I would just add one thing to keeping time.  I would recommend having the kids choose one of the teammates to be an appointed 'time keeper, who asks the judges how much time they have left for their challenge.  The first year we did it, one of our kids had a watch to time their challenge, but his watch said something different than what the judges had.  So at the end they kept working based on what the watch said, rather than stopping when the judges told them time was up.  If they practice asking 3-4 times during their challenge, they should be able to keep on track.

Amy



On Monday, October 26, 2015 12:36 PM, VA-DC Referee Advisor <[log in to unmask]> wrote:


Yes, it's okay to use a launch pad that's built completely of LEGO, fits completely in Base, and isn't being touched during a launch.

No, it's not okay for an adult to do any of the programming.  (See FLL  Core Values). But a coach can point the team at resources, discuss the concepts behind different techniques, and be a good mentor.

Don't worry too much about time.  Any timepiece is okay.

As noted, the core values judging is to observe your team.  All judging rubrics look at the team along a spectrum of development.  Some teams are beginners, and some teams are exemplars.  If you want useful feedback, your team should act like themselves, the same way that they worked during the season. Each team has its own personality, but we do want team embers to act with Gracious Professionalism.

Steve Scherr
Virginia-DC FLL Referee Advisor

On Monday, October 26, 2015, Cedric D'Costa <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Few clarifications needed regarding the rules for Robot game and Core value activity-
1. Robot game: Are the kids allowed to have "launch pad" made from Legos at the
base from where the robot would start the mission. This was built so that the Robot
starts in exactly the same position.
 
How do other teams deal with the "starting position" issue?
 
2. Robot game: The kids are finding it hard to understand the programming required for making the Robot go straight or make turns using Gyro or Propotional line.
Is it okay for a coach to provide them with Starigh line and turn MyBlocks to program their missions.
 
3. Core value activity: Are the kids allowed to carry a smartphone to clock the time
or do they need to bring a watch.
 
4: Core value activity: Is it okay for the kids to split into 2 groups to solve a problem and try different approaches, selecting what works in the end or do they need to always be working together. I have 4th and 6th graders and it's a challenge to get them to work together.
 
Thanks,
Cedric D'Costa
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