Monthly Archives: December 2011
New Supplements Available Now!
I have started uploading the new supplements for Girl Scout Traditions. You can find all of our Girl Scout supplements here.
Printables: World Games has also had supplements added. The badge program is coming out next month.
I like to print the world games out and give them to teachers as a gift. The time of year when the kids can’t go outside to play is here. The printable games give the kids something to break from their daily work and allow them to be indoors for recess / lunch. Some of the games need a print each time they are played. Some are reusable.
Happy Holidays!
Move Nearly Complete
All of the badge programs have been moved here from Blogger.
So, I will be spending the weekend checking links and making sure everything works. 
Afterwards, I’ll start uploading additional supplements for Girl Scout Traditions and Printables: Girl Scouts.
Watch for new badges coming soon!
Badge: Science: Spangler-Style (revised)
Steve Spangler is a teacher, entertainer and toy designer. He has been featured on television shows and is most known for his Menthos Geyser Experiment. His varied career is more about entertaining with science.
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Steps
1. Spangler who?
Find out about Steve Spangler. From television to education to commercial activities, Spangler has worked to make science fun and accessible to all. Make sure you check out “Ellen: The Ellen DeGeneres Show” for one of his more high profile activities.
2. Commercial offerings link to experiments and video.
Spangler offers everything you need to do experiments on his site. From the product description, you’ll find experiments and / or videos attached to show you how it works. Explore Spangler’s offerings and the experiments / videos for each. Find a few that look interesting that you might want to try.
3. Safety first.
Make sure you are safe. Take all safety precautions necessary depending on the science experiment you’re attempting. Create a basic “science safety” kit to cover most experiments.
4. Experiment of the week.
Sign up for Spangler’s free experiment of the week. Try a few of the experiments and find a couple to share with others.
5. Spangler’s blog.
Spangler’s blog will give you even more information about Spangler and his scientific endeavors. Check it out. You’ll find everything from links to the many awards he’s won.
6. Spangler on YouTube.
Go to Spangler’s channel on YouTube. View a few experiments to find some you might want to share with others.
7. Share what you’ve learned.
Plan a meeting or event to share some of the science you have learned. Form it around a theme with two or more experiments to introduce your group to an area of scientific inquiry. Make sure you understand the science behind the experiments before you share them so that you can answer questions and provide further insight.
8. Use science to spice up Halloween.
Use Halloween for a theme. On Spangler’s blog find the following and try one or more of these with your group.
- Fake blood kitchen recipes
- Use of black lights
- Cauldron of dry ice
- Screaming balloons
- Oozing pumpkin
If you’re not into Halloween, try creating a holiday theme for your favorite holiday and sharing it.
9. Share science.
Plan a science fair or other event to encourage others to share their scientific interests. Create a way to scientifically compare the experiments. Make and hand out awards for your group.
10. Keep on sharing.
Spangler has explored many new avenues of sharing science. Can you think of others? Share your ideas or try one and share how it went.
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Sites to Explore
www.stevespanglerscience.com
www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiments
www.stevespangler.com
www.youtube.com/user/Stevespanglerscience
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Spangler
Badge: Science Krampf-Style (revised)
Robert Krampf is the “Happy Scientist.” He has taught science, done a science road show and been on the Web for a very long time. His goal is to make science fun for kids.
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Steps
1. Krampf who?
Find out about Robert Krampf. What kind(s) of science does he do? How did he become a leader in his field?
2. Krampf on the Web.
Visit Krampf’s Web site and peruse his science experiments for kids. Which do you think kids would be interested in trying? If you would like, sign up for the free experiment of the week newsletter for experiments delivered to you.
3. Krampf via Way Back.
web.archive.org/web/20080822032624/http://www.krampf.com
Look through the Krampf’s archive at the Way Back Machine to find even more information about how Krampf has shared science with kids and adults.
4. Krampf via YouTube.
Check out some of Krampf’s videos on YouTube to help get you excited about science.
5. Science safety.
Before doing experiments, make sure you are safe. Make a list of safety equipment you need. If you are working with chemicals, make sure you have reviewed what to do in case of an emergency.
6. Experiment yourself.
Try an experiment, or more than one, you think kids might like. Make sure you understand the science behind the experiment.
7. Creating “themes.”
Doing a single experiment is cool, but putting them together gives a greater view to a scientific concept. Create a “theme” by putting two or more experiments together. Check to make sure they all work with your theme to give a better understanding of the concept you’re trying to communicate.
