[Rosiebotboss]

Originally Posted by Erin Rapacki

This is an issue that FIRST usually decides not to handle personally because FIRST is about 'Inspiration' and not exactly 'Education' (search for similar threads on CD, you may find a few). Every team has their own unique way of working together and its difficult to tell which method is better. One hand states that a student-built robot is better because the students get more hands-on work, but on the other hand a mentor-built robot gives students direct insight into more advanced design options and how 'real' teams get things accomplished. Basically, as long as students are being inspired (and the team follows the rules), either way is OK.

This only matters for awards though. A 50/50 student/mentor partnership is the best way to go when it comes to judges; however, I personally like all student-built robots.

And we know Erin LOVES Rosie!!


We include the high school students in 100% of the design decisions, 80% of the machining, 95% of the assembly, and 100% of the descision making for the team. The only reason for the small amount they are not actively doing is for schedule reasons. Simply because the mentors can work faster. The students do 90% of the work in the pits, 100% of all the interviews with scouts, judges and spectators.

BTW, with this set up we are KPCB Entrepreunership Award winners 2 years running AND have a grand total of 10 minutes actual repair time on our robots in the last 2 years. Nothing broke in 2 years.