[DonRotolo]

Somewhat related comments:

I think deconstructing your last bot is a great idea, but add the goal of reassembling it again. It will make a dandy test mule for ideas.

As for mentor overload in the design arena: Instead, teach the kids how to follow a prioritized and iterative design process. By that I mean the should...

First, understand the Game and what it takes to win it, including nuances of strategy. Maybe only one or three kids will understand these nuances, so let them explain to everyone else. (We all know what it takes to win a baseball game, the game's been here for years. But think of some of the strategies that are used: Would a bunt be an obvious play or a nuance? Think of the Game in those terms)

Second, decide what Tasks the robot must be able to perform to win the Game. This is a great brainstorming activity. No mechanisms (you have to control that with an iron fist) just capabilities.

Third, once "everyone agrees" (or at least there's a majority) on the Capabilities, then determine which ones are most important, and list them in order. This is important, as it determines which Capabilities are lost when design tradeoffs must happen (e.g., Crunch Time).

Fourth, brainstorm Mechanisms to perform those Capabilities. This is the fun stuff, go wild for a day or two. (For 1676, this happens on the first Tuesday & Wednesday of Build Season).

Then, let the proponents of a Mechanism go prototype it. Cardboard, styrofoam, wood, whatever - "Proof of Concept". 2 Days.

Friday or Saturday is Design Review, where the Mechanisms are selected.

Them for the next 5 weeks, everyone is fabricating Mechanisms they know a lot about. If you get some kids well-trained, assembly can happen in week 3-1/2, with furious re-fabrication and final assembly in week 4-1/2.

Then the drivers get it to break it, and if they are successful, you build the better, stronger mechanism part in week 5-1/2, slap it together and crate (or bag) it.

(Programmers start in Week 2 BTW because the mechanisms are defined already).

Hope this stimulates some discussion.