8. Do it!
Get a group together to do the experiment(s). Make sure you have all safety precautions in place and explained to the group.
9. Non-experiment experiment.
Experiments do not have to be done in a specific setting. Find experiments that you can take on a camp out, do at a party, etc. How can you present it to be more “fun”?
10. Science — the juicy part.
Discuss the science behind the experiment with the group. Don’t give them all the answers. Let them figure it out from the experiments they just did.
11. Exploration for the group.
Share the information for Krampf’s science experiments. If you’re meeting your group again, ask them to find an experiment that shows the same concept to bring back to you.
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Sites to Explore
thehappyscientist.com
web.archive.org/web/20080822032624/http://www.krampf.com
www.youtube.com/user/RobertKrampf
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Krampf
itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/experiment-of-the-week/id266557779
www.learnoutloud.com/Podcast-Directory/Science/Archaeology/Experiment-of-the-Week-Video-Podcast/30213
krampf.blip.tv/rss
www.facebook.com/TheHappyScientist
Badge: DNR – Project Learning Tree
Project Learning Tree is an environmental education program for kids from preschool through grade 12. It is from the American Forest Foundation.
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Steps
1. Project Learning Tree (PLT).
Project Learning Tree is designed to get kids outside. The purpose is to teach kids HOW to think about the environment. Explore the Web site to learn more.
2. GreenWorks!
GreenWorks! provides the framework for service learning in cooperation with businesses, non-profits, etc. Review the guidelines and brainstorm ways you can incorporate PLT activities / service into your current programming.
3. GreenSchools!
GreenSchools! encourages positive environmental action of schools and communities. Review this program and decide if you want to reduce your school’s ecological footprint. These activities can be incorporated into normal school days. How much can you do to help the environment?
4. Try an activity.
Free activities are available online. Try one or more to see how the program works. Is this something you can use with your youth troop / group?
5. Take a PLT workshop.
Search for your state coordinator and / or events to find out when workshops are being offered. Sign up and take one.
6. Earth and Sky radio show.
www2.plt.org/flash/PLT_EarthSky_2009.html
Earth and Sky is a daily radio show that highlights a range of environmental topics. Go to the Earth and Sky Web site and look through some of their offerings. Do a tutorial if you are interested in this resource.
7. Focus on forests.
Exploring Environmental Issues: Focus on Forests module is now available. Learn about forestry. Explore the links and resources to find activities you can use with your youth.
8. Look through the curriculum.
Review the curriculum to find other items not specifically called out in the steps of this badge program. Are there more areas you’re interested in learning about? If so, find out more.
9. Additional resources of PLT activities.
Under “Curriculum”, explore the additional activity resources for both PreK-8 and Secondary.
10. Incorporating PLT with Girl Scouts.
PLT has activities that work with all levels of Girl Scouts. Look through their provided lists to see what activities you can incorporate into your Girl Scout activities.
11. Incorporating PLT with Boy Scouts.
Look through activities to find out how to incorporate PLT activities with Boy Scout activities.
12. Create an activity box.
Create an activity box based on the program/youth you work with to introduce adults to Project Learning Tree. Include instructions on how the activity works and where adults can get their own materials if they are interested in learning more.
13. Environmental education.
connect.plt.org/app/render/go.aspx?xsl=tp_community.xslt
PLT provides even more educational support. Check out their site where they encourage others to share their PLT materials.
14. Become a trainer or coordinator.
Find out what you need to do to become a trainer / coordinator for Project Learning Tree.
15. Explore ways to share PLT.
Find ways to share Project Learning Tree with others beyond Step 14.
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Sites to Explore
All links are provided within the steps above.
Badge: DNR – Flying Wild (revised)
Flying WILD deals with migratory birds – conservation and environmental awareness. Flying WILD is a part of Project WILD.
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Steps
1. Flying WILD.
Flying WILD has 43 activities focused on birds. They explore conservation and environmental issues through contests, quizzes and hands-on projects. Review the table of contents to see what this program has to offer.
2. The Birding Beat.
www.flyingwild.org/guide/TheBirdingBeat.pdf
Review “The Birding Beat” activity available online. Is this something you can incorporate into your programming?
3. Gulf Oil Spill resources.
www.flyingwild.org/resources/gulfoilspillresources.htm
Review the materials for the Gulf Oil Spill resources.
4. Explore birding links.
www.flyingwild.org/resources/links.htm
Explore the extensive list of links to additional birding resources.
