WRMSFLL:  The Willow Run Middle School FIRST Lego League Team  Team
66 is involved in mentoring an FLL team at the local middle school.
Though the junior robotics team has had hard times attributable to a
couple of advisor shifts
and a move to a new middle school facility, the FLL team has continued
to grow and strengthen in its experience. This is due to the experience
within the mentors and the students involved as well.The FLL team started as the Edmonson Middle School Jets in 2000. In 2002, the FLL team won its first award for Quality Research at the Downriver Robot Rescue FLL competition in Allen Park, MI. 2004 saw two major changes, one was an advisor change, and another was a move to a new facility. The team recieved the "Against All Odds" award that year at the same coompetition in Melvindale, MI. Ideas such as teamwork and 'Gracious Professionalism' were taught to the team in 2005. The team thus recieved the Teamwork Award at the same competition in Allen Park, MI. For 2006, the 'NXT' big step was taken. Thanks to the generous peoples at GM Powertrain, the Willow Run Middle School FLL got the big upgrade to the new Mindstorms NXT robotics system. After a few glitches with programming were solved, the team was thoroughly enjoying the new set and all it has to offer. Also, due to this years mission named NanoQuest, the team changed its name to the NanoJETS for the 2006 season. At competition, the robot performed well for a majority of the time, averaging about 100 points for the practice round and the 3 qualifying rounds. The team presented well in front of the judges, but despite their hard efforts, the team walked away with no awards for the 2006 season. However, in light of recent years, this season ended with a better WRMSFLL than in previous seasons. Teamwork was strong like in 2005, and knowledge of the tech specs of the robot were better communicated with all members. Everyone had a part, not just one, or an 'I' which does not exist in 'team.' The team resolved inner conflicts, and came together well. Overall, 2006 was a good season. For more information on the FLL, goto www.firstlegoleague.org. |