ONLY 16 DAYS UNTIL THE 2020 KICKOFF!!!!!

KICKOFF IS COMING - IT'S TIME TO PLAY!!!

Arizona Kickoff - September 12, 2020

Get ready for the 2020/2021 Game ULTIMATE GOAL! Kickoff may look a little different this year, but we're still ready to celebrate the start of another amazing season of FIRST Tech Challenge in Arizona with you! 

PLEASE READ ALL THE INFORMATION BELOW, then... 

PLEASE COMPLETE THE KICKOFF REGISTRATION FORM HERE

IMPORTANT: Please only fill out this form once per team. This form MUST be completed to receive a 2020 game piece. 

WORKSHOPS:

We have an incredible lineup of workshops for your offered by teams and members of the Arizona Planning Committee. These workshops will be prerecorded and made available to teams via the Blog and on the CocoNuts YouTube channel. The tentative list includes: 

• Season Information - Dave and Christine
• Mechanical Design
• Safety - traditional and remote formats
• Judging
• Dean's List
• Fundraising
• ULTIMATE GOAL Game Essentials
• Communication Dynamics 
• Sensors
• Engineering Design Process
• Imagery and Branding for FIRST Teams
• How to Run your Team Remotely
• Control System 101
• Why Doesn't My Robot Work?!?
• Season Updates for 2020 Control System
• GitHub Jiu-Jitsu: Mastering the Art of the Push
• Advocate for FIRST 
• How to Pre-Inspect your Robot

In additon to the prerecorded content, we will offer a handful of LIVE Q&A sessions via Zoom. The schedule will be announced prior to Kickoff, and sessions will include: 

• Arizona Coaches & Mentors - Meet & Greet & Q&A - with Dave & Christine
• Control System Q&A - with Zach, Lexxi, and CocoNuts
• ULTIMATE GOAL Field Tour - with Head Refs Rich and Robert

MEET THE FIELD FOR THE FIRST TIME:

One of the best parts of Kickoff is getting to see, touch and experience the field in person. This year we will be setting up the ULTIMATE GOAL field at various locations statewide. Teams can sign up for a time and location to bring a small group from your team to see the field and pick up your game element (1 per team, purchased by the CocoNuts with love :). If your team is unable to travel to a field location, please indicate that on the survey along with a good address for us to mail your game element to. We will be following recommended guidelines for safety, including: 

• Masks are required for all mentors and students coming to see the field
• Teams may bring no more than 10 people total (students and mentors)
• Social distancing must be observed
• Please help us disinfect the field between groups!

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

• 8:30 AM: AZ Season Information with Dave and Christine 
• 9:00 AM: Official ULTIMATE GOAL Kickoff - video provided by FIRST
• 10:00 AM: Q&A Sessions begin & Pre-recorded workshops available
• 11:00AM: Locations open to see the field

FIELD LOCATIONS:

Tucson - San Miguel High School

Chandler - Valley Christian High School

Flagstaff - Coconino High School

Phoenix - Cactus High School

CAN'T WAIT FOR KICKOFF???

PLEASE COMPLETE THE KICKOFF REGISTRATION FORM

IMPORTANT: Please only fill out this form once per team. This form MUST be completed to receive a 2020 game piece. 

Arconic Grants - Deadline is September 4!

We’re excited to announce the 2020-21 Arconic Foundation FIRST^® Tech Challenge team grant program. This $1,000 grant is available to rookie and veteran FIRST Tech Challenge teams in key Arconic operations locations within a 50-mile radius of CHANDLER, AZ!

  

The Arconic Foundation FIRST Tech Challenge team grant does not require an Arconic employee mentor/coach. The grant application will close Friday, September 4, 2020. DON'T WAIT - APPLY NOW!

Register your Team - Enter the Kickoff Sweepstakes

Register your team by Septebmer 10 for your chance to be entered into the FIRST Tech Challenge Kickoff Sweepstakes! Four winning teams will receive a 2020-2021 ULTIMATE GOAL partial game set and scoring elements! 

