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Presented by: John Pilvines, coach/mentor of FTC 1, Team Unlimited

Building & Sustaining a Community Robotics Program – a Case Study Sharon Youth Robotics Association. Presented by: John Pilvines, coach/mentor of FTC 1, Team Unlimited Alex Falcon, Nick Kondratiev, Benjamin Mende, Patrick Pilvines & Omer Zaidi, members of Team Unlimited. Topics.

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Presented by: John Pilvines, coach/mentor of FTC 1, Team Unlimited

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  1. Building & Sustaining a Community Robotics Program – a Case StudySharon Youth Robotics Association Presented by: John Pilvines, coach/mentor of FTC 1, Team Unlimited Alex Falcon, Nick Kondratiev, Benjamin Mende, Patrick Pilvines & Omer Zaidi, members of Team Unlimited 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  2. Topics • The Saga of the Sharon Youth Robotics Association • Founding the SYRA • Growth in the FLL program • Expanding in the FVC/FTC program • Community vs. school-based organization • FIRST program focus – FLL, FTC and/or FRC • Organization meetings • Orientation and training • Focus of teams – from casual to dedicated, inward to outward oriented • Recruitment • Funding • Internal scrimmages and competitions • Regional and state competitions • Outreach 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  3. The Saga of the Sharon Youth Robotics Association - Founding • At the start – every robotics program or independent team needs a Champion • Ours is Jack Gregory, founder of the SYRA (1999) • Started bringing group of kids to MIT 6.270 robotics course final competition • Eager kids ready for first season of FLL • Motivation – like many, felt that this program would be good for his (and others) kids’ education • Next season will be our tenth anniversary! 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  4. Starting a FIRST robotics program • Build on the experience of an individual team • Create the resource structure for expansion • Active volunteers are critical – after the teams themselves, your most important resource • Build on the experiences of others • Recruit assistance from existing FIRST groups – advice and mentoring • Don’t be afraid to experiment – there are more than one right answers • Recruit actively 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  5. Community vs. School-based Group • The SYRA is a community-based informal organization • Sole focus is to foster participation in robotics programs • Currently – 7 FLL & 3 FTC teams in Sharon • Outreach to other teams and programs • Mentors share decision making – we set our own policies • Flexibility – recruiting & forming teams by affinity groupings • Many school programs are focused on a single grade • Not dependent on school budget cycles • Conditions set on the use of funds raised by the teams 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  6. Community vs. School-based Group • The SYRA is a community-based informal organization • Not dependent on teacher coaches • Great where enthusiastic, not so great when assigned • Focus on retaining teams in program, year-on-year • Have benefited from cooperation from the Sharon Community Center, the Sharon Public Library, and the Sharon Girl Scouts (facilities for meetings) • No non-profit status at present • Fully dependent on volunteer coach/mentors 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  7. Orientation and training • All teams members start as rookies • Hands on with adult & student mentors at each Tuesday meeting, peer-to-peer help • Many coaches and mentors start as rookies • Workshop for new coach/mentors (train the trainer) • Peer-to-peer consultation with experienced coaches • Emphasis on “Gracious Professionalism” • Good Sportsmanship, Coopetition, Golden Rule, Shared Achievement – we know it when we see it! 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  8. Volunteer Management • Coach/Mentor - appropriate roles and participation • Leadership, logistics, resources, food! • Limit hands on (especially post-rookie FLL year) • Let the kids do it • Guide them at need • Socratic questioning • Support and resources from SYRA peer coaches • Orientation/training, ongoing – they are not alone! • Helps to have buy-in from your significant other • Partners coaching together can make for fewer conflicts 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  9. Volunteer Management • Conflict resolution - adults • “Type A” competitiveness • Delicate balance – best not to offend volunteers • Gracious Professionalism! • Conflict resolution - teams • Coach the coaches • Compatible teams have fewer conflicts • Keep teams small (4-6 is best, 10 is usually too large) • Subgroups on team to take responsibility • Encourage FLL teams to build modular robots, plug-in components for sub-team missions 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  10. Recruitment • New teams now usually form entirely of new members • Affinity grouped teams tend to stay together longer • Encourages recruiting by new recruits • Existing teams often add member(s) in a season • Coach/mentors are usually parents • Our teams are very diverse • Sharon is a diverse community • We welcome all to participate (including other towns) • Ability has no gender, race, ethnicity et al • Opportunity shouldn’t either 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  11. Recruitment • Expand organization through: • Word of mouth (referrals) • Local newspaper article(s) • Posters on popular locations • Schools, library, stores popular with kids • Public appearances (fund raising can be multi-purpose) • Team Unlimited raised hundreds of dollars selling prints at a Harvest Festival last fall, recruited half a dozen new FLLers 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  12. Funding • Dues paid by student members support the SYRA • Individual teams raise money in various ways • Donations • Yard Sales • Sales of scenic photographic prints of Sharon • Lack of non-profit status is an obstacle to large donations and sponsorships • SYRA funds support . . . • Team registrations, tournament registrations, tee shirts 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  13. Internal scrimmages and competitions • Set mission challenges for early meetings • “First team to achieve wins a pound of LEGOs” • During later meetings teams run the table (timed) • Run missions that they have designed for • At start of tournament season: Annual Sharon FLL Invitational (for our teams & those closely associated) • Before each regional or state tournament, teams run the table to qualify to represent the SYRA • Internal run-off at closest meeting • Only one state slot per mini-team 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  14. Regional and state competitions • Send two (or three if room) teams to each available MA competition • Mentors Team accompanies (when possible) • To provide on-site assistance, FTC program promotion, as well as tournament volunteers • SYRA teams tend to do well in FLL competition • Good mentoring – prepared, know what to expect • More experience in a timed competitive environment • More years of experience (on average) in the FLL program 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  15. Results on the FIRST fields • One of our proudest moments • Central MA FLL “Robonautica” 2005 State Tournament • Each of three SYRA teams received an individual award • One of our “Mentor’s Team” received a Mentor’s Award • And the three teams together won the Team Spirit Award • SYRA teams have been in Atlanta for the past 5 years • MA FLL 2008 • SYRA team finished first at Eastern MA State • SYRA teams finished first and second at Central MA State • SYRA teams finished first and second at late-season “Boston PowerPlay!” 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  16. FIRST focus – FLL, FTC, FRC . . . • We consider the FIRST philosophies to be at the core of our organization • For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology • Gracious Professionalism • FLL: we were founded to foster FLL participation • FVC/FTC: since demo season (spring 2005) • FRC: considering school partnership to form a rookie team next season 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  17. FLL 1999 – FIRST Contact • First Season for FLL – First Season for Sharon Robotics • Five teams organized for internal competition • From Cottage St Elementary and the Alternative School • Supported by the PTO – limited funding • One team chosen to compete as “FIRST Sharon” at Boston Museum of Science • Finished second • After-season competition in Charlton MA • Finished third, Outstanding Leadership award • Low profile, because no tee shirts 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  18. FLL 2000 – Volcanic Panic • Six teams organized for internal competition • From Cottage St Elementary and the Alternative School • Still supported by the PTO – limited funding • Two teams competed as “FIRST Sharon A & B” at Boston Museum of Science • Finished • After-season competition in Charlton MA • 3 teams, good results • Still no tee shirts! 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  19. The Saga of the Sharon Youth Robotics Association – Growth in FLL program • In the 2001 season, the SYRA as we know it today was formed • No longer school based – PTO funding faded as organization expanded to multiple schools • Meetings at the Sharon Community Center • Dues-based funding – money for tee shirts! 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  20. The Saga of the Sharon Youth Robotics Association – Lessons Learned • From first two seasons of FLL . . . • Kids and parents need to create their own teams • At least two coaches per team • At least three kids per team • Girls need other girls on the team to feel comfortable • New teams need help getting going • Weekly meetings of all teams strengthen ALL teams • Tee shirts are essential to team recognition at tournaments, and the shirt is a major tangible for kids 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  21. FLL 2001 – Arctic Impact • Seven teams organized for internal competition • Students from various elementary plus Middle School • Competing as the “Sharon Iced Eagles” A, B & C • Contest for tee shirt designs • Competed in 4 tournaments • Blackstone Regional, MA State (Robonautica), RI State, Charlton (King of the Hill) post-season • All teams did well in each competition • Teams qualified to represent SYRA by internal run-offs • Fill remaining roster from other mini-teams 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  