[Astrokid248]

One of the more valuable lessons you can teach the kids is how to be pragmatic. Points per second is what wins, not going after exceptionally flashy challenges. A good way to encourage this kind of thinking is the Socratic method. Never tell them what to do; always ask them to explain what they are doing to you. Ask what the pros and cons of a certain design are; ask questions the judges will ask; ask what rule lets them complete the mission a certain way. This empowers the kids and lets them think on their own, and it will help them see why some of the more extravagant ideas are not as good as the simpler ones.