ULTIMATE GOAL Season Information

ULTIMATE GOAL & REMOTE EVENTS
This week, FIRST released a lot of important information about the upcoming season. Please read the following information carefully as you prepare to return to school and make plans for your team. 

Please help us plan the season by completing this survey.

We know a lot of your schools are asking questions about what FTC will look like this season. Please use these resources, and the letter from Dave and Christine, to help facilitate that conversation. As always, we are committed to providing a high-quality program that inspires youth, while maintaining safety in these challenging times. 

Letter from Dave and Christine about Arizona FIRST Tech Challenge 

Game Manual Part 1
Game Manual Part 1 - Remote Events
Remote Events FAQ
Field Purchasing Information
Coach's Playbook - 12 week timeline for managing your team from the robot to Dean's List

ROOKIE GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE

REV ROBOTICS TEAM SUPPORT

Ken Johnson, Director of FIRST Tech Challenge, describes the Remote event format:

KICKOFF- September 12!

We look forward to Kickoff every year, and we know you love coming together with us to celebrate the start of a new season. While we can't have everyone under the same roof this year, we are planning a Kickoff event that will provide teams with valuable information, workshops, and the opportunity to see the field in person while still maintaining social-distancing requirements. The key elements of this year's Kickoff will be: 

• Pre-recorded workshops provided by our Planning Committee and teams
• Live Q & A sessions with the Partners, Head Referees, Lead Judge Advisors, and FTAs via video chat
• AND...4 statewide locations for teams to come and see the new field in person! Teams will also each receive one game element for the new season, courtesy of the CocoNuts! 

Whether your team can gather together in person, or has to be together while apart, Kickoff will be an exciting learning experience for all! Stay tuned for the schedule, the list of workshops, locations to see the field, and how to sign up for your field-viewing time slot. 

Leveraging FIRST^® to Boost Your Career

Companies seek FIRST talent! It’s more important than ever to know how to leverage your FIRST experience in the workforce.

Join us on July 28 at 4 p.m. Eastern Time for an interactive discussion, featuring key FIRST Supporters BAE Systems, BOSCH, and Rockwell Automation, on turning your FIRST skills into career success. Whether you’re in school, searching for your first job, or have years of experience under your belt, learn about the recruiting priorities at top companies, as well as guidance to best leverage your FIRST skills. Register today!

Professional Development Opportunities for FTC

Professional Development Opportunities for FIRST Tech Challenge Coaches

We have several opportunities for you to learn and earn professional development hours coming up. 

Northern Arizona University:
Wednesday, July 29, 3PM - FIRST in Class & FIRST @ Home: Find out more about the Class Pack option for schools, which offers in-class learning through FIRST, available for grades PreK - 12. Learn more about the resources on the FIRST @ Home page to offer to students learning at home. 

Wednesday, July 29, 4:30 PM - Arizona Robotics Listening Session: We want to hear from you - what's worked connecting with your students, what is the current state of your school or district, what can we do to support you this season. 

For more information, see the flyer. To Register, click here. Sessions are free, and PD certificates are available from NAU by request. 

University of Iowa:
Offered virtually through the University of Iowa (the program delivery organization for FTC in Iowa), this series of workshops is available to all North America coaches and mentors, and will be offered all five Saturdays in August. Two times will be offered for each workshop: 8:00AM - 12:45PM  OR 1:30PM - 5:00 PM (all times are Central time, 2 hours ahead of Arizona)

August 1: New/Rookie Coaches (ideal for those who received Jump Start grants or coaches who still feel like rookies!)
August 8: Judging and the Engineering Notebook
August 15: Fundraising and Outreach
August 22: Building and Programming Resources
August 29: The Other Stuff

For more information or to register, visit their website. 


