Resources

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_tour active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section title=”Business” tab_id=”B-O-M-Resources”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Business” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][mk_padding_divider size=”10″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1546563256511{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]All teams need a solid business plan in order to be sustainable.  Business plans include a mission statement, fundraising, and sponsorship plan, analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT), and current and future plans.  Each year 1816 students and mentors develop fundraising and sponsorship presentations as well as create plans for the current and future seasons.  [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_cta h2=”Downloads” style=”flat”]

[/vc_cta][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Core Values” tab_id=”Resources-CoreValues”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Core Values” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][mk_padding_divider][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1605653277104{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Core Values have always been ingrained in the team culture of FIRST Team-1816-The Green Machine. Even before we launched our Be FIRST peer-to-peer campaign in 2013, 1816 placed high value on the ethical underpinnings of what it means to be a FIRST Robotics team.

 An activity at the 2018 Season Fall October retreat inspired us to create our own set of formalized Team values. The hands-on workshop was student-driven and facilitated by a respected Team volunteer, one who was familiar both with the Team and with third-party mediated strategic planning activities. The inclusion of this third-party facilitator proved key, as it enabled the Team to move beyond personalities and petty differences. Significant input was required on the part of each 1816 member and mentor, including votes to identify the top Team values.

 Over the course of the next six weeks, a values committee comprised of mentors and students of all grade levels and subteams met to discuss, finalize the Team values, and write expansion statements. The Team’s Core Values (Respect, Trust, Inclusivity, Commitment, and Joy of Life), along with their expansion statements, were then voted on by the entire Team.

This is a continuing project, with renewals and activities included in the annual Team retreat. What is developed and what works for one season is carefully scrutinized and adjusted for the next season. It is ongoing recognition of our Core Values so that they remain at the forefront of our Team culture. We believe that Core Values are an essential complement to the FIRST foundational philosophies of Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition. All three components help us meet our mission and realize our vision.

One of the foremost proponents of Core Values and the ethos of Gracious Professionalism is Woodie Flowers, Papalardo Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Distinguished Partner at Olin College. As a co-founder of the FIRST Robotics Competition, Woodie pushed us all to produce high-quality work, emphasize the value of others, and respect individuals and the community. We all do better when we all do our best! Find out more by visiting www.woodieflowers.org

We invite you to contact us for more information. The download below provides additional information on scheduling a Core Values Workshop with your FIRST team.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][vc_cta h2=”Downloads” style=”flat”]

[/vc_cta][mk_padding_divider][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1592780781970{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Below is a video of a workshop held at the FIRST 2018 Championship in Detroit describing the core values process and impact[/vc_column_text][vc_wp_text][/vc_wp_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Hall of Fame” tab_id=”HoF”][mk_padding_divider][vc_single_image image=”4696″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://edinarobotics.com/hof/”][mk_padding_divider][mk_button dimension=”flat” size=”large” url=”https://edinarobotics.com/hof/” align=”center”]See Hall of Fame resources here[/mk_button][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Media” tab_id=”Media-Resources”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Digital Media” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1605215612227{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]FIRST challenges teams to help make FIRST – and STEM – loud! Digital media, including social media, is easy way to do this.  To connect with Minnesota FRC teams, start here.[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”shadow_line”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Twitter” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1605215762566{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]1816 (@FIRSTteam1816) maintains an active Twitter presence year-round. Be sure to include FIRST in your Twitter handle so that FIRST can follow your team. Often regionals will have their own hashtag for teams to use. For the Minnesota FIRST Regionals we use #MNFIRST and for the MSHSL FIRST Robotics Championship, please use #MSHSLrobots.

When starting your team’s Twitter, here are some recommended “must follows:”

  • FIRST (@FRCTeams, @FIRSTweets, @FTCteams, @FIRSTLegoLeague): The official Twitter accounts for all things FIRST;
  • Minnesota FIRST (@MNFIRSTRegional): The official Twitter for all things involving Minnesota FRC Teams and Minnesota FIRST;
  • High Tech Kids (@HighTechKids1): High Tech Kids is the FTC and FLL affiliate partner in the state of Minnesota;
  • Robot Inspection (@MNFIRSTLRI): Jon Stratis, Minnesota Chief Robot Inspector;

[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”shadow_line”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Youtube” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1543035884759{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Team 1816 uses YouTube to post team videos, everything from robot prototype ideas and robot reveals to highlights of outreach events.[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”shadow_line”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Websites” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1605215986791{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Team 1816’s website launched in 2006 using the Drupal content management system. At the time, content management required additional HTML code to make pages display properly. Learning how to code a site from the ground up remains helpful! Here are several resources to get started.