22. Organization meetings • Core function of our association: the Tuesday meeting • Early in season – team formation, kickoff, training for new teams and coaches • Regular meetings – 90 minutes • First 30 minutes for rookies • No-pressure Q&A, hands on with adult & student mentors • Next 60 minutes for general meeting • News, rule clarifications, association business • Challenges (a mission, with a prize for 1st to accomplish) • Run timed rounds, as in competition 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  23. FLL 2002 – City Sights • Seven teams organized for internal competition • Students from various elementary plus Middle School • Competing as the “Sharon Urban Eagles” A, B & C • Competed in 4 tournaments • Blackstone Regional, Central MA State (Robonautica), Eastern MA State, Charlton (King of the Hill) post-season • Our teams did well in each competition, first place in new Eastern MA tournament and in Charlton 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  24. FLL 2003 – Mission Mars • Eight teams organized for internal competition • Students from various elementary plus Middle School • Competing as the “Sharon Eagle Robotics” A, B & C • Competed in 4 tournaments • Blackstone Regional, Central MA State (Robonautica), Eastern MA State, World Championship in Atlanta • Our teams did well in each competition, first place and Director’s Award at Eastern MA tournament • Two mini-teams combined to go to Atlanta • Current names: Team Unlimited & Angelbots • Transformative experience! 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  25. Focus of robotics teams • Many teams are casual • Learning and having fun, just another activity • Some teams become serious • More focus and time commitment, result-oriented • Of those teams, some step up to dedicated • Year-round commitment • Facing outward, promoting the program and mentoring • Our most dedicated teams are a huge resource to the organization! 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  26. The World Championship Experience • Attending the World Championships can be a transformative experience for a young FIRST team • Breadth and scope of FIRST • Making connections outside of region • Motivation to redouble efforts in the future • SYRA teams (2 or more) have been at Atlanta every season since April 2004 • Motivation to “pay it forward”, the foundation of the SYRA Mentors team 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  27. FLL 2004 – No Limits • Seven teams organized for internal competition • Competing as the “Sharon Eagle Robotics” A, B & C • Angelbots, CoCoColas, Eaglettes, Robotic Chimps, Unlimited • Meeting venue changed to library, due to roof leaks! • Competed in 4 tournaments • Blackstone Regional, Central MA State (Robonautica), Eastern MA State, QCC post-season • Our teams did well in competition, 1st place at Blackstone, 2nd place in Eastern MA, awards for all & a 3 team shared Team Spirit Award in Central MA 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  28. The Saga of the Sharon Youth Robotics Association – Inception of FVC/FTC • Started with the spring 2005 FVC demo season • Provided a critical opportunity for continuing the experience of our younger teams • One team reconstituted for this opportunity • Sharon Angelbots (44), Sharon Myotonics (78), Team Unlimited (13) • Teams formed primarily from FLL graduates • Teams are organized independently, coordinate loosely • Team Unlimited forms the core of the SYRA Mentors Team • At least two teams have been in Atlanta every April 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  29. FVC Spring 2005 – Demo season • Radio Shack & FIRST Vex Challenge demonstration at World Championships in Atlanta (52 teams) • One month build period – 4 kits supplied per team • Challenge recreated FRC 2004 “FIRST Frenzy – Raising the Bar” • Fielded two teams – Team Unlimited (FVC 13) & Angelbots (FVC 44) • 2 members of a “graduated” FLL team added in • Created new website (eaglevex.syraweb.org) to inform FIRST community – quickly became a top Google hit 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  30. FLL 2005 – Ocean Odyssey • Six teams organized for internal competition • Competing as the “Sharon Eagle Robotics” A, B • Devil Bots, DoodleBots, Fish n’ Chips, Motorized Fish, Robotic Chimps • Meetings @ Girl Scout House, due to basement flood in library! • First season for SYRA Mentors Team, from FVC teams • Competed in 3 tournaments • Blackstone Regional, Central MA State, Eastern MA State • Our teams did well in each competition, top half, awards • Award for Top Mentor to a member of our Mentors Team 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  31. SYRA Mentors Team • Founded by Team Unlimited, with support from members of the Angelbots and the Myotonics • Important to pay forward the tremendous opportunities that we have been fortunate enough to have • SYRA FLL team mentoring • Internal: kickoff, weekly mtgs, tournaments, invitational • External: website, outreach to other teams, volunteering (especially trained FLL referees) • Regional FTC mentoring • Outreach to other teams, RI FTC program • Website, volunteering 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  32. FIRST program promotion • FTC team members promote the FIRST FLL and FTC