our team is back to the nano technology this year- foregoing several
concrete options- isn't nano tech so much more interesting at this
age?- pains me- but what they want to do- only one kid kind totally
understood the tech last year- they all agreed to do last year- and
all participated- we even as a brand new first team did all four
components- if you are going to do it - do it all- the kids will feel
better. My kids didn't have the best innovative solution last year-
but they thought they did- they learned a lot and had fun- do the
research- it doesn't have to be as big a deal as one might make it-
mine worked hard last year but they chose a tough topic (and
apparently plan to again)- and the judges are excessively kind and
make the kids feel good- they might not "win" but they experience a
presentation- they worked hard and they own it. I also noticed mine
last year got their presentation done in the last 3-4 weeks- the kids
will not leave feeling badly- judges give great positive feedback and
also make suggestions (which are helpful)- I honestly never thought to
"not do the whole thing." It denies the kids the experience and says
you're not ready to "present." Our project last year although they
put a ton of time into it and was somewhat mediocre per the rubric-
they were proud of it and learned a lot. they still feel really good
about it- and I shared the judges feedback with them. Why would some
teams do half of the program- many of us are new! We are second year-
love my kids- but they are once again off on a tough subject- may not
be their strength- maybe they will surprise me- they will learn no
matter what- Laura second year coach
On Oct 5, 2010, at 9:37 PM, Stuart & Lori Roll wrote:
> Another thing to keep in mind is that the research project judging
> is done privately with only the kids, the coach and the two judges
> in the room. It is about as un-intimidating and un-embarrassing as
> it can be made. Even if their project is incredibly bad (as my
> first team's was - ten 4th graders that just didn't get
> nanotechnology) no one else will know and the kids will have grown
> through the experience.
>
> The alternative is to say it's okay to just "give up" which isn't
> ever a good model to teach the kids.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Stuart
>
> From: Donna L. Cornwell
> Sent: Tuesday, October 05, 2010 9:13 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [VADCFLL-L] rookie coach and team looking for some help
>
> The first time I coached, I asked one of my team parents to come in
> and work with kids on the research project. Two or three kids took
> the lead on the project and did the research and wrote a rap song
> and a presentation. They taught the other kids about the subject
> and gave them roles in the presentation. I had the build/design
> group teach the research project kids about what they were doing and
> the research project kids spent some time solving a couple of
> missions, but were not involved in building the base robot. We only
> had one mindstorms kit and with a large (9 or 10 kid) team, the
> research project made it so that I could keep everyone busy during
> the meetings.
>
> I urge you to do the research project; I expect you will find at
> least one team member who really gets excited about it and takes a
> lead role.
>
> Donna Cornwell
> Coach, The FEPs
>
> On 10/5/2010 7:34 PM, Jasmine Geddis wrote:
>>
>> I would encourage your team to still attempt to do a research
>> project. It is part of the whole experience. Our first year as a
>> rookie team we were not ready at all and probably had a weak
>> research project but the team still presented it with enthusiasm.
>> They still remember how unprepared they were but each year they
>> improve and comment how it was a learning experience.
>>
>> Jasmine Geddis
>> Team #2423 Wii Bots
>> On Oct 5, 2010, at 7:09 PM, Adam Coonin wrote:
>>
>>> A quick question, and sorry if it is obvious to everyone. Can our
>>> rookie team enter a tournament and not present a project? the
>>> team is very new and is much more focused on the robot game
>>> without much time for the project in the rookie year. We know we
>>> would not be eligible to win the tournament.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> Adam
>>>
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