[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”shadow_line”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”President’s Circle” tab_id=”Resources-Presidents-Circle”][vc_custom_heading text=”President’s Circle” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1605216155431{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]As many FIRST teams will acknowledge, there are organizational issues with which every FIRST Robotics team wrestles. Recruiting mentors, finding corporate sponsors, and how to survive the six-week build of a competition robot are some of the hottest topics.

In 2007, FIRST turned to the best resources it could find: its own teams! Team 1816-The Green Machine was named one of 20 teams to take part in what was then a new initiative called the FIRST President’s Circle. These 20 teams worked with FIRST throughout the 2008 season to identify resources that would help rookie teams grow into successful, long-term robotics teams. Those results were posted on the FIRST website until 2012. 

“The President’s Circle was designed to draw upon the experience of older teams to help start new teams as well as support teams that were in their second or third years,” says Dan Purdy, Team 1816’s 2008 Outreach lead. Participants in the President’s Circle were selected upon submission of a video to the FIRST Channel on YouTube that focused on a specific topic selected by FIRST. In 2007, teams were asked to submit a two-minute video aimed at inspiring, recruiting, and mentoring new teams. Team 1816 was the first team to upload a video, which illustrated the team’s involvement with the start-up of seven rookie teams in 2007.

The second video challenge in 2009 asked teams for a commercial that would demonstrate the irresistible appeal of being part of a FIRST Robotics team. This video, scripted, filmed and edited by Team 1816 members, focused on the direct benefits of being a member of a FIRST team.

In June 2009, The Green Machine joined with other FIRST teams via conference call to discuss best fundraising practices. One of the suggestions offered by Team 1816 is to personally visit companies. “It’s not enough to call and leave a message,” says Dan P. “Most people find it hard to turn down your request to talk to them when you’re standing right there.” 

For teams searching for answers to those tough problems, “they should know that any team that has been a part of the President’s Circle is able to help and mentor them,” says Mark Lawrence, operations director, The Green Machine. “If they get stuck, contacting any of those teams will lead to assistance.[/vc_column_text][vc_wp_text][/vc_wp_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Safety” tab_id=”Safety-Resources”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Safety” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1543035248731{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

Safety is very important not only at competitions, but also every day in your workshop. FIRST requires that all teams have a Safety Captain. This individual is responsible for making sure safe practices are followed at all times. At least once a year, team safety captains must make a presentation to their team about safety (why it is important and what are the best practices). 1816 does this during the fall pre-season before the build season. After the presentation, students must take and pass a safety quiz before they are allowed to work in the work shop.

At competitions, UL safety advisors (in Red shirts and red-and-white vests) will be walking around the pits and the field to make sure all teams taking proper safety precautions. They will also ask you to talk about your team’s safety program. Here are some useful things to have on hand for your team’s safety interview.

[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”shadow_line”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Injury Log” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1543034634601{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]One of the responsibilities of the safety captain is to keep track of all the injuries that happened throughout the build season. Be sure to document each incident (how it happened, how it was treated, why it happened, and how your team can prevent it in the future).[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”shadow_line”][vc_custom_heading text=”Safety Manual” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1605148499688{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

Each year, FIRST publishes an official Safety Manual.

[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”shadow_line”][vc_custom_heading text=”Safety Presentation” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1632499392580{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

An easy way to talk about your safety program is by showing safety advisors the safety presentation your team sees each year. Here are Safety Presentations created and presented by Team 1816:

[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”shadow_line”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”932″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Annual Safety Quiz” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1632499324564{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

After the Safety Presentation, each student must take and pass a written Safety Quiz before they are allowed to work in the workshop. Here are a few sample Quizzes:

[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”shadow_line”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”934″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”SDS Sheets” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1605148804784{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Every FIRST team should collect and store Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for any chemicals, chemical compounds or chemical mixtures used by the team, whether in your home workshop or at competitions. SDS information may cover hazards associated with the use of the product as well as suggestions for safe use. Look for SDS sheets on manufacturer’s websites. [/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”shadow_line”][vc_custom_heading text=”Important Safety Items” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1605148854493{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

Other important safety items to have in your workshop and at competitions include:

First Aid Kit & List of Emergency Contact Numbers

Fire Extinguisher

Battery Disposal Kit (baking soda, disposable gloves, plastic container, eye wash)

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”936″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Team Organization” tab_id=”Organization-Resources”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Team Handbook” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1660937375311{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

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[/vc_cta][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Technical” tab_id=”Technical-Resources”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Robot Build” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1605152241866{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

Building a robot means measuring twice, cutting once. It also means doing a lot of research to make sure everything will pass inspection. Sometimes the best help comes from unexpected sources.

