[DonRotolo]

Noah,

I don't know of such a document, but I have some ideas for you. The best idea I have is to think of a few of the powerhouse teams, and go visit them and find out what it is they do to get that way.

At 1676 we have some great parent involvement, teachers who happen to also be engineers, a coach that is a fantastic motivator and organizer, mentors who give a lot, and kids that are mostly very motivated. Facilities are OK, we have saws and drill presses, sanders and (wow!) a lathe. Kids do all the design and most of the fabrication (some things we can't do, like water-jet cut 3/16" aluminum).

What sets us apart, I think, is that we start the season in September. We have what we call Pi-Tech, each week a few classes are given by mentors, parents, guests or teachers on some aspect of the things we need kids to know. The diea is not to make them experts, but so they at least have a clue.

We also make sure everyone knows it's not about the robot. While science and technology can solve difficult problems, it takes people cooperating and interacting in a positive fashion to make it all work. It is a team, and each member has a specific function. Maybe not what they wanted, but critical nonetheless, in that without it the whole team fails.

Every FIRST team for 50 miles in any direction from you would be tickled pink to have you visit. Pick some ones you want to be like, and make the call.

Don