or leave the list".
VADCFLL administrative announcements are sent via VADCFLL-ANNOUNCEMENTS-L. Visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-announcements-l.html to subscribe.

-- To UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your settings, please visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-l.html and select "Join or leave the list".

-- VADCFLL administrative announcements are sent via VADCFLL-ANNOUNCEMENTS-L. Visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-ANNOUNCEMENTS-l.html to subscribe.