5. Participate in a Flying WILD workshop.
Find and participate in a Flying WILD workshop. Review all of the materials you receive free at the end of this workshop. Explore one or two activities that you can use with others.
6. Incorporating Flying WILD with Girl Scouts.
www.illinoisaudubon.org/NEWFWfiles/FWpdfs/GSALinks.pdf
Look through the provided lists to see what activities you can incorporate into your Girl Scout activities.
7. Incorporating Flying WILD with Boy Scouts.
www.illinoisaudubon.org/NEWFWfiles/FWpdfs/BSALinks.pdf
Look through activities to find out how to incorporate Flying WILD with Boy Scout activities.
8. Create an activity box.
Create an activity box based on the program/youth you work with to introduce adults to Flying Wild. Include instructions on how the activity works and where the adult can get their own materials if they are interested in learning more.
9. Service.
Explore how you can do a service project with a group or individually-based on Flying WILD. Plan and do your project.
10. Become a trainer or coordinator.
Find out what you need to do to become a trainer, coordinator or volunteer for Flying WILD.
11. Explore ways to share Flying WILD.
Find ways to share Flying WILD with others beyond those in Step 10.
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Sites to Explore
All links are provided within the steps above.
Badge: DNR – Project WILD
Project WILD deals with conservation and environmental science through wildlife. It is designed for kids from Kindergarten through 12th grade.
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Steps
1. Project WILD.
www.projectwild.org/ProjectWILDK-12CurriculumandActivityGuide.htm
Project WILD deals with wildlife and habitats. Review the table of contents and other information available on the Web.
2. Project WILD Aquatic.
www.projectwild.org/ProjectWILDK-12AquaticCurriculumandActivityGuide.htm
Project WILD Aquatic deals with wildlife and aquatic ecosystems. Review the information available on the Web.
3. Science and Civics: Sustaining Wildlife
www.projectwild.org/ScienceandCivics.htm
Designed for high school students, this program serves as a guide for environmental action projects that benefit local wildlife. Review the information available on the Web.
4. Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children.
www.projectwild.org/GrowingUpWILD.htm
This program provides wildlife learning for young children. Review the information available on the Web.
5. Coordinators in your state.
www.projectwild.org/statesponsoringagenciesandorganizations.htm
Find coordinators for Project WILD in your state. Review other state offerings as well that go with the Project WILD program. Find out when classes are available.
6. Project WILD sponsors and partners.
www.projectwild.org/sponsors.htm
Explore sites of the sponsors and partners of Project WILD. See how Project WILD has expanded to other countries.
7. Participate in a Project WILD workshop.
The Project WILD workshops not only allow you to try sample activities, upon completion of the workshop you’ll receive the materials free of charge. Sign up and participate in a workshop for one or more projects of Project WILD.
8. Explore other Project WILD offerings.
Find other offerings available from Project WILD starting with “WILD about Elk” and “Taking Action.”
9. Incorporating Project WILD into Girl Scout activities.
www.projectwild.org/documents/GirlScoutsandProjectWILD.doc
Review the list of Girl Scout Try-Its, Badges and Interest Projects to find out how Project WILD can help girls earn insignia.
10. Incorporating Project WILD with Boy Scouts.
www.projectwild.org/documents/NCBoyScoutCorrelations-1994.pdf
Look through activities to find out how to incorporate Project WILD with Boy Scout activities.
11. Check out Project WILD in other states.
Examine offerings from other states. Compare to find out what materials are also used by other states and those specifically made for them. Are there materials you can use as well?
12. Share with youth.
Share some of the information you received in training or from your materials with youth. This can be a troop, group or even individuals. Use your materials to create a summer camp day or week to encourage kids to become more aware of environmental science.
13. Create an activity box.
Create an activity box based on the program/youth you work with to introduce adults to Project WILD. Include instructions on how the activity works and where adults can get their own materials if they are interested in learning more.
14. Service.
Project WILD works with service learning. Review the service learning resources to do more. Participate in a service project that utilizes Project WILD.
15. Become a trainer or coordinator.
Find out what you need to do to become a trainer / coordinator for Project WILD.
16. Explore ways to share Project WILD.
Find ways to share Project WILD with others beyond Step 14.
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Sites to Explore
All links are provided within the steps above.
Badge: DNR – Project WET
Project WET deals with water issues from healthy drinking water to conservation. It is designed for kids aged 5-18.
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Steps
1. DNR in your state.
Find the Web site of the Department of Natural Resources in your state. Explore the educational offerings specific to your state. Locate your state’s Project WET materials.
