In its eleventh season, First Lego League (FLL) http://firstlegoleague.org/ is a global kid-friendly robotics program spanning 55 countries and inspiring approximately 200,000 kids aged 9-14.  This year, 2011 will mark the second year that teams from Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire participate together in a single venue for an FLL Qualifying Tournament. 
Each year, FLL identifies a real-world problem that today's scientists and engineers are trying to solve.  For 2011, in the Food Factor Challenge, teams will build, test, and program an autonomous robot using LEGO© MINDSTORMS© NXT to solve a set of Food Safety missions as well as research, develop, and share their innovative food safety solutions. Throughout their experience, teams will operate under FLL's signature set of Core Values. 

The Food Factor Challenge has three parts:

• research and presentation of the project theme
• robot design and game challenge (robotic competition on a 4'x 8' foot mat wherein the robots attempt to perform around 15 missions related to the Challenge theme and score points against other robots and teams)
• core values (gracious professionalism, teamwork, finding and sharing solutions, friendly competition, and having fun)

Teams will develop an innovative solution to the Food Factor Challenge based on their research either by developing unique ideas and solutions or building upon existing ones and subsequently sharing their findings. Additionally, teams will build and program an autonomous robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Technology to score points in 2.5-minute matches on the Challenge theme playing field. Teams earn points based on the following: presentation of the theme, design and programming presentation, and robotic competition. The Irvine Valley College (IVC) event is a Qualifying Tournament. 

Tournament/Scrimmage Logistics:  For participants, qualifying tournaments include aspects of judging and awards will be given to teams. The tournament (November 13) follows a local scrimmage for Robot Design and Performance, Sunday, October 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mathobotix Young Scientists and Young Engineers Lab in Irvine. For more details on the scrimmage, visit Mathobotix.com.  A scrimmage event is a great way for teams to practice and get valuable playing experience. Winning teams go on to compete at an invitational tournament at Legoland in January and other future events. 

The qualifying tournament will be held in IVC's Gymnasium from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  IVC is located at 5500 Irvine Center Drive, on the corner of Jeffrey Road and Irvine Center Drive in Irvine.  Parking will be available in Lot 5 (for a cost of $2 for a daily permit).

The Food Factor Challenge will draw an expected 600-700 contestants, family, friends and supporters. The event is sponsored by Enginners4KidsUSA (Engineers4KidsUSA.org),  a well-known educational non-profit organization supporting elementary and secondary level STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education by connecting mentors from the local community, workplace, higher educational institutions, and professional organizations to grade level students. Other organizers and sponsors include Boeing, Mathobotix, and Irvine Valley College.

Event admission is free and daily parking will be $2. Food will be available for purchase.  For directions to Irvine Valley College, www.ivc.edu

Teams Participating: