[TedG]

Originally Posted by Zebra_Fact_Man

In all the threads that discuss mentor-built robots, not once have I read an explanation as to WHY this is bad. It is just generally assumed to be wrong by most, and the debate becomes whether or not the mentor-built accusations are true.

I am (personally) more concerned with a mentor-designed robot than mentor-built robot (where you look at the robot and have no idea how someone of your experience could design a machine of this high complexity, much less high school students), but this side of the coin never seems to be addressed. Is design just something that is assumed to be mentor guided?

Our particular team dynamic has (4) technical mentors, (2) admin/finance/planning mentors, around (20) students, and a few helping parents.. depending on the year of course. We don't have the manpower to accomplish some of the things larger, better funded teams can. But I feel we do have a system that fulfills FIRST's vision and we are always trying to improve it.

None of our mentors are teachers at the school system and have careers outside the school district. Our build season is in a machine shop (our main sponsor) where we work nights and weekends for six weeks straight (+/-) some days off.

The students brainstorm and design their robot and game strategy right after kickoff. The mentors and students build prototypes and mock-ups and come up with a working model of what we want to build. Then, using engineering practices and concepts provided by the mentors, the mentors and students build the robot. Yes the mentors need to do the more complicated things, but with students helping or watching. For the most part, our robot is about 30% mentor, 70% student built. If possible, we will have the students do even more if they have the ability and/or desire. Our students are proud of what we bring to the field, they all had a hand in it's design and construction, and they all had fun during pre-build and build season, and all learned something.

As I said, we're always trying to improve the system, encouraging the students to take more of a lead role for the team.