|
On November 10, 2007, 13 teams met at ODU's Webb Center to compete in the Regional First Lego League Tournament. Many who participated wondered where everyone was, as the crowds seemed smaller from the previous year. Those who noticed, were exactly correct. The Hampton Roads Regional Tournament had about 26 teams in 2006 creating a need for an addition location. In 2007 Newport News ran a second regional tournament at Crittenden Middle School.
This year's tournament was the Power Puzzle, focusing on energy resources. Read on for a description of what types of questions the students were challenged with.
"Energy Resources - Meeting the Global Demand"
How do our personal energy choices to heat our homes, fuel our cars, charge our cell phones, power our computers, or even download music to our iPods impact the environment, economy, and life around the globe? Which resources should we use and why? Explore how energy production and consumption choices affect the planet and our quality of life today, tomorrow, and for future generations. Can FIRST LEGO League teams find the ultimate solution to this global Power Puzzle?
What is the First Lego League?
Not sure what the First Lego League is? Check out the First Lego League National site, or the Virginia/DC site. Wikipedia has done a nice job keeping track of the competition. Click here for wikipedia's definition of the First Lego League, or read on.
Inspiring curiosity and creating excitement among 9-14 year olds in science and technology is the goal of FIRST LEGO League™ (FLL). Developed by FIRST™ (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a non-profit organization, through a partnership with the LEGO Group, FLL presents an interactive program that captivates kids’ interest in science and technology as they master the dynamics of teamwork and problem solving. FLL is a nationally organized robotics competition for teams of kids led by adult coaches. Each team of 6-10 students designs, constructs and programs a LEGO® MINDSTORMS™ robot to perform tasks posed by FLL in an international challenge. Teams demonstrate their robot’s ability to perform the challenge in head-to-head competition at statewide tournaments.
The Challenge:
The Challenge is the annual game revealed to FLL teams each September during our online kick off. Teams must determine a strategy to accomplish various Challenge missions and accumulate points. In addition, the Challenge theme and related Research Project requires teams to investigate current issues facing our modern world. This combined process brings the reality of science and technology to children on a more intimate, hands-on level.
Tournaments - the Excitement of Sports, the Power of Science:
Teams compete at one-day local and state tournaments where they are recognized for excellence in research, design, teamwork, problem solving, creativity, and sportsmanship. FLL promotes numerous solutions in a competitive, yet friendly environment, as kids discover the rewards of science and technology. Teams are judged and awards are given in multiple categories, including Performance, Research and Presentation, Robust Design, Innovative Design, and Creativity awards.
First Lego League 2007 Awards
The FLL Ribbon
Coaches, mentors, and kids dedicate at least eight weeks, fifty hours or more, to embracing science and technology as accessible, fun, and rewarding. This dedicated experience makes a difference in communities, schools, families, and individuals. Team members learn and share, astounding those around them with new information, distinct ideas, and revelations as to how they can contribute to the world.
As FLL veterans, team members can intelligently and enthusiastically discuss concepts that many other people find difficult and intimidating. They also know how to share and develop ideas as part of a small, hardworking, closely knit team. The process that got them to this point defines each one of them as an FLL champion and winner, and this ribbon recognizes and celebrates this achievement.
Project Presentation Award
The purpose of the FLL project presentation is to show that individuals can make a difference by researching a problem, then contributing ideas and solutions to real-world issues. The Project Awards are presented to the teams whose quality research, innovative solutions and creative presentation best reflect an in-depth understanding of the various scientific disciplines and issues involved with the Challenge Project.
1st Place, Division I: 10179 383 WBI Bruins
1st Place, Division II: 10054 1653 Dynamic Dolphins
2nd Place, Division II: 10120 3746 Energy Bears
Robot Design Award
Judges look for teams whose work stands out for its innovation, dependability, or both. To assess innovation, the judges watch the robots work, looking for things that make them say "Wow!" and they interview team members to reveal the less obvious unique and inventive ideas. To assess dependability, the judges interview the teams to learn what solid principles and best practices were used to reduce variability and errors, then consider the most consistent teams from among those that ranked highly.
.
1st Place, Division I: 10166 134 Greenbrier Resourceful Innov.
1st Place, Division II: 10267 2859 4 H LEAD Huskies
Robot Performance Award
This award is presented to the team(s) whose robot achieved the best score on the competition field.
1st Place, Division I: 10124 3695 StaticShock
1st Place, Division II: 10267 2859 4 H LEAD Huskies
Teamwork Award
Teamwork is necessary to succeed in FIRST LEGO League and is the key ingredient in any team. This award is presented to the team whose members best demonstrate extraordinary enthusiasm and spirit, exceptional partnership, the utmost respect for their own teammates, and in their support and encouragement of fellow teams. They demonstrated confidence, energy, strong problem solving skills, and group dynamics.
1st Place, Division I: 10124 3695 StaticShock
1st Place, Division II: 10304 810 Chameleons
Outstanding Volunteer Award
The phenomenal success of the FIRST LEGO League program is a reflection of the commitment and enthusiasm our volunteers display. This annual award gives FIRST and FIRST LEGO League the opportunity to honor the dedication of one or more volunteers in each region whose assistance and devotion has helped to change the lives of children for the future.
Winner: Nate Laverdure is Secretary for the University’s chapter of ACME. He attended the state meeting, acquired all the mats and kits, coordinated ACME’s to build the kits, and served as judge. He was also here late last night helping to put the tables together.
Judges’ Award
Many high quality teams do not exactly fit the mold for an existing award, but nonetheless deserve one. Some teams have a story that profoundly sets them apart in a unique way. Sometimes a given award is just too close to call. This award gives the judges the freedom to recognize the most remarkable team for which a standard award does not exist.
1st Place, Division II: 10245 4983 St Pius Pirates 2
Overall Champion’s Award
To be considered for the Champion's Award, teams must perform well in the equally weighted technical and team presentation categories. The FLL experience is more than building robots or attending competitions. It begins with the robot, but most importantly, it is defined by how the children unite to form a team. The program impacts each of them as individuals and as team members.
The Champion’s Award is the most prestigious award that any team can win. The Champion’s Award celebrates the ultimate success of the FIRST mission and FLL Values. It measures how the children inspire and motivate others about the accessibility, excitement, and wonders of science, technology, and engineering while demonstrating respect, encouragement, and continued gracious professionalism. The winning team receives the honor of serving as a valued role model for FIRST and the FIRST LEGO League Program.
1st Place, Division I: 10166 134 Greenbrier Resourceful Innov.
1st Place, Division II: 10273 2651 Legolympians
2nd Place, Division II: 10112 4199 Legoneers
Qualifying for State
Division II (2)
10273 2651 Legolympians
10112 4199 Legoneers
Division I (1)
10166 134 Greenbrier Resourceful Innov.
|