Archaeologist’s Opportunities for Engagement with FIRST Robotics Lego League

Sign up here:  https://firstinspires.org/ways-to-help/volunteer

A variety of ways to help out with this year's FIRST Robotics Lego League's theme of "Uncovered," which focuses on archaeology. 

A. Mentorship for Teams

• Virtual or in-person mentoring sessions with FLL teams across Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and surrounding communities).  Would be co-planned with FIRST Lego League directors in Calgary and Edmonton

• Share insights on anthropology, archaeology, and field research methods to guide students in their Innovation Projects.

• Provide feedback on how teams present and communicate scientific findings.

Time commitment: Minimal time: email answers for teams.  Note: emails should be conducted via a coach or teacher rather than mentor and students directly. 

           1 hour or so: Virtual meeting with teams arranged with coaches/teachers

Meetings in person with a team: Ongoing mentorship should include registration with FIRSTinspires.org, completion of the Youth Protection Policy training, and a background check.  This is also required for Judges and Referees due to the potential of dealing 1:1 with youth. 

B. Event Participation

• Guest Speakers at local scrimmages, regional qualifiers, or the Alberta Championship in Red Deer.
   

• Judges for:

  • Innovation Project presentations.  Time commitment: 1-2 hours of training in the week previous to an event.  Attendance at a competition for a full day. Registration with FIRSTinspires.org.

  • Robot Game referees (after training and with a full game set provided for familiarization). Time commitment: 2 hours of training online, some study or practice required.  Getting a Lego set to build missions to understand how they work for refereeing is suggested (we provide the kit).  Attendance at the competition for a full day.  Registration with FIRSTinspires.org.

C. Educational Experiences

• Help organize field trips for FLL teams to relevant university labs, anthropology collections, or dig simulations.

• Offer short workshops or demonstrations (e.g., artifact analysis, excavation techniques, cultural heritage preservation).

D. Community Outreach & Visibility

• Co-host a public talk or panel on “Technology and Archaeology,” highlighting how robotics and anthropology intersect.  

• Share partnership stories on the university and FIRST Alberta channels to inspire more students.

Sign up here:  https://firstinspires.org/ways-to-help/volunteer

Timeline (Proposed)