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

Sent: Tuesday, October 05, 2010 9:13 PM
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:
[log in to unmask]" type="cite">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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