Quote:
Originally Posted by topgun
Do you have 1 or more mentors per prototype group? Or do you rely on a student leader per prototype group to lead the group?
The issue we have is that we are short on mentors providing mentoring about ideas, prototypes, providing expertise.
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Mentor coverage is something we are also working to improve. We may have 1 or 2 mentors per sub system (not per prototype team) and have to float between the prototype groups. You become masters of multi-tasking!
We hold pre-season build meetings to familiarize students with the materials and equipment in our build room so they have a basic level of comfort performing tasks on their own. For groups that need lots of hand holding, the mentor can meet with the group, make suggestions then leave them with a task to work on while you move on to the next group. Everyone builds in the same room, so you can keep an eye on the progress and safety of all of the groups.
My typical conversations and task assignments for prototyping groups sound like this and usually end with 'I'll be back in 20 minutes':
- You want it to work like a fork lift. How does a forklift mechanism work? If you don't know, try to Google it then make a napkin sketch.
- I see your napkin sketch. What materials do you think you can use to make this piece? Not sure? Try this suggestion or go rummage through the cabinet for ideas.
- Now you've got the materials, use a marker to draw on the part what you want to cut/drill. If you are not comfortable with or trained to use the equipment, bring it to a mentor when you are ready. If the students are not able to make a drawing of the part (with dimensions) before the part is made, have them do it after the part is made.
- Got all the pieces? Now assemble and test! What are you going to test and how?
- You have a functional prototype. How much does it weigh? Does it meet all the rules? How will it interact with the other subsystems? What parts don't work well and how can you make it better? Get ready to present your work to the team!
More experienced groups will move through these steps on their own and come to you when they get stuck.
Unfortunately when you are short on mentors, it is easy to run out of time for more detailed engineering analysis. We are always interested in finding ways to improve on this.