Prepare for NanoTechnology
 

Mentors may want to check out this webcast from UCSD which explains some of the size perspective and difficulties working with nanotechnology. It is pretty entertaining for a scientific film.

When Things Get Small

Re: Prepare for NanoTechnology
 

Great link! Maybe this belongs in the General or Math/Science forum? The general FIRST and CD community will be interested in this topic.

Re: Prepare for NanoTechnology
 

Considering the FLL game for next year is Nanoquest, I think it might catch more of its intended audience if it remains Lego League section.

Re: Prepare for NanoTechnology
 

Is it always common practice that the next years game for FLL is announced before the seaon is even over?

I remember hearing the next game's name at least during the state qualifyers this year, and thought that it was a slip up of the announcer.

Re: Prepare for NanoTechnology
 

Oops! I missed that. :o

Re: Prepare for NanoTechnology
 

They have been giving teasers earlier.

Mission Mars was announced at the finals in Houston. Maybe they felt that announcing it at the end of the State's seasons got it to a wider audience, and pumped up the kids for next year while they were still on a high from this year.

Nanotechnology is a narrower topic than "water" for Ocean Odyssey. Teams have the opportunity to begin researching sooner, and probably being able to do some meaningful research that will relate to next year's project.

Re: Prepare for NanoTechnology
 

The FLL season actually begins May 8th (in 3 days) with registration. Their "problem" will be announced in August, and many state tournaments will happen before the end of the year.

By announcing the "theme" early for the next year, it allows FLL mentors/teachers time to prepare over the summer. Unlike FRC, where many teams form in the fall and build and compete in winter/spring, FLL teams tend to form, build and compete during the fall semester.

Their competition teaser is here.

Re: Prepare for NanoTechnology
 

This is an awesome link- I would definitely check it out. You could show it to your students as well, if you want to stop the movie and explain a couple of things along the way.

This year could be interesting, as most people don't learn about any type of chemistry until 6th grade, and then only very basic. I have a feeling that we're going to have to become chemistry teachers really soon.