Robotics Technical Coach (Engineering/Programming)

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We are looking for:
Committed, consistent volunteers to help a robotics team prepare for the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge competition. Your team of up to five students (4th - 8th grade) will need you for approximately 4 hours each week during the fall robotics season (Oct - Feb).

FLL Challenge competition components:
- Robot Design
- Robot Game (Missions)
- Innovation Project
- Core Values

As FLL Coach, you will:
Provide guidance to your team as they gain a better understanding of how to apply STEM and critical thinking skills to everyday life. Introduce this year’s FLL Challenge competition theme Cargo Connect, along with the Robot Game missions and FIRST Core Values. Help your team set and maintain realistic goals during the robotics season. Support them as they work together to coordinate and embrace their roles and responsibilities.

FLL Coaches may also have a variety of skills:
Optimally, each team would have 2-3 FLL "Coaches" or "Mentors" focusing on different areas of the overall robotics program objectives, but one lead coach/mentor is required. Our recent experience believes there are three main areas of technical familiarity surrounding Design & Innovation, Engineering & Programming, as well as Leadership & Team Development disciplines. Duties are spread across the FLL coaching staff based on the number of coaches and the individual skill sets they possess.

** ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS ARE WELCOME **
Assist your team with the build and programming of their robot. Beginner teams typically use the programming language LEGO Mindstorms EV3 (free training at https://education.lego.com) but will use Scratch programming (https://scratch.mit.edu/ev3) sometime in the near future. Additional training can be found at High Tech Kids (http://hightechkids.org). For more advanced teams, consider using alternative programming languages like Scratch, Python, etc. (helpful but not required).

Technical Coach Job Description:

Robot Design
Assist your team with completing the Robot Design Executive Summary (RDES). Provide support as they prepare their responses and demonstration for the judges during the Robot Design component of the FLL Challenge competition.

Robot Game
Help your team become familiar with the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Robotics Kit and FLL Challenge competition mat. Provide support to your team as they determine which missions they want to complete during the Robot Game component of the FLL Challenge competition. Assist your team with strategies as they build and program their LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robot for the FLL Challenge competition. Provide programming training as needed and requested by your team.

Minnesota STEM Partnership (MSP) will:
Handle administrative tasks such as team communication and coordination including the recruitment, enrollment, and training space for your robotics team. MSP will take care of all fundraising efforts along with the competition registration and fees. We will provide FLL Challenge competition training equipment and supplies (i.e., laptop, LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robot kit, software, office & crafting supplies, team t-shirts, competition board and mat, etc.).

There are two locations to choose from conveniently located in Minneapolis and St. Paul. You will also receive support from other volunteers, staff, and interns. We provide all the resources necessary for you to focus on helping your team learn the fundamentals of robotics, programming, engineering, and teamwork.

You must:
Enjoy working with elementary and middle school students (grades 4th - 8th).

Provide a positive experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM).

Facilitate team practices a minimum of 4 hours each week (after school hours and/or weekends).

Train your robotics team in a programming language.

Have the ability to support youth in their team building activities.

Provide your own transportation. Coaches and Mentors are not required to transport students.

Pass a Youth Screening and Background Check.

** The key to having a great robotics season is to HAVE FUN! **