All We Want for Christmas is an NXT – And all that Great FLL Energy!
Well, that was the name of the FLL Qualifying Tournament we volunteered at on Saturday. And it was great fun revisiting the FIRST LEGO League experience as helpers, spectators and supporters of the two great FLL teams we’re mentoring, Brick Buddies and TechnoForce, both of whom took home awards.
TechnoForce to the Rescue!
TDT members served as volunteers at the practice table, and as Technical, Teamwork and Gracious Professionalism judges. Smart Moves is a challenging game, but both Brick Buddies and TechnoForce were up to the challenge, showing their mettle on and off the field, turning in great performances in their presentations, teamwork and technical interviews. Brick Buddies won the Teamwork Award, and TechnoForce received the Team Spirit Award. Brick Buddies also made it into the Robot Alliance Championship round and came in second place with their alliance team, the RoboPanthers. Congratulations to both Brick Buddies and TechnoForce! We’re enjoying being part of your FIRST journey.
TDT members celebrating Brick Buddies Teamwork win
We also had a great time seeing the spirit and enthusiasm always on display at FLL events, and serving as a good inspiration for older students to keep that sense of fun and energy going at the upper levels of FIRST robotics. We also enjoyed seeing FTC team Smoke and Mirrors at the event, where they had last season’s robot on display and available for students to operate and enjoy.
TDT members helping at the practice table
We highly recommend volunteering at FLL events and mentoring FLL teams as a way to stay young at heart forever!
Sharing FIRST
Mentoring FLL Team TechnoForce
Team Duct Tape members helped FLL team TechnoForce run through their presentation and technical judging paces yesterday. This season’s SmartMoves is a challenging game, and FIRST LEGO League teams definitely have their work cut out for them.
But TechnoForce, like Brick Buddies, has risen to the challenge with skill and Gracious Professionalism and we’re confident both teams will do well at this weekend’s FLL competition.
There’s a Tempest ‘n’ Tampa!
Team Duct Tape at 2008 TNT
And Team Duct Tape’s going to be there!
Hosted by East Lake High School’s FRC Team 79 Krunch and the University of South Florida College of Engineering, the 3rd annual Tempest ‘N Tampa off-season robotics event at the USF Sun Dome October 23 & 24 will feature the 2009 FRC game challenge, as well as a VEX Robotics Competition tournament with the new game for the 2009/2010 season – Clean Sweep.
FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge teams, including Team Duct Tape, will also be running new season scrimmage for FLLs Smart Moves, and FTCs Hot Shot! games, making TNT a great opportunity to learn about the different types of robotics learning opportunities available to youth of all ages.
Tempest ‘n’ Tampa is free, so come out and say hello to Team Duct Tape and all the other robotics teams in town to celebrate some of the coolest STEM education programs around!
Team Duct Tape 