Ask An Expert: Informational Calls for Teams, Mentors and Coaches
Every year, our FIRST Senior Mentors host informational calls for rookie and veteran teams, mentors and coaches. These are invaluable for those who are new to FIRST and also for those who need to brush up on their skills. Typically, these calls begin in late August and continue through February of the following year, and in the end, cover roughly 25 topics, cross-program.
Here are some sample calls from previous years:
- FLL: Coach 101-The Robot Game-Core Values-Judging
- FTC: Mentor 101-Samantha-Team Strategy
- FRC: Choosing a Competition-Chairman's Award-Robot Transporation List
Please review our call schedule below for the 2011-2012 season. There are still many calls available, and all of the call recordings are posted to our site within 1-2 days after the call.
For all calls dial: 1-866-951-1151, Conference room # 9533018
FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Call Schedule
Where do I start? Coach Orientation
Date: August 15, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Mary Johnson
Host: Nate Knauss, FSM, NJ/Philadelphia
Overview: Review the materials that every team receives – Coaches’ Handbook, Project DVD, FIRST Compilation DVD, Robot Set, Field Setup Kit, Field Building instructions. Ideas on how to start team building in the first weeks. Important dates should be reviewed (Challenge Release date, signing up for a Tournament). Field questions as time allows.
Coaching a Team
Date: August 20, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Mark Vanderlyn
Host: Sally Sylvester, FSM, VA
Overview: More detailed description of what to expect as a coach. How to structure the season. Diving into the Coaches’ Handbook. Description of the 3 parts of FLL – Robot Game, Project, and Core Values. Field questions as time allows.
Basic Programming: Tips, Skills and Resources
Date: September 5, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: LeRoy Nelson
Host: Keith Hall, FSM, IL/IN and Dana Henry, FSM, MA
Overview: High level overview of the software and system requirements to use the LEGO NXT robot set. Where to find resources available on the web. Field questions as time allows.
The Robot Game
Date: September 11, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Scott Evans
Host: Sally Sylvester, FSM, VA
Overview: Explanation of the field and mission models. What are the new/changed rules for the season? Tell callers where to find the rules, missions, and Field Setup instructions on the web. Field questions as time allows.
The Project
Date: September 17, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Margie Brown
Host: Lia Schwinghammer, FSM, NC
Overview: Description of how the Project fits into the theme. Emphasis on the importance of the Project and example of how teams took their Project to the next level. Explain the different steps of the Project and how teams should tackle them. List of resources (YouTube videos) on the web. Field questions as time allows.
Core Values/Teamwork
Date: September 20, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Kathy Levine
Host: Mary Roberts, FSM, GA and Mark Snodgrass, FSM, IN
Overview: Review of what the FLL Core Values are. How to emphasize these values with the team. What to expect at tournaments as far as Core Values. Core Values are just as important as the Project and Robot Game. Field questions as time allows.
Robot Design
Date: September 25, 2012 7 PM ET
Expert: LeRoy Nelson
Host: Mike Henry, FSM, TX & Ron Borden, FSM, NY
Overview: Covers robot building strategies and techniques, the Robot Design rubrics, and the Robot Design Executive Summary.
Judging: A Perspective for the Coach
Date: October 11, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Skip Gridley and Kathy Vachon
Host: Renee Becker, FSM MN, Sally Sylvester, FSM, VA
Overview: High level overview of the simplified judging process for this season. Review of the rubrics and where they can be found (on web). Field questions as time allows.
Judging: A Perspective for the Coach
Preparing for an FLL Event
Date: October 25, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Ernie DiCicco
Host: TBD
Overview: What to expect at an event. Making sure team is registered and has all appropriate information. What to bring to Judging. What does a typical tournament day look like. Field questions as time allows.
Preparing for an FLL Event Agenda
Transitioning from FLL to FTC
Date: November 8, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Andrew Schuetze
Host: Rachel Riquelme, FIRST Senior Mentor, KY and Mark Snodgrass, FIRST Senior Mentor, IN
Overview: What changes, what's different, what are some new challenges?
Agenda Transitioning from FLL to FTC
FLL Global Innovation
Date: November 12, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Cherie Prior, FIRST
Hosts: Sally Sylvester, FSM VA and Rachel Riquelme, FSM KY
See also: FLL Coach Recordings
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Call Schedule
FTC Mentor 101
Date: September 10, 2012 9 P.M. ET
Expert: Jill Wilker
Overview: Discussion on how to register a team, season timeline, recruiting mentors and organizing teams.
Teams in Transition from FTC to FRC
Date: September 12, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Joe Passofaro, FIRST Tech Challenge Partner, MN
Host: Javier Saenz, FIRST Senior Mentor, TX
Overview: FTC affiliate partner Joe Passofaro and Senior Mentor Javier Saenz discuss the finer points of moving from FTC to FRC.
Build Strategy
Date: September 18, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Experts: Ron Howard and Ron Pittwood
Host: Javier Saenz, FIRST Senior Mentor, TX and Mike Henry, FIRST Senior Mentor, TX
Overview: Why does my team need a strategy before we build?
FTC/FRC Scholarship Call
Date: Wednesday, October 3, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Nancy Rosenberg: FIRST Scholarship Manager
Host: Mike Henry, FIRST Senior Mentor, TX, & Javier Saenz, FIRST Senior Mentor, TX
Overview: Be prepared for your next move and arm yourself with valuable information on FIRST Scholarship Opportunities.
