Categories

• Before the robot can solve the Robot Game tasks, you have to build and program the robot.
• Collect ideas for the construction of the robot and create several concepts for the robot's base and attachments.
• Plan and build several prototypes to try out different ideas and then implement the best ideas for the actual robot.

Here are the steps to prepare:

• Learn about the topic: Try to learn as much as possible about the topic in general before you commit to a specific topic. Use different sources such as the internet, books, newspapers, interviews with experts, etc.
  Use the time before the kick-off (mission publication) to research the topic of the year before you get detailed information about the research project.
• Find a research question: Make a list of different topics that interest you. Select a topic from this list. Think together about a problem related to the topic. Use it to formulate your research question. Now find out as much as possible about that particular topic.
• Work out an innovative solution: Work out an innovative solution to the problem you have chosen – a solution that makes life easier by improving something that already exists, by using something that exists differently, or by inventing something completely new.
• Share your results with others: Once you have a plan for your solution, share it with others! For example, introduce your research and your solution to people who will benefit from it. Or you can present it to the experts who helped you. Think about who else might be interested in your solution. Consider someone who can give you good feedback. Accepting good suggestions and making improvements is part of the development process. Don't be afraid to present your ideas – if it gives you helpful feedback.
  Find a creative way to present your research project and solution. Your presentation can be supported by different formats: Posters, pictures, models, multimedia, your research material etc. Be creative, but don't forget to include all important information in the presentation.

• Respecting each other and accepting differences, discovering new talents and ideas, working creatively and persistently, applying and improving what you have learned, working together and having fun at work are among the core values of FIRST LEGO League Challenge and make a good team.
• Make sure that you put these core values into practice during the preparation period and during the day of the tournament.
• Set your own goals with regard to your participation.
  • The goal for rookie teams should be to participate in a regional tournament after the preparation period, even if not all tasks have been completed.
  • From the second season on, teams usually set more specific goals. Write down your goals so that you can check at the end of the season to see if the goals you set have been met. Goals for teams can be, for example: learning together, working and finding solutions, sharing experiences and knowledge with others, showing respect and fairness.

• You cannot prepare for the category Teamwork in the traditional sense. Rather, it is important that you have already internalized the FIRST core values in the preparation time and live them.
• On the day of the tournament the evaluation of the teamwork will take place in a jury room. Spectators and coaches must stay outside for this evaluation. Only the team members enter the room.
• A 2 to 3 member jury will give you a team task at the beginning, which you have to solve together.
• Afterwards the jury members will ask you some questions about your team.
• The evaluation session lasts 10 minutes in total.

• The award in the "Teamwork" category goes to the team that has shown the greatest enthusiasm, the best sporting spirit, the most extraordinary respect for its own team members and the most support for other teams in the competition.