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T-ton,
Im not trying to criticize your team or put it down in anyway. I know how difficult it is to start a new team - what you guys have done is tremendous
and I also know of companies that tried to start a new team, and they could not get a single teacher at the new school to sign up for the program - it doesnt have to be a science or math teacher, any teacher can be the point of contact for the team, and they couldnt get anyone. The sponsor took its $80k and 10 engineers to another HS and started a team there. So I know how valuable your teacher/coach is to your team. Without that one person, you would have no team.
And I know that your students will learn a great deal by going through the 6 weeks design cycle, and putting a working machine together. These robots we build are not some kit where you simpy follow the directions and end up with a working system a few hours later - it takes a lot of independant inventiveness and learning along the way, for the students and the adults.
The fact that your team is growing shows you are off to a great start. I believe you can make your team even better if you can get some engineers or scientist, college students or professors to join the team.
The robot building contest aspect of FIRST is only a foundation that lets students experience the engineering design cycle, to see what its like to be an engineer for 6 weeks. Having engineers on the team allows the students to work with them directly, talk to them about their careers, get ideas for college.
Dont be afraid to ask other teams for mentors, assistance, or to recruit local companies for engineering support - thats what FIRST is all about - linking up HS students with engineering, science and technology professionals.
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