"Girls of Steel: Fostering the Feminist Future of Robotics" (Ms. Magazine)
July 25, 2019
As your FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge tournament approaches, it’s time to shift your focus from your practice setup to the competition setup. While your team may have been practicing on a single table in your meeting space, a tournament setup consists of two tables placed side by side, shared by you and another team.
Why Tournament Setup Matters:
One mission to focus on this season is Mission 10: Send Over the Submersible. This mission is unique because both teams will be interacting with the same mission model that spans between the two fields. The way your team interacts with this shared mission can affect not only your own score but also your opponent's.
To make sure you’re prepared for tournament day, here are a few things to consider:
1. What's different in a tournament setup compared to your practice sessions?
In addition to tables being joined, the construction of the tournament tables may vary from what you’re used to. The thickness of the walls and even slight differences in table dimensions can all impact your robot’s performance. Does your robot’s programming account for variations, and can it adapt if the table construction is different than in practice?
2. How might the opposing team's actions affect your mission strategy?
The other team will be attempting the same shared mission in the same match. What if their robot reaches the shared mission first? Could their actions or timing interfere with your strategy, and how might that impact the points you can score?
3. What if a mission model doesn't function the same as in practice?
Referees do their best to set up mission models exactly as described in the rules, but sometimes slight differences can occur. What will your team do if a mission model behaves differently than expected? Practicing for variability and planning to adjust if something doesn’t go as planned can help your team stay calm and focused during the match.
4. How can you prepare for unexpected scenarios?
It’s a good idea to practice different scenarios where things don’t go as expected. What will your team do if the submersible model is moved by the other team? How quickly can you adjust and still complete your other missions? Developing a flexible strategy and practicing adaptability will be key to managing the tournament dynamics.By thinking ahead and preparing for these scenarios, your team can be ready for the excitement of tournament day. Get used to the two-table setup and practice shared missions with another team or simulate interactions. Be mindful of the fact that table conditions and mission models may vary slightly at different events, so practice flexibility and precision in your robot’s performance. Remember: the tournament is as much about strategy and adaptability as it is about robot performance.
Share how your team is preparing for their tournament using #SUBMERGED on social media. Good luck – we can’t wait to see what you accomplish on the field!