Description
We are so excited to get started with next season. We are launching a third Challenge team, Magnetic Mavericks.
FLL is a robotics program for 9-14 years old which is designed to get students excited about science and technology and also teaches them valuable employment and life skills. In FLL, teams learn both through what we do (the Robot Game and the Research Project) and how we do it (the FLL Core Values). Through the Robot Game, teams build and program an autonomous robot using LEGO Spike Prime technology to score points in 2 1/2 minute matches on a themed playing field. Through the Research Project, teams explore an actual real-world problem that today's scientists and engineers are trying to solve, develop an innovative solution to that problem (either by creating something that doesn't exist or building upon something that does), and share their findings with others. Throughout their work on the Robot Game and the Research Project, teams are guided by the FLL Core Values to build teamwork skills and create great experiences for everyone involved.The FLL Core Values are the cornerstones of the FLL program. They are among the fundamental elements that distinguish FLL from other programs of its kind. By embracing the Core Values, participants learn that friendly competition and mutual gain are not separate goals and that helping one another is the foundation of teamwork.
*DISCOVERY: We explore new skills and ideas.
*INNOVATION: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
*IMPACT: We apply what we learn to improve our world.
*INCLUSION: We respect each other and embrace our differences.
*TEAMWORK: We are stronger when we work together.
Who are the Mercury Mavericks?
This is a new team in the Maverick Robotics program. Our first team, the Mega Mavericks, were formed in 2017 for the Hydrodynamics Season. We are a team of home-educated students based in Northeast FLORIDA. They are the Northeast Florida 2020/21 Regional Champions, 2022/23 2nd place Regional Champions. To find out more about the team visit our website www.maverickrobotics.org.
What is required of a team member?
Each team member is required to attend all mandatory team meetings and if possible all extra meetings.
The mandatory team meetings will be
Tuesdays 9:00 am to 12:00 pm In-person meeting
Closer to Tournaments, extra meetings may be necessary.
The season begins officially September 5th and will run until the Qualifier Tournament in December. If the team qualifies then the season will continue until the mid of February.
Team members will be required to do research work outside team meetings. It is very easy to make the Research Project part of your home education program. The team utilizes the Band app which is available on devices and through web browsers to communicate. It is important that team members have access to this as communication outside team meetings has been so beneficial in the past. The Band Group is a private group that I moderate everything on. Parents are welcome to join as well.
The team will participate in one Practice Tournament on a Saturday in Oct/Nov. They will also attend a Qualifier event in Dec. These Tournaments are mandatory as this is the purpose of the competition.
If the team qualifies they will advance to the North East Florida Regionals on February 17th 2023. If they do well there, they may receive an invitation to the Florida State Tournament and/or a World Tournament which happens March & April 2023. FIRST also has Open International Invitationals that happen in May and June which if the team is successful they could receive an invite to.
Students are expected to work as a team and exhibit Core Values at all times.
Students and families are required to pay a registration fee of $350 per team member. This will cover expenses up to the Qualifier level.
If the team progresses to Regionals and beyond then additional fees may be required. To help keep costs low families agree to participate in fundraising activities.
Help fundraising is highly encouraged.
Membership in Edison Kids Inc is required for participation. Membership is $10 per year per family, which is included in your team registration. Contact Coach Lesley for more information @ lesley@edisonkidsinc.com. The terms and conditions of membership can be found here.