2. Project WET online.
Review the Project Wet site. Learn about its history, goals and how it works.
3. Project WET materials.
Some materials come free with training. Some you can purchase. Review the materials available on the Web site and store.
NOTE: Some materials in the store are free.
4. Participate in a Project WET workshop.
Project WET is a free six-hour workshop that gives educators tools to teach water resources. Upon completion of the workshop, participants receive a 516-page curriculum and activity guide at no charge. Though the workshops are designed for teachers to incorporate environmental science into their curriculum, many adults find these materials are also beneficial for working with youth groups. Review the materials you receive after the workshop and find some you would like to do.
5. Incorporating science into other subjects.
Materials in Project WET reach beyond environmental science. The concepts are designed to be used with health, language arts, history, math and more. Find ways of incorporating Project WET materials into other areas.
6. Beyond Project WET.
Explore other water science programming / educator guides also offered by the DNR. If you find any that interest you, explore those as well. Remember to look beyond “teacher” offerings. See what Project WET has to offer parents, corporations, aquariums, etc.
- WOW! Wonders of Wetlands
- Healthy Water, Healthy People
- Conserve Water
- Discover Floods
7. Check out Project WET in other states.
Examine offerings from other states. Compare to find out what materials are also used by other states and those specifically made for them. Are there materials you can use as well?
8. Incorporating Project WET with Girl Scouts.
www.uni.edu/~iowawet/G_Scout.html
Project WET has activities that work with Girl Scout badges and patches. Look through their provided lists to see what activities you can incorporate into your Girl Scout meetings / events.
9. Incorporating Project WET with Boy Scouts.
Compare the offerings of Project WET with individual merit badge books to find activities to incorporate Project WET with Boy Scout awards.
10. Share with youth.
Share some of the information you received in training or from your materials with youth. This can be a troop, group or even individuals. Use your materials to create a summer camp day or week to encourage kids to become more aware of environmental science.
11. Create an activity box.
Create an activity box based on the program/youth you work with to introduce adults to Project WET. Include instructions on how the activity works and where adults can get their own materials if they are interested in learning more.
12. Service.
Design a service project with Project WET in mind. Run it yourself or ask others to help. Ask participants to evaluate the program after it has completed and offer creative criticism to improve your service project.
13. Become a trainer / coordinator.
Find out what you need to do to become a trainer / coordinator for Project WET.
14. Explore ways to share Project WET.
Find ways to share Project WET with others beyond Step 13.
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Sites to Explore
www.butlerwebs.com/hunting/statelist.htm
www.projectwet.org
www.watereducation.org/doc.asp?id=1012
www.nationalwatercenter.org
www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/poisonedwaters
Badge: STEM via PBS (revised)
You can get great information from PBS on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, or STEM. They offer workshops, experiments and lesson plans as well as exceptional shows to help you explore your world in these areas. Many of the shows are available for viewing on the Web. This badge program focuses on items you can take back to use with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and other youth groups.
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Steps
1. Zoom! Girl Scouts® recommended science training.
pbskids.org/zoom/grownups/scitraining
Zoom helps kids understands science. As part of their offerings, they have an adult training. This one is recommended by GSUSA. Start with this training to see how easy it is to lead science activities. Feel free to save the materials and resources for use at a later date. Suggested age for this show / materials is 9 and older.
2. Middle Level STEM Education with “Design Squad,” “Fetch,” and “DragonflyTV”.
www.pbs.org/teachers/webinar/archive.html
Find out about a few more STEM education shows on PBS. The link will take you to the archives of webinars. Watch the one with the title of this step. Look through the other webinar offerings and see if anything else looks interesting to you that you might want to come back and check later.
For now, let’s see what’s available from these three shows.
3. Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman.
www.pbs.org/parents/fetch/training/index.html
Fetch! Is another show featuring science for kids. The training and activities are different from Zoom! Suggested age for this show / materials is 6-10. It also has science training to help you get started.
NOTE: There is a Girl Scout patch for 6-10 year olds featuring science and engineering activities. The requirements will be available with the PDF of this badge program. The badge does not say “Girl Scouts”, so it can be earned by others as well.
4. Design Squad.
pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/workshop/welcome.html
Design Squad deals with engineering. There is a workshop for educators/adults at the link in this step. In addition, there are numerous guides and activities you can do with kids. Activities are designed for kids from Kindergarten (K) through grade 12.
