How much time- 2 to 3 times a week during the 6 weeks period I'm up until 3AM in the morning working on my computer doing FIRST work, simulations, drawing, documentations, Powerpoint presentations, etc..... And usually 4-6 hours on Saturday (and that's after 4 hours of work). I brought dozens of donuts, boxes of pizza and bags candies to keep them working. Was it worth it????? Yip.
Message to the students-
Please look at your team's mentors, engineers, and teachers that have helped your team this year (and next year). A lot of their time is of their own. Where am I going with this?
I was a sub-judge this year and I didn't see many recommendations for the WOODIE FLOWERS AWARD nominations. Do write those essays and recommend those great mentors, engineers, teachers and PARENT too!
My 2 cents.
