Archives - Page 8 of 13 - Hawai‘i FIRST Robotics

REGISTRATION OPEN for Hawaii FLL Explore Festival

October 7, 2022October 7, 2022 Aaron

Aloha FLL Explore Coaches!

Registration is open now for the 2022 FLL Explore State Festival on Saturday, December 3, 2022** at the NBC Exhibition Hall. Please use this 2022 Explore Festival Registration link to register each of your teams by October 21, 2022.

For our veteran coaches, this will be the same fun celebration as the FLL Jr. Expo of past years. For our new coaches, detailed event information will be sent a couple weeks before the festival, and here is some basic information to help you plan.

7:30 am Early Check-in Begins

(Two YPP coaches / mentors will be allowed to enter the Exhibition Hall with their teams; other parents enter with the public at 9 am)

8 am Reviewing Sessions Begin

(Each team will have a chance to present what they learned this season to volunteer “reviewers” in a safe non-competitive environment. Multiple teams enter the Pikake Ballroom at assigned times)

8 – 9 am Teams continue to set up, share with other teams, and join in planned activities

9 – 11 am Exhibition Hall opens to the public, including other robotics demonstrations and exhibits

(Teams showcase their models and posters in the Exhibition Hall and share what they’ve learned with friends, family, and the public)

(Possible guided “tours” for Explore teams by older FIRST student mentors and visits to the team pits for 2022 FLL Challenge State Championship)

11 am Reviewing Sessions and Festival Showcase End

Approx. 11 – 11:30 am

FLL Explore Parade and Hi-Fives Line (in front of the main stage before the FLL Challenge Opening Ceremony)

Team Recognition and FLL Explore Closing Ceremony (in the Pikake Ballroom, family, and friends welcome)

Approx. 11:30 – 12 noon Festival ends

(Explore teams are invited to stay for the FLL Challenge robot matches and State Championship)

We hope you all join us to celebrate your team’s accomplishments with other teams from across the State. There is no fee to participate in this season’s Hawaii Festival. It will be a day for your FLL Explore teams to celebrate and display the results of their hard work and amazing efforts.

Thank you for all your time and dedication in making this season an amazing experience for your teams!

Sheree Herrera and Heidi Okikawa

FLL Explore Program Delivery Partners

Hawai‘i FIRST Robotics,

a 501c3 non-profit organization

The FLL Challenge Season is on its way!

October 6, 2022October 6, 2022 Luana

HFR is gearing up for an exciting FLL Challenge season with the following district tournament qualifying events:

November 5
- Kalakaua Middle School
- Kealakehe High School (Big Island Only)
- Mililani Middle School
November 11
- Kalani High School
- Le Jardin Academy

We are currently in the process of assigning teams who have completed their National FIRST registration to district tournaments.

Teams who fully compete at a district tournaments will be invited to the state tournament on December 3rd, at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition hall on Oahu. Spectators will be welcome to come see the robot matches. Stay tuned for more detailed information.

Hawai`i FRC Regional – Week 4 (22-25 March 2023)

September 30, 2022September 30, 2022 Aaron

FRC Teams – we have firmed up the Regional schedule and are locked in for Week 4!

Mark your calendars for 22-25 March 2023! More to follow….

Webinar: Modular Robot Design optimized for shipping

Since already-expensive robot shipping costs have only gotten higher, I wanted to offer an opportunity to learn more about how to build a modular robot that can be disassembled for shipment as excess airline baggage. There is a very experienced team out of San Diego (1622) who attended our regional a few years ago and has offered to host a webinar on modular robot design. Please let me know if you are interested, and I’ll set something up!

Thanks to those of you that have already responded. I’ll share a date for that when it’s scheduled.

Aloha,

MICHAEL COLLAT

Hawai`i FRC Regional Director

Email: hifrcrd@gmail.com

new Volunteer guide

September 28, 2022October 20, 2022 Aaron

Aloha new and returning volunteers!

The PowerPlay season is now officially open for teams to plan, build and test with league events beginning on October 29th. We invite you to join in the excitement of participating in one, two, or all the events this season! If you’re new to FIRST, no worries. Many roles require no training or preparation. For those roles that do require training (marked with asterisk * below) we provide the necessary in-person or online instruction. Finally, you may select which event(s) you wish to participate in.

WHAT VOLUNTEER ROLES ARE NEEDED?

Full descriptions may be found HERE.)

Team Check-In & Safety Glass Monitor
Queuer – remind teams when to line up for their upcoming match
Field Resetter – resets the arena between matches
Emcee/Game Announcer – are you outgoing? This may be for you!
Video Monitor/Helper – requires experience with consumer AV equipment
Float – substitutes for volunteers on break
AV Support/Set-up – requires experience with consumer AV equipment
*Robot Inspectors – requires experience with FTC robot hardware and software, plus 1 hour online training.
*Field Tech Advisor – requires 1 hour online training
*Referee/Scorekeeper – requires 2 hour training, online or in-person
*Head Scorekeeper – 1 hour online training
*Field Manager – 1 hour online training
*Judges – Judges Interview teams (via Zoom) for awards. Judges also attend League Tournament and Championship.
*Dean’s List Interviewers – Interviews Dean’s Award nominees (via Zoom) during week of Dec 3 – 10. Usually 2-4 hours.

