January Update l Innovation Challenge – Jan. 9 launch l Judging Clarification l Team Engagement Option Selection Form – due by Jan. 15 l MDE State Grant l Program Info
JANUARY UPDATE
Happy New Year to all! As we know, many teams had the “pause” button pushed in November and are just now starting to re-engage the season. Others have just received the “go ahead” to even begin. FIRST in Michigan FTC will continue to adapt and evolve to meet our teams when and how they can play. I thank you all for your patience, perseverance, and especially your “Gumby-like” flexibility!
The FTC Innovation Challenge and FRC/FTC alliance (where applicable) options offer virtual engagement that still “checks the box” on the competition participation requirement for grants. It is recommended that teams tune in to the Jan. 9 FRC Kickoff broadcast to fully understand all available engagement options then decide what works for them.
To date, FIRST in Michigan has not received access to the FIRST Remote Event Hub. We are formulating a backup plan which we’ve been encouraged to do by HQ as the first few areas that have used the remote event hub experienced glitches. HQ is working through the issues and, hopefully, it will be smooth sailing when we do get access.
We are just now starting to receive the PPE and sanitization supplies needed to support our hub locations. Thank you to GM for providing 250,000 face masks and a mammoth drum of hand sanitizer in support of the FIRST in Michigan season! Once we have those items in place as well as the safety protocols, the hubs can start hosting teams. To visit a hub, teams will work with the hub host directly to schedule a timeslot. More info on that will be shared as we get our remote events online. Visit the HQ FTC Game and Season Info website page for resources on the remote event rollout.
FTC INNOVATION CHALLENGE ANNOUNCED JAN. 9
Tune in to FIRSTtv on Twitch this Saturday, January 9, at 12:00pm (noon) when the FTC Innovation Challenge details will be revealed as part of the traditional FRC kickoff event.
Post announcement, Innovation Challenge resources will be posted on the FTC Game & Season Materials page which will include the FIRST Innovation Challenge manual. The manual will include instructions on how to indicate a team’s participation in the challenge, rubrics and guidelines, and important dates and details for submissions and remote judging.
Through the FIRST GAME CHANGERS themed challenge, which can be done 100% virtually, participating teams will:
- Identify a problem or opportunity
- Design a solution to seize the opportunity or solve the problem.
- Actualize their innovation by creating a business model and developing a business pitch.
- Advance their skills by using technology in their solution development process and/or design.
Participating teams will also have exclusive access to the Innovation Challenge Content series featuring panels, Q&A sessions, and webinars featuring alumni and industry experts. Additionally, FIRST in Michigan will be offering sessions to help teams with developing and delivering their Innovation Challenge.
FTC and FRC teams will be participating in the same Innovation Challenge but will be judged separately.
EVENT JUDGING PARTICIPATION CLARIFICATION
Per FIRST FTC HQ: Teams that are not able to build or finish their physical robot can still participate in the judging portion of remote events.
A team does not need to have a physical robot in order to take part in the Judging part of the FIRST Tech Challenge program. This is not unlike what is allowed at a Traditional event. For example, if a robot does not pass hardware or software inspection, the team is still encouraged to participate in Judging Interviews and is eligible for consideration for Judged Awards.
- Team Attribute Awards (Motivate and Connect) do not require a physical robot.
- Machine, Creativity, and Innovation Awards (Design and Collins Aerospace Innovate) can be fairly judged through the design process, originality of concept, and aesthetics of the robot design submitted by the team.
- Think Award is based on the above, and the clear, concise documentation of the above.
- Inspire Award is based on all of the above.
- The most difficult Award to consider this season, for a team without a robot is the Control Award, sponsored by Arm. While it is possible to make a selection based upon a theoretical control feature, it will be difficult.
TEAM ENGAGEMENT OPTION SELECTION FORM – due by Jan. 15
Please fill out the form linked below by January 15 to indicate your team’s participation in the available 2020-21 FTC engagement options. The intent of this form is to assess participation levels and timing so that the requisite number of resources are in place when needed. For a description of engagement options across programs, visit the linked 2020-21 FIRST in Michigan Season Game Plans document.
Form link: Team Engagement Option Selection
Teams must participate in one engagement option to satisfy the competition requirement that accompanies most grants. Teams may participate in more than one option if desired. If needed, adjustments can be made to a team’s indicated engagement options via this form.
MDE GRANT UPDATE
The MDE has started process grant awards but they don’t expect to have final approval until at least the end of January. Just wanted everyone to be aware that we will not hear about district awards from the MDE Grant until the end of the month at the earliest.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Links to program information on the FIRST in Michigan (FiM) and FIRST HQ websites:
- Run a Team – BOOKMARK THIS PAGE! Addresses many FAQs
- Resources – Links to FIRST HQ resources, parts, and vendors, logos, etc.
- Grants – information will be updated as grants become available; check back periodically
- Events – FiM FTC event related information
- Team Eblast Archive
- FIRST FTC HQ Blog – latest program announcements
- FTC Curriculum – Free FIRST HQ developed curriculum; can be used as a stand-alone course or as a supplement to areas where the team needs extra support.
PROGRAM PARTICULARS
- Alignment: In Michigan, we run a slightly different progression of programs from FIRST national. In Michigan, FTC is a middle school only program with teams comprised solely of MI middle school aged/grade team members. Teams must be properly aligned in order to be eligible for FiM FTC grants and to participate in FIRST in Michigan FTC events.
- Team Size: FTC team size is capped at 15. Multiple teams out of a given school/organization are welcome and can be eligible for all grants. Please review grant requirements in the above linked doc.
- Team Eblasts. FIRST in Michigan FTC team eblasts (sent from michiganftc@gmail.com) are sent to the Team Administrator and Lead Coach 1 and 2 for each team. The eblast distribution list is pulled from the FIRST Team Registration System, per FIRST HQ protocol, so additional email addresses cannot be added to the FIRST in Michigan FTC eblast list. Coaches – please share team eblasts with your team members/families!