Team Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge teams for the 2020/2021 season! Go to www.firstinspires.org and log in to your dashboard to register your team for next season. 


Class Packs
New this season, FIRST is offering in-classroom options for FIRST Lego League (grades PreK-8) and FIRST Tech Challenge (grades 7-12). Class packs include materials for students and teachers, curriculum resources, and what you need to run an in-school event. Visit the FIRST educator resources page to find out about all that FIRST offers for schools, including professional development opportunities. The school formats are great options for schools wanting to incorporate STEM education into the regular school day, or schools that may not be able to offer after-school activities or field trips this year due to continuing restrictions because of COVID-19. 

SAVE THE DATE! ARIZONA FIRST TECH CHALLENGE KICKOFF IS SEPTEMBER 12!!!

Register Now for ULTIMATE GOAL!!!

A MESSAGE FROM DAVE AND CHRISTINE ABOUT THE NEW SEASON:

Happy Summer to everyone! We know this continues to be a time of uncertainty and unpredictability for us all, especially as we begin to look to reopening schools and resuming activities across Arizona. Please know that our commitment to providing a high quality experience in FIRST Tech Challenge continues to be unwavering, and that the safety of all our teams, coaches, mentors, and volunteers is our top priority. 

While we are still waiting for additional guidance from FIRST about what remote events will look like, please know that we committed to offering the opportunity for teams to participate no matter what reopening phase your school is in, be it full virtual or "business as usual." There WILL be FIRST Tech Challenge in Arizona this year!!!!

Please remember that we are here for you and your teams, along with the rest of our Arizona Planning Committee. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with questions. While we don't have all the answers yet (just like everything right now!) we will communicate to you as soon as we have information to share. Please read the message from FIRST that was sent to teams recently about events this season, check out the teaser for ULTIMATE GOAL and the other information below, and know we continue to be your biggest fans! GO TEAMS!!!

From the June 18 FIRST Tech Challenge Team Blast:

"The 2020 - 2021 season presents some unique challenges with social distancing rules likely to still be in effect in many areas. As a result, regions around the world will have the option to hold Traditional FIRST Tech Challenge events or Remote events depending on the conditions in their area. 

Remote events allow teams to compete independently using half-sized fields and no alliance partner or opposing alliance to respect social distancing. These events also include remote judging across the same awards as Traditional events. 

Remote events will allow for transition to Traditional events as social distancing restrictions are relaxed. Both formats can also be followed throughout the season with advancement all the way to FIRST^® Championship. 

FIRST^® Program Delivery Partners (PDP) run local and regional events which may include physical, remote, or a combination of physical and remote elements.  Your PDP may charge an additional fee to participate in their events, and those fees are set and collected by the PDP. Team Registration does not guarantee that events are available in your area.  If you cannot locate an event in our system, please contact your local program delivery partner."

ULTIMATE GOAL - FIRST Tech Challenge 2020/2021 Season Teaser!
Get excited about the upcoming FIRST Season by checking out the Game Changers theme reveal and the FIRST Tech Challenge Teaser for this year's game "ULTIMATE GOAL!" Mark your calendars for the 2020/2021 Season Kickoff September 12! Check out the information on the new season here!

Team Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge teams for the 2020/2021 season! Go to www.firstinspires.org and log in to your dashboard to register your team for next season. 

Class Packs
New this season, FIRST is offering in-classroom options for FIRST Lego League (grades PreK-8) and FIRST Tech Challenge (grades 7-12). Class packs include materials for students and teachers, curriculum resources, and what you need to run an in-school event. Visit the FIRST educator resources page to find out about all that FIRST offers for schools, including professional development opportunities. The school formats are great options for schools wanting to incorporate STEM education into the regular school day, or schools that may not be able to offer after-school activities or field trips this year due to continuing restrictions because of COVID-19. 

2020 Arizona FIRST Tech Challenge Recap Video
Congrats to all the teams who competed in this year's FIRST Rise Season! The CocoNuts created this short recap video of the 2019/2020 Arizona FIRST Tech Challenge season to celebrate YOU - we hope you enjoy it! 

