Novice
34 requirements
Novice
Learn the tools. Learn the team.
Novice participants jump into hands-on learning. They practice using tools, working with electrical systems, writing basic programs, and preparing for events. Along the way, they develop teamwork, responsibility, and safe work habits while learning how a robot—and a robotics team—works.
Requirements
What you'll do
Complete each requirement. Check them off as you go — progress is saved in your browser.
Your Progress
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Competition Preparedness and Ethics
3 items
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1a Present yourself to your leader, with your Team toolbox packed for competition. Show the tools and materials you will bring, identify them by name and explain what each may be used for. Show the right way to pack and carry the toolbox.
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1b Participate in at least one event with your Team that is also attended by teams from outside your Lab. This could be a workshop, scrimmage, or tournament.
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1c Explain how you demonstrated Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition at the event.
Hand Tools and Fasteners
5 items
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2a Identify different types of hex key, including L-key, T-handle, and ball-end, and explain the benefits of each type. Show how hex keys are sized in the Metric and SAE systems; demonstrate how to measure the size of an unlabeled hex key with calipers.
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2b Identify the following hand tools and demonstrate their proper use: flat head screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, nut driver, crescent wrench, adjustable wrench, socket wrench, ratchet wrench.
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2c Explain how screw threads are classified in the Metric and SAE systems (ex. M4, 10-32, 1/4"-20). Identify screw head types including hex head, button head, socket head, flat head, and set screw. Show how your team organizes their screws. Use calipers to measure and identify five random screws by head, thread, and length, and return them to their proper place.
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2d Use hand tools, screws, and nuts to fasten together two pieces of metal. Explain how you selected an appropriate screw type, quantity, and arrangement.
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2e Assemble a personal tool kit to carry with you at future team meetings and events that includes the basic tools required to maintain your team's robot.
Electrical Systems
4 items
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3a Identify the following electrical components on a robot and describe how each moves power and information through the robot: battery, power switch, control hub, motor, sensor, power wire, signal wire.
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3b Demonstrate stripping insulation from the end of a wire. Demonstrate three of the following methods for making an electrical connection, including proper strain relief to safeguard the connection: crimped terminals (e.g. Anderson Powerpole, Molex MicroFit, Dupont PWM); lever nut terminal (e.g. Wago); screw terminals; twist-on wire connector; soldered connection.
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3c Explain the importance and principles of good wire management.
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3d Demonstrate the proper procedure for changing the robot battery, charging a robot battery, and monitoring battery charge and health.
First Aid & Emergency Preparedness
5 items
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4a Show first aid for the following: Simple cuts and scrapes; Minor (thermal/heat) burns or scalds (superficial, or first-degree); Nosebleed; Choking; Chemical exposure to skin or eyes.
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4b Identify common safety hazards in your Lab workspace, including pinch points, trip hazards, electrical hazards, and chemical hazards. Tell how to avoid these hazards.
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4c Explain proper shop attire, and what personal protective equipment is appropriate for different areas/activities.
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4d Assemble a personal protection kit to bring with you to future Team events that includes eye protection, hearing protection, and basic first-aid supplies.
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4e Show where the Team first-aid kit is stored. Tell how each item in the kit would be used.
Personal Safety Awareness
4 items
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5a Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to your personal safety on outings and where you live. Use the buddy system while on a Lab or Team outing.
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5b Explain how safety in the shop and in the pit is a shared responsibility. Describe how you might react or respond if you see an unsafe practice in the shop or pit.
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5c Explain guidelines for staying safe while communicating with others online.
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5d Explain guidelines for safe and appropriate interaction with adults. Describe how you can report and get help if an adult's behavior is making you uncomfortable.
Physical Fitness
2 items
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6a Be physically active at least 30 minutes each day for five days a week for four weeks. Keep track of your activities.
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6b Share your challenges and successes in completing Novice requirement 6a. Set a goal for continuing to include physical activity as part of your daily life and develop a plan for doing so.
Programming Fundamentals
3 items
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7a In your own words, describe what a programming language is. Research three popular programming languages in use today and describe what makes each language unique.
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7b Identify three data types used in programming. Give at least two examples of values for each data type. Explain what a variable is and what it does.
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7c Write pseudocode to do the following three tasks: (1) Define two variables and assign them any integer values, then print the sum. (2) Print numbers from 1 to 100, but "Fizz" for multiples of 3, "Buzz" for multiples of 5, and "FizzBuzz" for multiples of both. (3) Print the even numbers from 1 to 100.
Citizenship
3 items
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8a Participate in a flag ceremony for your school, religious institution, chartered organization, community, or Scouting activity.
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8b Explain what respect is due to the flag of the United States.
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8c Research three different STEM fields and describe at least one career that you could pursue in each field.
Teaching and Scout Spirit
3 items
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9a Describe the steps in Scouting's Teaching EDGE method. Use the Teaching EDGE method to teach another person how to perform one of the skills from items 2 or 3 above.
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9b Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have lived four different points of the Scout Law in your everyday life.
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9c Demonstrate Gracious Professionalism by living the FIRST Core Values. Tell how you have lived two of the FIRST Core Values in your work on your Team.
Advancement
2 items
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10 While working toward the Novice rank, and after completing Robotics Scout rank requirement 7, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
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11 Successfully complete your board of review for the Novice rank.
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