#field setup

With all parts of the Robot Game Field assembled, the focus for today's session was finishing the Field Setup. Before getting to work on today's focus area, the Robozoids got their first robot training from Leo.  Leo focused on the basics of the NXT programming software with a brief demonstration of program elements and functionality including the downloading of a sample program and execution of its operation. Excited by the demonstration, team members went on to work on completing the Robot Game Field Setup.  Tonight's activities were led by Session Captain RJ, who led the team in getting all required velcro connectors and their related parts affixed to their proper place on the Field.  This marks the completion of the Robot Game Field Setup.  Congratulations to the Robozoids for reaching this first critical milestone! Thanks to work performed outside of team sessions, Fritz presented team insights on conceptual graphics that can be used for team materials including T-shirts to be worn at the December Tournament.  The Coaches congratulated the team on their efforts and initiated outreach to contacts who have access or background with available vendors.

With the beginnings of Robot Game Field Assembly under way from Thursday, the Robozoids came prepared to assemble as many Field parts as possible.  Little did they know that they would complete the entire Field Assembly.  Excellent work team! While assembly was being completed, a guest visitor helped to organize remaining parts as team members had noted the time consuming nature and difficulty in finding pieces that were needed for the field.  Members also noted that organization of parts would ultimately help them when it comes time to move on to Robot Design.   After completing assembly, the team moved on to a full overview of Senior Solutions Challenge Robot Game Missions (pages 13-17) and points.  Based on reviewing the completed Robot Game Field and the Mission points, the team elected to research two challenges (bowling and cardiovascular exercise) as a home challenge.  Each team member was given a copy of the Robot Game Missions and a laminated Robot Game Field so they can brainstorm methods for achieving missions with dry erase markers.   With the progress made to date, the team hopes to move on to initial robot design next week.  Excitement is certainly building . . .

Today marked Day Two of Robot Game Field Setup Assembly.  The team made great progress towards getting all structures complete for the Robot Game Missions.  With the progress made to date, it is expected that one additional date will be needed to complete the remaining structures. In addition to the hard work of the team on structure assembly, team members were Challenged to start thinking about graphics design for team logos and T-shirts.  We are all looking forward to see what team members will come up with . . .

To set the tone for the season, Coaches introduced the team to the FLL Core Values.  Team members read each of the Core Values and discussed what each meant to them.  As part of the discussion, team members also talked about what the Core Values how these values could be exhibited.  Each team member was given a copy of the Core Values for their Team Member Folder. Next, Leo provided a brief training overview of the NXT to the team.  Leo demonstrated basic functions of the NXT and then utilized a pre-built robot to show the team example outcomes that could be expected when the NXT is built out into a robot.  Interest was high and the team was ready to get into design . . . but not yet. Before the team could move forward they needed a name.  To get their, the Coaches facilitated a brainstorm session that led to a number of candidate names.  Based on a voting system, the team ultimately resolved to be the . . . Robozoids. Newly named Robozoid members then moved on to initiating Robot Game Field Setup with the assembly of mission structures.  The team was able to complete four structures in preparation for ongoing assembly that will continue on Thursday.