Congrats to the Class of 2020!
Congrats to all our 2020 graduating seniors! We know this isn't the end to your high school career you were expecting, but we're so proud of everything you've accomplished. Congrats to these seniors and to all our seniors on every FIRST team in Arizona and beyond! Good luck to you all in all your new endeavors. 

AndyMark's Robot Relief Program
Is your team struggling financially due to COVID-19? AndyMark is offering $500 gift certificates to FIRST Tech Challenge teams that need financial help to compete this year due to loss of funding. Donations can also be made to the Robot Relief fund to help support teams in need. See the Robot Relief page for details on the program, to donate to the fund, or to apply for funding. 

FIRST Lego League Global Innovation Award
The amazing accomplishments of these young innovators was celebrated at the Global Innovation Award show on June 27. What a great way to share what FIRST is all about with potential students, schools, sponsors, or volunteers interested in getting involved! Congrats also to team Fidgety Pokemon from Arizona on being a finalist for the Global Innovation Award! Check it out here!

Celebrate the Class of 2020!

Celebrate the Class of 2020!

Help us celebrate the graduating seniors of 2020! Arizona Teams - upload your pics of your seniors to this folder by Tuesday May 19. We're creating a video to celebrate the AZ FTC Class of 2020. 

Join FIRST Signing Day! Fashioned after athletes signing on to play sports for a college, FIRST Signing Day allows seniors to declare to the world where they will be attending college! FIRST Seniors from all over will be celebrated on May 20 in a FIRST broadcast. Check it out!  

Arizona FIRST Teams Honored at Virtual Showcase!

Congratulations to all the Arizona FIRST Teams who were honored last week at the FIRST Virtual Showcase and FIRST Robotics Competition Award Shows!

FIRST Lego League - Global Innovation Award Semifinalist

The Fidgety Pokemon - Phoenix, Arizona (Project = The Dust Collar)

FIRST Tech Challenge - Dean's List Winner

Brianna Williams - Team 11529, Navajo Code Writers (St. Michael's, AZ)

FIRST Robotics Competition Regional Chairman's Award

Team 498 - Cobra Commanders, Glendale, AZ (San Diego Regional)

Team 2486 - CocoNuts, Flagstaff, AZ (Las Vegas Regional)

Team 4146 - Sabercats, Scottsdale, AZ (AZ West Regional)
Team 6352 - Launch Team, Surprise, AZ (AZ North Regional)

Arizona FIRST Robotics Competition - Regional Volunteers of the Year

Dan Kipp (posthumously) - Arizona North Regional

Damon Dunsmore - Arizona West Regional

FIRST Robotics Competition Woodie Flowers Finalist Award

Adam Shroyer - Team 498, Cobra Commanders, Glendale, AZ (AZ West)

FIRST Robotics Competition Dean's List Finalists

Christine Ardavin - Team 2403, Plasma Robotics, Mesa, AZ (AZ West)

Martin Gioannetti - Team 4183, Bit Buckets, Tucson, AZ (AZ West)

Noah Temprendola - Team 2486, CocoNuts, Flagstaff, AZ (AZ North)

Special Arizona FIRST Robotics Competition Regional Awards

Teacher of the Year

Jeremy Knutson - Team 2403, Plasma (Mesa, AZ)

Susan Lindberg - Team 4146, Sabercats (Scottsdale, AZ)

Steve Sanghi Scholarship

Brad Pollock - Team 5059, Midnight Cicadas (Globe, AZ)

Travis Zhang - Team 698, Hamilton Microbots (Chandler, AZ)

FIRST FOUNDER'S AWARD

This year FIRST Founder Dean Kamen gave the Founders Award to ALL members of the FIRST Community, in recognition of your continuing dedication to each other, your communities, and Gracious Professionalism, even though the season didn't end the way we planned. Teams and individuals can download a special certificate here. Congrats on being a FORCE FOR CHANGE!

