Keep FIRST in Michigan (FiM) from killing FIRST Lego League

[Sperkowsky]

Originally Posted by Allison K

I think that it can be, but I alone am not in a position to compile that information. I'm particularly interested in...

• how does disallowing middle school students from FLL impact the depth of experience students are able to get from that program?
• does the impact (if any) on depth of experience negatively impact the value in the FLL for individuals?
• what percent of coaches feel like their 10 year old/5th grade grade students have mastered FLL?
• do coaches feel that the opportunity to master one level of program before moving on is important?
• what percent of coaches feel like their 11-12 year old/6th-7th grade students have grown out of/become bored with FLL?
• what percent of coaches feel like their 11-12 year old/6th-7th grade students are ready to handle the challenges of FTC?
• what is the impact of forcing students up a level if they aren't emotionally and socially mature enough?

If 13-14 year olds were at the center of the debate I wouldn't feel nearly as strongly about the changes (we'd switch them to FTC/VRC and call it a day), but most of my kids affected by this change are 11. Around 25% of them are still 10 (turning 11 sometime between June-October) but they'll be in 6th grade in the fall, so FLL isn't an option. Have most 11 year olds really grown out of FLL? My anecdotal perspective on this is that my 11 year old 6th graders are finally hitting the point where they can be successful in the FLL robot game and more or less navigate the research project independently without major frustration.

I dont know about michigan but I know here a lot of middle schools start at 7th grade either 7th and 8th or 7th through 9th

And FTC is also only 7th grade up so you wouldnt be dealing with 11 year olds. You would be dealing with 12/13 year olds.

When I was 12 or 13 I would have want the harder challange but thats me.