Got a technical question?

Well, someone on Chief Delphi has an answer. Here you can pose your FIRST questions of practically any nature and some kind, like-minded robo-nerd –or more likely ten — will offer their best advice. Definitely, an invaluable resource, whether it’s your first FIRST time or a seasoned veteran, Chief Delphi is one of the best ways to get a question answered.

FIRST Mechanical Resources is another good place to start if you need technical assistance.

[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”shadow_line”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Build Materials” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1543037019961{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

Looking for a FIRST-approved gearbox? Or need to look up specs on motors and servos? Check out AndyMark. Chances are good that it will be a one-stop shop for your FIRST product needs. AndyMark also runs the FIRST Choice program, an essential component of the Kit of Parts.

McMaster-Carr is an incredibly detailed resource for fasteners, fittings, hand tools and safety supplies.

[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”shadow_line”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Computer-Aided Design (CAD)” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1605152671984{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The more we’ve learned about good robot design, the more we’ve been encouraged to delve deeper into computer-aided drafting and animation. Here are some of the resources we’ve used to train our rookies and inspire our veterans.

FIRST CAD and Animation: A good place to get started with CAD and 3D animation. This page, maintained by FIRST includes key links, such as Solidworks for Kit of Parts.

FIRST Autodesk is a dedicated space within the Autodesk Education Community for FIRST teams. Download software, upload your animations!

PTC’s sponsorship of FIRST includes donations of software, including OnShape, Mathcad and Windchill, to all FTC and FRC Teams. Hands-on workshops and online training can also be accessed via this website.

Lynda.com offers tutorials both free and paid on topics including Animation and CAD. Some of the beginner tutorials on MAYA animation and CAD are time well-spent.[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”shadow_line”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_cta h2=”Downloads” style=”flat”]

[/vc_cta][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Varsity Sport” tab_id=”varsity-sport”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Varsity Sport” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1605201181100{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]In 2012, Minnesota State High School League and Minnesota FIRST, with the leadership of Team 1816 and Team 3038, joined together to launch the first-ever Varsity Robotics State Championship. This event was the first of its kind in the world and designated FIRST Robotics as a varsity high school sport. Each season, 30 Minnesota teams are invited to attend the MSHSL FIRST Robotics State Championship based on their performance at their first regional event played. Each team on the first, second, and third place alliances awarded a State Championship trophy, trophies that are identical to those won for football and hockey.

The Green Machine’s mentorship was recognized at FIRST Championship for their dedication in advancing recognition of FIRST as a Varsity Sport. FIRST awarded Team 1816 mentors with the Trailblazer Award for “Leading the Charge in Getting the Sport for the Mind recognized as an official Varsity Sport.” 1816 mentors have provided numerous published resources for other FIRST Teams wanting to achieve varsity sport recognition in their states. See the FIRST Inspires website for more information.

1816 was the first school in Minnesota to offer a varsity letter. An important first step when considering lettering is to create a Code of Conduct for students to abide by. The code of conduct should outline student eligibility and requirements to letter. Your state interscholastic association may have resources for and serve as a starting point in designing your student code of conduct. In addition, it is important to have a team handbook that details the function of your team. This handbook can also serve as a great resource for rookie team members wanting to learn about your team. Our team handbook can be viewed here.[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”shadow_line”][vc_custom_heading text=”Varsity Sport in Minnesota” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2343b063″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1605201476132{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Here are some helpful links for the varsity FIRST Robotics competition in Minnesota.

Rankings for MN Teams: MSHSL

FIRST Varsity Resources[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”shadow_line”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tour][mk_button dimension=”flat” corner_style=”rounded” size=”medium” url=”https://edinarobotics.com/contact/” align=”right” bg_color=”#43b063″ btn_hover_bg=”#ffffff” btn_hover_txt_color=”#43b063″]Contact Us![/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]