Youth Robotics

Q: How does coaching work?

A: We are a volunteer run organization, and coaches are parents. Each team needs a primary and assistant coach, and practices are held in one of the coaches' homes (garage, basement, etc). Coaches will coordinate the practice schedule with their team.

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Q: What resources are available for coaches? Is engineering experience necessary to coach?

A: No experience necessary! We provide everything you need. FIRST provides guided lesson plans and digital tutorials for the kids. Additionally, Piedmont Makers provides an annual Coaches Training, a coaches Slack channel, TeamSnap for team management, practice table drop off & pickup, and team “uniforms” (the famous Piedmont Makers shirt) for participants and coaches.

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Q: What's the best way to form a team? How can I ensure friends are together? What if we don't know anyone?

A: The best way to register is with a friend group AND a volunteer coach already preselected. That will guarantee you a spot along with your friends. Otherwise, we'll do our best to honor preferences and match kids with coaches. We always need more coaches, so if you are able, please indicate your desire to coach during registration. Any other participants will be placed on a waitlist and be placed on a team as space and confirmed coaches allow. If you're new to robotics and need a team, be sure to join us at our Open House to meet other new robotics families.

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Q: My child is in 7th or 8th grade. Should they do FLL or FTC?

A: Either option could be great! FLL, particularly with Python, is a great option to continue developing robotics skills without the additional commitment and jump to FTC. Older kids who would prefer to have a smoother ramp into programming concepts (i.e. learn Python before jumping to Java) could have a great experience in FLL. But every situation is personal, so please reach out to us robotics@piedmontmakers.org if you'd like to discuss.

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Q: My child is in high school. Should they do FTC or FRC?

A: Either option could be great! FRC is a more advanced program where students will learn a tremendous amount of all aspects of robotics, but with substantially larger time commitment and with a season that runs all year. We expect FRC students to prioritize robotics, typically over other extracurriculars. FTC runs through 12th grade as well, and is a fantastic option for kids who prefer a smaller team (~10 instead of ~50) or who would love to do advanced robotics without the full time commitment. Do not think of FTC as "minor leagues" compared to FRC. There are thousands of high school FTC teams around the world and with competition at the highest levels. But every situation is personal, so please reach out to us robotics@piedmontmakers.org if you'd like to discuss.

 

Q: Is registration per team or per kid? If we have a team, should each kid register separately or together?

A: Registration fees are per person. Kids should each register and pay separately, then indicate on the form the name of the team/kid/coach you are joining.

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Q: What is included in the registration fee?

A: For FLL Challenge, the registration fee covers: 

• FIRST registration

• FIRST LEGO League Challenge Set

• Two sets of LEGO SPIKE Prime per team

• Team uniform (the famous Piedmont Makers t-shirt!)

• FIRST LEGO League competition table (4’ x 8’ framed plywood meeting FIRST specs)

• Scrimmage and tournament fees

• Other league fees (facilities, coach training, background checks, tournament hosting, etc).  

 

For FLL Explore, registration covers:

•  FIRST registration

• FLL Explore Challenge Set

• LEGO SPIKE Prime Essentials kit

• Team uniform (the famous Piedmont Makers t-shirt!)

• End-of-season Expo fees

• Other league fees

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