Should FIRST expand beyond robotics?

[Merle]

I feel that the FLL themed competitions and research project provide a great STEM addition to the robotics competition. In the years I have coached an FLL team our students have:

NanoQuest: Observed many items under a microscope & had their hair imaged in a scanning electron microscope
Power Puzzle: Toured solar powered buildings & made potato batteries
Climate Connections: Visted and discussed weather related issues with the local ambulance association
Smart Move: Climbed aboard a blimp (Snoopy I) and talked with the pilot and crew

Having a themed research project at the FRC/FTC levels might be a managable expansion of the program. My recommendation would be that the final presentation be handed in as a video (or in addition to live presentation), rather than a live presentation (done in a room with only judges present) so that others could view the presentation and learn from it.

Merle Yoder
Mentor - Granby GRUNTS Team #3146
FLL Coach - Granby Red Blox