GEARS Iterations

Through these first two iterations, we learned how to serve teams and team members with materials, tools, spaces and leadership. We are very excited to see how this knowledge is applied to our
new 7,000 sqft facility in Osceola. We searched for the last 6 months for the right location to serve the majority of our current families. With members from Granger, Mishawaka, Elkhart and more, Osceola seemed to be the most centralized. The building was built in the 1950’s as a lumberyard. The space is wide open and well-built. It allows us the opportunity to create the individual learning studios that are similar to our first two locations With updates and iterations to host teams even better.

General Overview

• Teams will be encouraged to mentor each other.
• Every coach will have a key to the building
• Students and coaches will adhere to a behavior policy the next iteration
• Three FLL Studios, each at 20’ wide by 28’ long
• Walls go up to the ceiling for noise control
• Entrances are 4’ wide and do not have doors
• Teams get to use their studio twice a week (Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays) at times they choose. They will be the only team meeting that evening in that studio.
• Fridays and weekends are available on request
• Large monitor mounted to the wall for teaching and group programming
• Large format dry erase board
• Multiple windows in interior walls
• Countertops against walls for building

• Five FTC Studios, each at 9’ wide
• by 16’ long
• Walls go up to the ceiling for
  noise control
• Entrances are 4’ wide and do not
  have doors
• Windows in interior walls
• Work benches against walls
• Large format dry erase board
• Slatwalls for hand tool and part storage
• Rolling 3’ wide locker, rolling drawer cart, rolling doored cart
• Large monitor mounted to the wall for teaching and group programming
• Each studio is a home base for a single team and can be decorated as such

FTC CAD Space

• CAD computers with multiple
  monitors
• 3D Filament Printer
• 3D Resin Printer

FTC Practice Field

• Floor space around field per FTC game manual
• Large monitor mounted to wall for teaching and streaming
• Programming break-out area

FTC Maker Space

• 20’ x 13’ room with
  windows and glass doors
  to control sound
• CNC machine
• Laser cutte
• Drill press
• Band saw
• Grinder
• Sander
• Hand tools

Craft Space

• Vinyl cutter
• Heat presses
• Poster plotter
• Laser printer
• Craft tools

Storage

• Garage area for trailer to be parked indoors
• Shelving for tournament supplies
• Shelving for team pit supplies

Family Hangout Space

• LEGO build table for younger siblings
• Tables and chairs for adults
• Display cases honoring team accomplishments

GEARS Retail Store

• Opening Spring 2024
• Buy and sell LEGO pieces
• LEGO robotics supplies for internal and
  community teams

GEARS Party Room

• Opening Spring 2024
• 13’x28’ space
• For LEGO themed birthday parties
• LEGO racing build tables
• LEGO racing track
• Kitchenette for light food service

Timeline

It is important to understand that this third Iteration will be an ongoing project for the 2023-24 season. Families will be a very important part of the process. We will need help building out the facility, raising funds and securing material donations.

The entire GEARS family will be involved and the end result will reflect it, and it will be worth it.

Here is the current timeline:

• August 14 – Closing on the building. Change locks, clean the existing offices
• August 15 – Move FLL tables in from storage. Build temporary FLL studios in existing offices
• August 16 – FLL teams can move in and begin practicing
• August 17-18 – Begin building two of the FLL studio spaces
• August 19 – Move FTC materials from CASB to new building. Work continues on FLL studios
• Week of 8/20-26 – Continue focus on the two FLL Studios
• Week of 8/27-9/2 – Begin creating five FTC Studios
• Week of 9/3-9 – Continue focusing on five FTC studios
• September 9 – FTC kick-off event, hosted by GEARS at the Career Academy South Bend
• Week of 9/10-16 – Continue working on FTC area and FTC Maker Space
• Winter – Demolition old locker rooms to build third FLL Studio and Family Hang-out area
• Spring – Demolition old offices to create GEARS Store and Party Room the next iteration

Student Fees

• We are offering a budget friendly option of monthly payments including auto-draft
• Payments are due on the 15th of the month, for each month that the student participates
• Hardship applications available as needed
• FLL Season – $50 per month
  o August 15
  o September 15
  o October 15
  o November 15 (Qualifying Tournament)
  o December 15 (if attending Semi-State)
  o January 15 (if attending State Championship)
  o February 15 (if participating in Spring Series or attending World Championship)
  o March 15 (if participating in Spring Series or attending World Championship)
  o April 15 (if participating in Spring Series or attending World Championship)
  o May 15 (if attending an International Open event)
• FTC Season – $70 per month
  o September 15
  o October 15
  o November 15
  o December 15
  o January 15
  o February 15
  o March 15 (if attending World Championship or International Open event)
  o April 15 (if attending World Championship or International Open event)
  o May 15 (if attending an International Open event)
  o June 15 (If attending an International Open event)

 

The new building on Lincolnway West in Osceola

Included in student fees:

• Team registration with FIRST
• Qualifying Tournament registration
• State Championship Registration (if applicable)
• Use of FLL field kit
• Use of LEGO EV3 or Spike Prime
• Use of Technic LEGO elements
• Computers and tablets
• Use of Craft Area

Excluded from student fees:

• International competition registration
• GEARS t-shirt and other items
• Team t-shirt
• Project solution prototype supplies
• Pit supplies

Included in student fees:

• Use of FTC field kit
• Use of FTC Maker Space
• Use of 3D printers
• Use of CAD computers and software
• Use of Craft Area

Excluded from student fees:

• Team registration with FIRST
• Competition registrations
• GEARS t-shirt and other items
• Team t-shirt
• Robot building materials
• Robot electronics
• Pit supplies