Season Calendar of Events

Six League Meets, 3-4 hours each. Set-up 1 hour prior to start time.

10/29 Saturday, Iolani School @ 1:00 pm
11/05 Saturday, Island School, Lihue @ 11:00 am
11/12 Saturday, Kalani High School @ 8:30 am
11/19 Saturday, LeJardin Academy @ 8:30 am
11/20 Sunday, Kukui Grove Shopping Center, Lihue @ 10:00 am
11/26 Saturday, Mililani High School @ 8:30 am

League Tournament Dec. 10, 2022

12/10 Saturday @ LeJardin Academy, 8:00am – 4:00pm. This is a qualifying event. Sixteen of the top scoring teams will advance to the Championship.

Hawai’i Championship, Jan. 14, 2023 (venue TBD)

The Hawai’i Championship will take place on Saturday, January 14, 2023.

How to Register as a Volunteer.

If you already have a FIRST account, log into your FIRST Dashboard HERE. After logging in, click on the “Volunteer Registration” tab at the top of the Dashboard.

If you are brand new to FIRST, follow these instructions:

1. Create an account in the FIRST Dashboard by following THIS LINK.

2. Once you are at your Dashboard, select the Volunteer Registration tab & choose ‘Volunteer at an Event’.

3. Filter events by location/program: Location = Hawaii, Program = FTC. Then, select an event where you can help. If you’re not sure which event to choose, select all league meets and we’ll coordinate with you later.

4. Choose up to five roles and apply.

5. Complete the required youth protection background screening (US & Canada).

You will receive an email from your local event coordinator when you are assigned to a volunteer role.

If you have any problems, email us at ftc@hawaiifirstrobotics.org.

For the latest FTC updates and information, visit the Hawai’i FTC Blog often.

If you are new to Hawai’i FIRST Robotics, we look forward to meeting you. We love making new friends, reconnecting with veteran volunteers, and promoting STEM education for Hawai’i keiki.

All questions are welcome.

Aloha,

Aaron, Blake and Jenny (ftc@hawaiifirstrobotics.org)

FTC League Selection, New Event Dates!

September 17, 2022October 1, 2022 Aaron

Aloha FTC Coaches,

We have three important topics for you today. Please carefully read each one and mark the changes on your calendar.

League Meet Selection Process
League Tournament on Dec. 10, 2022
Hawai’i Championship: moved to Jan 14, 2023

League Selection Process

Click HERE to open the League Selection Form and select your preferred League Events. Teams are asked to provide ONE volunteer to assist at League Meets. You will need to enter your volunteers’ contact information on this form.

2022-23 League Meet Calendar

League Meet Calendar
1. 10/29 Iolani School @ 1:00pm
2. 11/05 Island School, Lihue, Kauai @ 11:00am
3. 11/12 Kalani High School @ 8:30am
4. 11/19 Le Jardin Academy @ 8:30am
5. 11/20 Kukui Grove, Lihue, Kauai @ 10:00am
6. 11/26 Mililani High School @ 8:30am

League Tournament on Dec. 10, 2022 @ Le Jardin Academy.

The League Tournament is a regional qualifying event. Sixteen of the top scoring teams will advance to the Championship.

Hawai’i Championship has moved to Jan 14, 2023

The Hawai’i Championship is rescheduled to take place on Saturday, January 14, 2023. The venue will be published once it is confirmed.

Stay Up to Date by checking the Hawai’i FIRST Tech Challenge Blog <https://hawaiifirstrobotics.org/first-tech-challenge>

Questions? Email ftc@hawaiifirstrobotics.org

We wish your team all the best this season!

Aaron, Blake & Jenny

your Hawai’i FTC Partners

PowerPlay Kickoff Review

September 12, 2022September 14, 2022 Aaron

Aloha Teams! We hope the Kickoff presentation and PowerPlay Game Reveal inspired you to meet the challenges of the new season. If you missed the in-person kickoff, no worries. The entire presentation (slideshow) with all available season details is posted on the Hawai’i FTC homepage.

League Event Selection Update

Coaches should be on the lookout for the Event Selection Form which is used to select your team’s preferred League Meet dates. The form will arrive via email in coming days, as soon as event venues are confirmed.

Kickoff Door Prize Winners!

Congratulations FTC Teams 20423 and 17063. Each took home a GoBuilda Strafer Chassis Kit. Mahalo to GoBuilda!

Click the pic to purchase a GoBuilda kit for $150. Only 150 are available at this super low price.

Congratulations also to Teams 6962 and 9378. These teams won a new Chromebook Laptop, courtesy of Assets Robotics (Assets School, Honolulu).

Kickoff Sweepstakes ends Sept 15!

Last Chance for teams to register for the Kickoff Sweepstakes

Four winners will receive a 2022-2023 POWERPLAY partial game set and scoring elements, a total approximate retail value of $290.00.

