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Project Timeline

Creating a Project Timeline

• We like to begin at the end !
• On a calendar, mark down when your first qualifier contest is, then work your way backwards keep all the items you must complete in mind.
• Adjust the dates depending upon how much time you will have.
• What you must complete by your first qualifier:
• Pick a topic
• Research that topic
• Come up with an innovative solution
• Share that solution
• Write a presentation for judges
• Create props and poster boards
• Practice your presentation

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AUGUST 1^ST: CHALLENGE RELEASE

• The Challenge document is released on August 1st.
• Read it very carefully to fully understand the season’s theme. Your research and project should align with the theme
• The sooner you get started on the innovation project the more clearly you can identify the problem, come with a solution, and present that solution to judges.
• Some teams start as early April when the sneak peak at of the FLL season’s theme is released on Youtube.

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When to start innovating?

• Ideally, you want to start as soon as possible to give your team the most time to prepare. However, there are limiting factors such as school start date, team start date, amount of meeting time per week, qualifier dates (and when you receive those dates), the team’s experience, etc.
• The hardest part is getting started. Once you get the ball rolling your team will surprise you with how much progress they make as long as you continue to make time for it in meetings.
• Also, note that this doesn’t have to be an “all hands on deck” situation. If select members of your team are great at research projects, they can absolutely take the lead on developing the innovation project (while other focus on robot games or robot design). However, ALL team members must be prepared to present the project to the judges. This can take many forms. Trifold presentation, skit, or an actual prototype.
• The timeline below is not a secret formula, your team might be able to create a well thought out project in shorter amount of time especially if you devote extra meeting time to it. However, you will most definitely need a LOT of time to develop a strong innovation project before the qualifier. Consider adding in extra meeting times if you can to help workshop the project. Research takes time. Innovating a solution takes time. Learning how to present takes time. The more you can practice presenting and getting feedback, the stronger your project will become.

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Two months from qualifier (Or as soon as August)

• First meeting: Narrow down topics
• Everyone should come to the team meeting with some background research on a topic that will fit the Challenge. What would they like to research.
• Each team member makes a presentation. Team should listen to each other and then narrow down some topics. These topics (or subtopics) can be redistributed for further research.
• 10 meetings before qualifier (MBQ): Pick a problem
• Everyone should have done some research on the narrowed-down topics and present possible problems, possible solutions, and possible fieldtrip ideas
• Using whatever method the team prefers to select ideas, the team should pick their research project topic for the season.
• Team should come up with a list of possible research sources and begin contacting any experts.
• 9 MBQ: Go on fieldtrips, do research
• Team should work on their background research to find out more about their chosen topic and problem.
• There are also virtual field trips out there.
• 8 MBQ: Go on fieldtrips, talk to experts, read books, etc.
• Continue your research, develop your innovative solution idea
• Using Video Chat Apps (Facetime, Zoom, Google Meetups, Microsoft Teams, etc.) is a great way to meet experts.

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One month till qualifier

• 7 MBQ: Finish your innovative solution
• Finish and test your innovative solution
• Create any presentation materials to share your project with others (slides, posters, prototype)
• 6 MBQ: Refine Solution and share it with others
• Share your project with others, especially those who can benefit from your solution
• Get feedback and incorporate it into your final solution
• 5 MBQ: Share your project solution
• Share your project with others, especially those who can benefit from your solution
• Get feedback and incorporate it into your final solution
• 4 MBQ: Finalize solution and write drafts
• Finalize solution
• Have the presentation drafted and have everyone read through their lines. Check to make sure that you will be under the time limit. Tweak lines if necessary.
• If you are creating a research poster board, spilt up the tasks
• If any props are needed, make them.

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Month of Qualifier

• 3 MBQ: Scripts, Props and Posters
• This week, make sure that scripts are complete. Finish up the poster board (if you use one) and any props you might need.
• Practice the skit multiple times (keep a printed copy handy) and finalize your presentation

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• 2 MBQ: Full dress rehearsal
• Everyone should have their lines memorized, props and poster board ready. Practice coming in and setting up and presenting in 5 minutes

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• 1 MBQ: Final rehearsal
• Teams often meet one last time the day before a competition to practice and pack up.

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• The day of the Qualifier
• Remember to take all your props, poster boards, etc.
• If your team created handouts for the judges, remember to take them too (not required)

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