[Chris Fultz]

Our best demonstrations with this age group are the ones where they get to drive and shoot.

We take a few minutes about the robot, with them all gathered around. Make the talk interesting and very high level*. Then ask them if they want to drive and shoot.

We have them form two lines, one driver, one shooter. We let them collect a few balls, and then line up and shoot.

We always have students with their hand ready, either helping the students with the controls, or with a finger on the e-stop.

The kids have never complained about waiting in line.

Another choice is the game animation.


* When talking - for example, make it "real" for them -

YES - Have you ever seen one of those little Jeeps or Barbie cars you can drive around the year? Well, we have 2 motors on our robot from one of those. They are right here. We used them for our ...

NO - We use 2 FisherPrice Part Number xxxxxx and they produce xx inch pounds or torque and with this speed reduction gearbox we can ....

YES - How much do some of you weigh? Well, this robot weights 120 pounds, so that is like you and you together.

YES - This robot has 4 motors to drive. See them there! And, it has two speeds, one so we can race around the field, and another so we can go slow and push other robots!

NO - We use 4 CIM motors, because they are very powerful. They are going into an AndyMArk 2 speed SuperShifter, giving us speeds of about 4 fps and 12 fps when using these 6 inch pneumatic tires.

YES - Here is our shooter. These wheels spin really fast, so we have to be careful. You know, if we ran them at full speed they could shoot a ball all the way to (point out something).