As a new FLL coach last year, I witnessed the students struggling with the robot game due to joining in September and really having about 2 weeks to work on programming, 2 weeks on research, 2 on building the table, and 2 wks attempting to build the robot with the proper technique and mechanics for the entire game.  

         My 4th & 5th graders met three days a week after-school, (had several join and then quit, several juggle sports, tutoring and some that had parents that would take away their privileges due to report cards) however we still managed to keep a small group eager to compete because we often met during Saturday school.

         I state all of this to say,  To be a new team and have to compete in November is fairly difficult, especially when your area holds over 30 teams in one competition. I would like to suggest that there are other meets afterwards as well so that the students don't feel disappointed about not ever competing again if they don't qualify.  Are there any suggestions? I'm willing to hold another expo at my campus in March or May. 

Shannell Baynard
Friendship Southeast Robotics Coach
Http://sesmartlab.info



On Oct 27, 2010, at 8:33 AM, "Karen Berger" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Actually, we're still discussing the final number of teams for the Championship Tournament so no number has been announced yet.  It will be between 84 and 100.
 
Each year we take a percentage of the teams in each division from each tournament.  Generally that is between 20% and 30%.  That means that if a tournament has a lot of teams in one of the divisions, more teams will qualify, than for a tournament with only a few teams in that division.  The final numbers will vary a little from tournament to tournament (we obviously can't take 0.5 of a team and at least one team in each division at each tournament will qualify).  Don't expect to find out how many teams will advance until the end of your tournament.  Most tournament directors will not release that info until that time.
 
Hope that helps,
Karen
 
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: [VADCFLL-L] How do you get to the State Competition?
From: Eric Palmer <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wed, October 27, 2010 8:26 am
To: <[log in to unmask]>

According to one of the state tournament referees there will be 84 teams at state.

 

On Wed, Oct 27, 2010 at 2:58 AM, Heather Kemmerly <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
I am a rookie coach, and my team asked me the other day, "What do
we have to get at the Regional competition, in order to go to the State
competition?"  I, of course, did not have an answer for them.  If someone
would be so kind as to let me know, I'd appreciate it.  I have expressed
to my team that anything we accomplish will be a success and that I am
very proud of our team no matter what.  We had a late start and everyone
is new.  I think they are doing fantastic, but I can't blame them for wanting
to know the answer to their question.  I'm glad they are thinking big.  No task
is unachievable.  I admire thier enthusiasm.

Thanks,

Heather
Team #4911 "Bionics"

-- 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-ADMIN-L. Visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-admin-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-ADMIN-L. Visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-admin-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-ADMIN-L. Visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-admin-l.html to subscribe.

“The mission of Friendship Public Charter School is to provide a world-class education that motivates students to achieve high academic standards, enjoy learning and develop as ethical, literate, well-rounded and self-sufficient citizens who contribute actively to their communities.”