Getting the students to work on an old robot is good. Maybe a summer project...
What we do, and it's been good and popular, it not to train them on tools or motors or such, but teach them and prep them for FIRST.
- I run a FIRST-esque game that has them build ping pong balls shooters with a kit of parts (all office supplies).
- Then we do a communications game where they have to built a "thing" out of tooth picks and mini marshmellows - and only one person can see the thing they are building, and that one person can not touch anything.
- We do a drinking straw and tape tower to learn about structures
- We do a robo-code game to get the freshmen thinking about auto modes. Learn more at
http://robocode.sourceforge.net/?Ope...-prod-robocode - a student runs a competition all season long
- Thinking about adding in a mouse trap powered car contest to go over torque, force, and friction
- We do a post season wire-controlled sumobot contest - just for fun. OK... it's sumo-esque. It's like battle bots, we destroy each other - good to get out pent up agression in a fun, safe way. We allow newbies to join, and help them build robots.
- Reprogram old robots - let the freshmen give it a try.
If you want details on the ping pong, tower, communications game, robocode, sumo, or anything else - let me know. I'm trying to get these out for everyone, but if you need it soon, I can get you a un-edited copy.