programs at appropriate venues • FLL tournaments, for team members ready to “graduate” • Demos and “games” (such as Robotic Soccer) • FRC tournaments, for introducing the public to FLL & FTC • Targets of opportunity, such as . . . • TiECON East (entrepreneurs conference) w/Dean Kamen speaking on panel • National Science Teachers Association conference 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  33. FVC 2005-6 – Pilot Season • Challenge: the Half-Pipe Hustle • Fielded three teams – Team Unlimited (FVC 13), Angelbots (FVC 44) & Myotonics (FVC 78) • Myotonics re-formed from a “graduated” FLL team • Competed at NERVE in Connecticut • All three teams to World Championships • SYRA “Mentors Team” founded • Mentoring SYRA FLL teams • Posting useful info (tournament info, resources, photos) • Outreach FVC promotional efforts at FLL venues 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  34. FLL 2006 – Nano Quest • Seven teams organized for internal competition • Competing as the “Sharon Eagle Robotics” A, B & C • Best Bots, Black Botz, Devil Bots, Eris Bots, Fire Blazers, Motorized Molecules, Nano Brothers (Bricksters 7) • Meeting venue Girl Scout House • Competed in 5 tournaments • Blackstone Regional, Central MA State (Robonautica), Eastern MA State, QCC post-season • Our teams did well in each competition, always in the top half of the field, and 1st place at Eastern MA States • 1st Annual Sharon FLL Invitational, run by Mentors Team • Mentors team prevailed, even w/ FLL-FVC season conflict 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  35. Sharon FLL Invitational competitions • Tune-up competition before Eastern & Central MA • Organized and run by the Mentors team • Up to eight teams invited • Volunteers from all the FTC teams • Two tables, two trained refs, scoring table & public display • Full judging panel • Music, with MC & DJ; snacks! • Awards! • Held on Sunday, accommodation to our Orthodox team 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  36. FVC 2006-7 – Extended Pilot Season • Challenge: Hangin’-A-Round • Fielded three teams – Team Unlimited (FVC 2013), Angelbots (FVC 2044) & Myotonics (FVC 2078) • Competed at ConnVex in CT, QCC in MA • eaglevex.syraweb.org as a useful web resource for FVC • Team Unlimited & Myotonics to World Championships • SYRA FTC “Mentors Team” major focus continues • Mentoring, outreach, website, promotion of FVC • Focus on relationship building with other programs • Assisted w/RI FVC kickoff, workshops & championship 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  37. FLL 2007 – Power Puzzle • Seven teams organized for internal competition • Competing as the “Sharon Eagle Robotics” A, B & C • Best Bots, Black Botz, Devil Bots, Eris Bots, Fire Blazers, Motorized Molecules, Nano Brothers (Bricksters 7) • Meeting venue Girl Scout House • Competed in 5 tournaments • Blackstone Regional, Central MA State (Robonautica), Eastern MA State,Boston PowerPlay! • Our teams rocked! 1st place at Eastern MA States, 1st & 2nd place at Central MA States, 1st & 2nd place at Boston PowerPlay! • 2nd Annual Sharon FLL Invitational, run by Mentors Team 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  38. FTC 2007-8 – FTC accepted • Challenge: the Quad Quandary • Fielded three teams – Team Unlimited (FTC 1), Angelbots (FTC 120) & Myotonics (FTC 512) • Competed at Manchester CT and Palmer MA • eaglevex.syraweb.org as a useful web resource for FTC • Team Unlimited & Angelbots to World Championships • SYRA FTC “Mentors Team” major focus continues • Mentoring, outreach, website, promotion of FVC • Focus on relationship building with other programs • Assisted w/RI FTC kickoff, workshops & championship 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  39. FLL 2008 – Climate Connections • Plans for coming season • Expand fund-raising • Transfer meetings back to the Sharon Community Center • Expand recruiting efforts for FLL teams • Alter newspaper coverage tactics • Double the size for the Fourth Annual Sharon FLL Invitational, to be held at the Sharon Community Center • Recruit up FTC teams, many graduating seniors • Potentially start an FRC team in conjunction with Sharon High School 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  40. FTC 2008-9 – FTC changes in the wind • Challenge yet revealed (TBD) • Vex Development System being replaced by a new kit integrated by Pitsco (most existing teams displeased) • Competing programs making severe inroads to the FTC program in New England (Savage Soccer, VexLabs) • SYRA teams recruiting up to replace large number of graduating seniors • Planning kickoff & workshops for MA FTC • As we assisted with in RI past two seasons • Potential for starting an FRC team in Sharon 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

  41. Wrap-up • Advantages to larger group • Bringing the message of FIRST to more people • More resources from more dedicated & experienced people • Many hands make light work . . . but too many cooks . . . • Challenges to larger group • Having all pull in compatible directions • Leaving no one out • Questions? The Rewards? Intangible but real . . . The success of a program like this is the success of kids in your community! 2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

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