Samantha
Date: October 18, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Dave Hackett and John Toebeus
Host: TBD
Overview: Field Control updates.
Software Basics
Date: October 23, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Mike Nicolai
Host: Mike Henry, FIRST Senior Mentor, TX and Rachel Riquelme, FIRST Senior Mentor, KY
Overview: Dial in for this call covering the basics of making sure the programming on your FTC Robot is ready for competition and inspection.
Team Strategy at Events
Date: November 1, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Ron Howard and Ron Pittwood
Host: Henry Graham, FIRST Senior Mentor, MO
Overview: Success at FTC events requires strategy, and not just inside the competition field. Call in to learn some of the complexities of FTC event strategy.
FTC Team Strategy at Events Agenda
Transitioning from FLL to FTC
Date: November 8, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Andrew Schuetze
Host: Rachel Riquelme, FIRST Senior Mentor, KY and Mark Snodgrass, FIRST Senior Mentor, IN
Overview: What changes, what's different, what are some new challenges?
Agenda Transitioning from FLL to FTC
See also: FTC Call Recordings
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Call Schedule
Choosing an FRC Competition
Date: September 5, 2012 5 P.M. ET
Expert: Kathie Kentfiled, FSM, CT
Host: Steve Cremer, FIRST Regional Director, NH
Overview: Tips and suggestions for succcessful travel; resources for Rookie teams; what to expect at an event.
Teams in Transition from FTC to FRC
Date: September 12, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Joe Passofaro, FIRST Tech Challenge Partner, MN
Host: Javier Saenz, FIRST Senior Mentor, TX
Overview: FTC affiliate partner Joe Passofaro and Senior Mentor Javier Saenz discuss the finer points of moving from FTC to FRC.
FRC Team Mentor Orientation 101
Date: Wednesday, September 19, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Mike Siegel, FIRST Senior Mentor, NY, and Mike Henry, FIRST Senior Mentor, TX
Host: Mike Siegel, FIRST Senior Mentor, NY, and Mike Henry, FIRST Senior Mentor, TX
Overview: Team Organization, student recruitment, mentor recruitment, organizing your Team, teambuilding strategies, and registration information.
FRC Team Mentor Orientation 101
FRC Scholarship Call
Date: Wednesday, October 3, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Nancy Rosenberg: FIRST Scholarship Manager
Host: Mike Henry, FIRST Senior Mentor, TX, & Javier Saenz, FIRST Senior Mentor, TX
Overview: Be prepared for your next move and arm yourself with valuable information on FIRST Scholarship Opportunities.
Community Outreach for FIRST Programs (NEW!)
Date: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Steve Cremer, FIRST Regional Director, NH (FRC), Kathleen Levine, Jr. FIRST Lego League, Kim Wierman, FIRST Lego League Program Manager
Host: Don Brobst, FIRST Senior Mentor, D.C.
Overview: A discussion on how mentors can outreach to the community to promote the programs and how being involved with Jr. FLL, FLL and FRC will benefit students.
Community Outreach for FIRST Programs Agenda
FRC Quick Build Sessions at Kickoff (NEW!)
Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Collin Fultz, FRC Kit of Parts Engineer, FIRST
Host: Lia Schwinghammer, FIRST Senior Mentor, NC
Overview: Why your team should attend a Kickoff that offers a Quick Build session and what it’s all about.
FRC Quick Build Session at Kickoff Agenda
What Makes a FRC Team a Success?
Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Steve Cremer, FIRST Regional Director, NH
Host: Renee Becker, FIRST Senior Mentor, MN & Clinton Barnes, FIRST Senior Mentor, NV
Overview: A perspective from teams who have achieved great success in several different areas; tips; and best-practices.
What Makes A FRC Team a Success Agenda
Technical Assistance and FRC (NEW!)
Date: Wednesday, November 7, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: TBD
Host: Clinton Barnes, FIRST Senior Mentor, NV & Nate Knauss, FIRST Senior Mentor, NJ/Philadelphia
Overview: Where to find technical information during the season (i.e. technical documentation; the rules and how they’re structured; blog; website; competition manual; Team Email blasts etc.)
Control System/Driver’s Station & Beta Test Observations for FRC Teams
Date: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Kevin O'Connor, FRC Engineer, FIRST
Host: Keith Hall, FIRST Senior Mentor, IN
Overview: Description of the control system and driver’s station and discussion on the Beta-Test.
Agenda Control System/Driver's Station
The FRC Foundational Program
Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Joe Passofaro (FTC)
Host: Renee Becker, FIRST Senior Mentor, MN
Overview: Joe will discuss his team and how he ensures participation in the progression of programs (FLL, FTC, & FRC) that FIRST offers.
FRC Robot Transportation
Date: Wednesday, December 5th, 2012 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Carla Proulx, FRC Logistics Manager
Host: Teri Benart, FIRST Senior Mentor, CA
Overview: What Bag & Tag means for Teams and shipping exemptions under the FedEx grant.
Getting Ready for Your FRC Competition
Date: Wednesday, February 6, 2013 7 P.M. ET
Expert: Michael Klanica, PA, FIRST Senior Mentor
Host:Ron Borden, FIRST Senior Mentor, NY
Overview: Helpful tips for Rookie teams to prepare for their first event and tips for veteran teams.
See also: FRC Call Recordings
