2021 - 2022 FLL Robotics Non-Technical Coach/Mentor

Save to Favorites

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 Innovation Project and FIRST Core Values. Help your team set and maintain realistic goals during the robotics season. Provide activities that will help develop their teambuilding and leadership skills. 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! **

Non-Technical Coach (Mentor) Job Description:

Innovation Project
Assist your team as they brainstorm a relevant real-world problem and create a solution for their FLL Challenge Innovation Project. Provide support as they prepare a presentation to be shown to the judges during the Innovation Project component of the FLL Challenge competition.

Teambuilding
Provide your team with 15-20 minute teambuilding exercises during practices, in an effort to prepare them to readily demonstrate their teamwork to the judges during the Core Values component of the FLL Challenge competition. Help your team strategize various ways to display the FLL Challenge Core Values at the competition:

FIRST Core Values

DISCOVERY: We explore new skills and ideas.

INNOVATION: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.

IMPACT: We apply what we learn to improve our world.

INCLUSION: We respect each other and embrace our differences.

TEAMWORK: We are stronger when we work together.

FUN: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!

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 equipment and supplies (i.e., laptop, team t-shirts, office & crafting supplies, 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 research, group presentations 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).

Have the ability to support youth in their team building activities, research, projects and presentations.

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! **