NOTE: There is a Girl Scout patch for Juniors through Ambassadors. The requirements will be available with the PDF of this badge program. The badge does not say “Girl Scouts”, so it can be earned by others as well.
5. Dragonfly TV!
www.pbs.org/parents/dragonflytv/index.html
While this show does not have workshops for adults, it does have numerous educator’s guides. It also has numerous scientific activities for kids. Activities are available for preschoolers through teenagers.
6. NOVA.
www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers
The best science show on television, Nova has 37 seasons to show for it. This link is to the education site. The materials you can use are numerous, so it’s easier to explore for yourself. You can find science, technology, engineering and math for grades 6-12. In addition, the digital libraries are free.
7. For teachers.
Feeling adventurous? PBS has a site just for teachers. You can select the grade level you’re looking for and general subject matter. In addition, PBS does free online webinars, discussions and more. You might not be specifically a “teacher”, but the materials they provide for free to help children are extensive.
8. Explore on your own.
PBS science shows are for everyone. Check out these additional PBS sites. The URLs are in the “Sites to Explore” section.
- Nature — For grades 6-12, explores the natural world.
- Secrets of the Dead — For grades 6-12, introduces science through investigation into ancient mysteries.
- Jean-Michel Cousteau: Ocean Adventures — For grades 6-12, covers themes of adaptations, ecosystems and human impact through ocean studies.
- NOVAscienceNOW — For grades 6-12, covers the developments and people in science and technology today.
- Wired Science — For grades 6-12, explores the cutting-edge topics in science and technology.
- E2 — For grades 6-12, explores environmental and social challenges.
- Mathline — For grades K-12, includes over 100 free lesson plans and video lessons.
- NewsHour Extra: Science resources for teachers and students — For grades 6-12, features many teaching resources.
- Scientific American Frontiers — For grades 5-12, explores the latest trends in science, medicine, technology and the environment.
- The Ascent of Money — For grades 6-12, examines the economic system.
- Curious George — For grades PreK-5, extends learning opportunities of the show.
- Sid the Science Kid — For PreK-5, helps to develop natural wonder and build a foundation for early science exploration.
- EekoWorld — For K-4, teaches environmental science.
- Kratts’ Creatures — For PreK-5, explores wildlife and habitats in an online world.
- Cyberchase — For PreK-5, teaches core math and science concepts.
- The Democracy Project — For grades 3-6, find out about the American democratic process.
- Misunderstood Minds — For anyone, learn about how to help understand and overcome learning disabilities.
- SciGirls — SciGirls features tween girls using science and engineering in everyday situations. It even encourages science clubs.
PBS is continually coming out with thought-provoking and educational programming. Don’t stop exploring just because you’ve hit the end of this list. Continue looking through their site for more and share your findings.
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Supplements
FOUND_DS_GirlScout_Patch_Web.pdf
. Design Squad (engineering) patch program, activity sheets are available in English and Spanish.
FOUND_FETCH_GirlScoutPatch.pdf
. FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman patch program features science and engineering activities.
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Sites to Explore
pbskids.org/zoom/grownups/scitraining
www.pbs.org/teachers/webinar/archive.html
www.pbs.org/parents/fetch/training/index.html
pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/workshop/welcome.html
www.pbs.org/parents/dragonflytv/index.html
www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers
www.pbs.org/teachers
www.pbs.org/wnet/nature
www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets
www.pbs.org/kqed/oceanadventures/educators
www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow
www.pbs.org/kcet/wiredscience/education
www.pbs.org/e2/index.html
www.pbs.org/teachers/math
www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/teachers/science
www.pbs.org/saf/educators.htm
www.pbs.org/wnet/ascentofmoney/lessons
pbskids.org/curiousgeorge
pbskids.org/sid
pbskids.org/eekoworld
pbskids.org/krattscreatures
pbskids.org/cyberchase
pbskids.org/democracy/educators/index.html
www.pbs.org/wgbh/misunderstoodminds/math.html
pbskids.org/scigirls
www.pbs.org/parents/catinthehat/explorer_guide_topten_tips.html
Badge: Robotics / FIRST LEGO League (revised)
LEGO Robotics feature the LEGO Mindstorms® system utilizing LEGO bricks, electronic parts and software to program the completed project. While FIRST LEGO League (FLL) may be designed for elementary and middle school children, it is an excellent opportunity to combine science, technology and engineering to show how fun this subject can be.