FIRST AWARD BROADCASTS

The FIRST Virtual Showcase can be seen here. 

The FIRST Robotics Competition Award Show can be viewed here.

AZ North Awards: 2 hr 21 min; AZ West Awards: 2 hr 47 min; San Diego: 2 hr 26 min; Las Vegas: 2 hr 35 min

FREE ROBOTICS WEBINARS

We are collaborating with NAU's Center for Science Teaching and Learning to offer FREE Robotics Webinars. Please see the descriptions and times, and sign up for any you're interested in attending. Please broadcast information on to schools and youth organizations that you think may be interested in starting new teams. Each webinar will be offered twice to allow for different schedules, and attendees can request PD certificates from NAU for their attendance. A flyer with all the webinars can be downloaded here. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Engage K12 in coding during COVID and beyond
Monday, May 11

2 sessions: 11 am -12 pm & 4 - 5 pm (choose the best time for you)
This 1 hour webinar gives an overview of resources to bring coding to your students homes now and into your classroom down the road. We will start with PK and move up through high school. This is designed to include something for everyone who's interested in incorporating computational thinking into their instruction.

Opportunities in FIRST Robotics for all grade levels

Thursday, May 14
2 sessions: 10 - 11 am &  4 - 5 pm (choose the best time for you)
Is your school or organization interested in starting a robotics program next year? This webinar is designed for participants interested in starting a  new robotics program. FIRST Robotics has programs for kids ages 3 to 18! Come learn about how to start teams and in-class programs for any age, and how FIRST promotes STEM learning.

Supporting your robotics community during challenging times
Monday, May 18
2 sessions: 10 - 11 am &  4 - 5 pm (choose the best time for you)
Our webinar will look into ways to support each other within our team and community. Tips to keep students engaged, and excited with the potential to support/collaborate with teams in other areas. Fun ways to challenge each other and keep us on our toes.

FIRST ANNOUNCED THE THEME FOR THE 2020-2021 SEASON: GAME CHANGERS, POWERED BY STAR WARS FORCE FOR CHANGE!

Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks about the new season! Keep being a Force for Change and GO TEAMS!! (Happy Star Wars Day - May the Mass x Acceleration be with you all, always!)

Stuck @ Home? Engage with FIRST!

Like much of the rest of the world, we're all getting used to a new normal. If you're missing FIRST as bad as we are and are looking for ways to engage your students that are stuck at home, there are lots of ways to continue to be involved. 

NEW: FIRST @ Home
A compilation of some of the best in remote-learning activities, many of which are put out by friends and sponsors of FIRST, this new hub for digital learning allows teams to engage in meaningful and safe ways. The FIRST @ Home Hub includes guides for parents, hands-on activities in coding, core values, engineering design, CAD, electronics and more. What a great way for your students to stay sharp while at home! Check out all the great content here!

Building Star Wars Droids Activity!
Celebrate Star Wars Day (May the Fourth) with FIRST by designing a droid! Then join FIRST and Lucasfilm droid designer Matt Denton (creator of BB8 and D-O) on May the Fourth for Galactic Builders LIVE! Download the lesson plan here!

FIRST Rise Rewind
Share how your team is a Force for Change and celebrate the FIRST Rise Season using #FIRSTFFC on social media. Then check out all the incredible awesomeness from teams around the world on FIRST Rise Rewind. 

FIRST Virtual Showcase
We can celebrate together even if we're still apart, and that exactly what FIRST intends to do during the FIRST Virtual Showcase. This event takes place May 2 at 10 am Eastern and will celebrate teams and the FIRST Rise season. Many awards for volunteers and teams will also be announced! Don't miss it!

We miss you all dearly and hope you're all safe and healthy. Hope to virtually "see" many of you at the Showcase! As always, May the Force be with you!