All teams need to do to enter is complete their 2022-2023 FIRST^® Tech Challenge team season registration before September 15, 2022, at 12pm ET for a chance to win the Kickoff Sweepstakes.

If a team has already completed their FIRST Tech Challenge season registration for this season, they are already entered into the sweepstakes. Thanks for helping us spread the word!

FLL 2022-23 Season Kickoff Sept 10

September 3, 2022September 3, 2022 Aaron

Calling all Hawaii FLL Teams!

RSVP today to attend the 2022 Hawaii FLL State Kick-Off in person. Each team may register up to 5 persons (coaches included). Space is limited to the first 200 attendees.

Click here to reserve your spots: 2022 Hawaii FLL Kick Off RSVP

Hawai’i State FIRST LEGO League Kick-Off

Saturday, September 10, 2022

‘Iolani School (*map below)

9:00 AM – 11:30 AM. (check-in begins at 8:30 AM)

*masks required on campus*

Keynote speaker Scott Glenn, Chief Energy Officer for the State of Hawai’i

Scott leads the Hawai’i State Energy Office (HSEO) in its mission to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation to help achieve a resilient, clean energy, decarbonized economy.

2022/23 Robot Game Presentation & Q&A

with Head Referee Derrick Shiroma

Special Meet-the-Expert Rooms (In Person Only)

Get a jump start on all your team’s Superpowered research and meet local experts from –

Hawaiian Electric

HSEO

Maui Economic Development Board

Efficient Transportation Coalition

Booz Allen

Holu Hou Energy

Hawaii Energy

SunTrac / Carrier Hawaii

FTC Kickoff Sept. 10 2022

August 27, 2022September 14, 2022 Aaron

2022-2023 Hawai’i FIRST Tech Challenge Kickoff sponsored by Hitachi Hawai’i.

WHEN: Saturday, Sept 10, 2022

TIME: 1:00PM TO 4:00PM
WHERE: ‘Iolani School, Seto Hall

RSVP to reserve seats for your team.

Aloha FTC Students, Coaches, Mentors and Volunteers!

Hawai’i FIRST Robotics is thrilled to present the new FIRST Tech Challenge season, “PowerPlay”
After several years of social distancing and remote events, we are finally able to meet in-person for the upcoming FTC Kickoff and season competitions. We can’t wait to see you all again. Please join us September 10 at ‘Iolani School for the launching this exciting new season. We promise many interesting new challenges as you design, build, and code your way to success.

What to expect at the Kickoff:

Door Prizes: 2 lucky teams will win a GoBuilda Strafer Chassis Kit ($499 value)
inspect the new competition field set up close
learn about new hardware & software options
new grant and funding opportunities for your team
get help registering your team members and their parents with FIRST
meet & greet other teams and coaches
get answers to all your questions

*Parking is limited. Drop off students at Kamoku St. drive through.

Have questions? Email FTC@hawaiifirstrobotics.org

new “power_play” season!

August 19, 2022August 19, 2022 Aaron

FIRST^® Tech Challenge Rookie Grant

News for Teams – August 2022

FIRST^® Tech Challenge Rookie Grant
FTC SIM Argosy Rookie Team Grant and Tool
Kickoff is Coming!
FIRST^®Equity and Access Grant Application Now Open

FIRST^® Tech Challenge is offering Rookie Grants to brand new teams! Tell your friends, classmates, or neighbors that are interested in starting a FIRST Tech Challenge team about our Rookie Grants!

FTC SIM Argosy Rookie Team Grant and Tool

FTC SIM is a virtual coding tool that allows users to code and run a virtual FIRSTTech Challenge robot autonomously for free! Users can learn everything from basic movement to how to use sensors by completing a series of puzzles using Blocks or Java. Learn more about this new tool on our blog.

The Argosy foundation is empowering FTC SIM users to take their virtual robotics experience to the next level by providing 140 x $1000 USD grants towards starting a competitive FIRST Tech Challenge Team in North America. The grant will cover the team’s registration fee and can be used towards products in the storefront. Users are challenged to collect the lightning bolts in the 15 puzzles marked with one. Once collected, the user will get a grant code that can be used to apply for this grant. Information on how to qualify and the application process is available at this link.

Kickoff is Coming!

We can’t wait for the POWERPLAY^SM presented by Raytheon Technologies season Kickoff! Save the date for Saturday, September 10, 2022. Make sure to reach out to your local program delivery partner to find a kickoff event near you!

FIRST^®Equity and Access Grant Application Now Open

FIRST^® is excited to announce a funding opportunity available to US-based FIRST Tech Challenge teams participating in the 2022-2023 season! Awarded teams will receive a grant to support their designated project, which should be focused on increasing participation of female and/or underrepresented populations in STEM. Preference will be given to projects that are presenting FIRST programs. For U.S.-based FIRST Tech Challenge teams, the grant funds will be restricted to use on any registration fees for the team (and product). Grants are available for between $1,000 and $5,000 each. Apply Here.