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Steps
1. Basics.
With technology only growing in the future, the introduction of LEGO Robotics allows the students to explore in a hands-on environment. It demystifies the processes computers, smart phones and others electronic devices utilize. It also allows them to combine mathematics, science, technology and even literacy into one program. Explore the Web to find out what FLL entails.
2. Building a community through cooperation.
By participating, you are helping kids learn the same principles other teams are exploring worldwide. Not only do the kids learn to work together as a group to complete their own challenge, they also see others from our global community compete in the same challenge. What other projects / groups can you think of that offer this opportunity?
3. Previous theme challenges.
Explore previous theme challenges to find out about the challenges offered and the popularity of the FLL. Here’s a brief list to get you started.
- 1998 (pilot year) — 210 global teams
- 1999 — First Contact — 975 global teams
- 2000 — Volcanic Panic —1,540 global teams
- 2001 — Arctic Impact — 1,902 global teams
- 2002 — City Sights — 3,001 global teams
- 2003 — Mission Mars — 4,331 global teams
- 2004 — No Limits — 5,859 global teams
- 2005 — Ocean Odyssey — 7,501 global teams
- 2006 — Nano Quest — 8,808 global teams
- 2007 — Power Puzzle — 10,894 global teams
- 2008 — Climate Connections — 12,944 global teams
- 2009 — Smart Move — 14,725 global teams
- 2010 — Body Forward — 16,762 global teams
- 2011 — Food Factor! — Challenge ends Summer 2012
- 2012 — Senior Solutions — in development
4. See them in action!
www.firstlegoleague.org
Check out the LEGO YouTube Channel or the LEGO Blog, both linked to the FIRST LEGO League site. You can see and read about previous challenges.
5. Attend a workshop.
Some schools / organizations have special kits available so kids can try a basic robot and a few programmed moves. Find a workshop that you can watch and / or your kids can try.
6. Find a local experienced team.
Find a local team you can talk to and might be willing to meet kids who are interested in trying out the LEGO Robotics / FIRST program. Set up a meeting with all interested parties and have questions ready to ask.
7. What is a robot?
Define what a robot is. Where are robots used today? Why are robots used? Why would building and programming a robot be important to our youth?
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Accept the challenge
8. Coach.
Find out about coaching by reading materials available online. You may also choose to listen to the coach support calls (MP3s).
Remember: One coach is required per team. A coach may have more than one team, but no team member may be part of more than one team (kids). You do not need to have technical experience to be a coach. The kids do all the work.
9. The team.
Team members can be ages 9-14 (US and Canada), covering middle school and high school. Other countries accept kids ages 9-16. Teams include up to ten kids. These teams can be from a classroom, club, organization, homeschooled or a group of friends. Typically, registration starts in May, the project is released in September and the tournaments start in November. Make sure your group can work together for a long period of time.
10. Goals for your team.
Review the materials for the program and help your team set and achieve goals. This list will help start you out.
- Find a sponsor or group that will support your team
- Find a location you can meet where you can leave your materials, including a 4’ x 8’ area for the play field
- Set up a schedule for working on your project that all team members can make
- Take turns doing the steps so everyone has a chance to fully participate
- Build your robot
- Plan your mission
- Research your project
- PRACTICE
11. LEGO Mindstorms.
Mindstorms were introduced in 1998. The main parts of the Mindstorms system include:
- RCX — brain of the robot where programming is uploaded
- Motor — can be turned on/off and direction of spin added
- Light sensor — used as an input device
- USB — either a wire or an infrared tower to send programming to the RCX
Check out Mindstorms on the Web to learn about this unique set of blocks.
12. Program a robot.
Download and watch the NXT Programming Tutorial. This programming features graphics instead of coding. You can also check out the PDF for programming tips.
13. Build a robot.
Mini-challenge activities are available to help practice building a robot and programming it. Look through these PDFs to see the Team Practice Activity. Also review the Curriculum PDFs for additional robotic materials.
14. Research project.
Check out the research project with the current challenge. Your team’s research project will end with a live presentation utilizing posters, slide shows, models, multimedia clips or anything else the team thinks of including. In addition to practicing with your robot, practice giving your live presentation to make it more natural for your team to present.
15. Tournaments.
The team / project are judged on teamwork, technical design, research, presentation and completing the mission. Time and precision of the robot are extremely important. Watch competitions on YouTube, go to a free tournament or talk to kids who have participated. Keep notes for things you want to share with your team.
16. Support.
Feeling like supporting a team, but you don’t want to do the work of a coach? You can sponsor a team, make a donation or even spread the word. Find a way to support the FLL and do it!
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