Here is some information to help you prepare for judging.
Judging Rubric
Judges use a rubric to score teams in the judging rooms. The rubric for all judging rooms can be downloaded at http://www.firstlegoleague.org/sites/default/files/Official_Event_Info/combined-rubrics-2015.pdf. At the end of the tournament, you should receive a copy of the rubric for your team. To prepare, have your team review the rubric.
Team Information Sheet
For each judging room, have a Team Information Sheet. You can find the template at http://www.firstlegoleague.org/sites/default/files/Official_Event_Info/TeamInfoSheet-fixed-12-2-11.pdf. The team information sheet helps the judge remember the team. Also, judges love it when teams introduce themselves.
Project Judging Room
For Project, you will have 5 minutes, including setup time, to present your solution. After you present, there will be a 5 minute Q&A.
Robot Design
This is an opportunity for the team to discuss and demonstrate their robot. Plan for a 10 minute judging session. There will be a mission table setup for the team to use. Teams should be prepared to run missions and discuss how they built and programmed their robot. I would highly recommend having some program print outs. Not all of your programs, just what you want to highlight. If your team chooses to prepare a technical notebook that shows the evolution of the strategy, robot and programming, that can be beneficial.
Core Values
For Core Values, teams will be given a challenge and less than 5 minutes to conduct the challenge. After the challenge, there will be a brief Q&A session. There is very high probability the team will be asked about Gracious Professionalism, Core Values and Coopertition™.
Judging Rooms
Judging sessions are closed sessions. The team plus 3 observers (two coaches/mentors and one historian are allowed to observe). You can just send in the team and no observers. To demonstrate core values, teams should be silent while waiting outside a judging room. Judging rooms are typically class rooms. You will need bring in all your presentation supplies. (Note, Robot Design will have a mission table setup. You do not need to provide mission components.)
Helpful Resources
www.eepurl.com/bpeH5j - StartingPoints Weekly Core Values Challenge Newsletter
www.ev3lessons.com – great team resources
www.techbrick.com - worksheets, printable mat and elements images
www.masteringlegorobot.com - Shared lessons and resources from an experienced coach and judge
www.fllstartingpoint.com – Shared lessons and resources from an experienced coach and judge.
www.va-dcfll.org/teams/team-resources - VA-DC FLL Resources Page
I hope you find this information useful. First Lego League is a community of volunteers and there are many people and resources for teams. If you have questions about judging, please contact me at [log in to unmask]. If the answer to your question is likely to benefit the group at large, I will respond via the list serve. I would also encourage you to volunteer at a tournament. Volunteering to judge is one the best ways to learn. Sign-up to volunteer at http://va-dcfll.org/volunteer/volunteer-form/.
Scott Rakestraw
Judge Advisor