Mentoring New Team

[Michael Kaurich]

Originally Posted by KC1AJT

Hi Everyone! I've been out of FRC since 2011 and have now found myself in the hot seat. A local teacher applied for and received a NASA grant for a team. However, he's a math teacher with little knowledge of what he's actually taking on. We have a small team (under 10) but I think we can pull it off. The real challenge is going to be getting other mentors on board to teach students different areas of robotics, as I can only do so much. I think other areas such as funding and logistics will work themselves out. I also reached out to my old high school (a local vocational school) and they said they would help any way they could. To me this means (hopefully) machine time and maybe someone to help with some engineering.

I'm hoping I'm not over my head here. Any advice?

If you are looking for another new rookie mentor to talk to... I am your guy!

Our team is in a similar situation down here in Baltimore (NASA rookie grant, about 7 dedicated students, two mentors) we are not school based however. The teacher that applied for the NASA grant seems to have a handle on the school bureaucracy part. Transport, while under 30 mins away, is still something you should look into. Different districts have different rules.

[rick.oliver]

You may find the documents I posted a while ago helpful:


http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/3084?

[KC1AJT]

Originally Posted by Michael Kaurich

If you are looking for another new rookie mentor to talk to... I am your guy!

Our team is in a similar situation down here in Baltimore (NASA rookie grant, about 7 dedicated students, two mentors) we are not school based however. The teacher that applied for the NASA grant seems to have a handle on the school bureaucracy part. Transport, while under 30 mins away, is still something you should look into. Different districts have different rules.

Thanks Michael. We are still looking at transportation options. Buses would be a very big expense, so we're hoping to carpool. I will have to look into any policy that may get in the way of crossing state lines, though.

[Donut]

Originally Posted by KC1AJT

Thanks Michael. We are still looking at transportation options. Buses would be a very big expense, so we're hoping to carpool. I will have to look into any policy that may get in the way of crossing state lines, though.

Definitely find out your transportation rules, or have the lead teacher find out. All of the school districts I have worked with do not allow carpooling, anything other than a student transporting themselves or their parent transporting them is a no no for liability concerns.

Find out if the teacher can get certified to drive a school van or small bus. We used a small bus that sat 16 two years ago and it saves quite a bit since there is no driver cost. We even transported our robot and tools in it. Our competition was local though, we would not have been allowed to take it out of state.

If you will be the lead engineer/mentor, and likely the lead parts buyer and designer as a result, find out about purchasing options from your school's bookstore or district finance office. This has probably been the most important task I have managed as our team's lead mentor and one of the most frustrating. Many schools only allow spending with purchase orders to approved vendors, and the process to become approved if a vendor is not already there can take weeks. Lead times can be an issue (I've waited up to 8 weeks on a PO to process when our bookstore had turnover) and you may find you aren't allowed to use certain vendors, as I just did for Home Depot . You'll have to judge what makes sense to get through the team and when it is time for a donation on your personal card for a quick part from Vex you need now.


It sounds like you've got a solid plan on setting up team meetings that won't burn out your resources, and lots of good advice already on design practices and team management. Go simple and robust your first year (or all years!) and have fun.

[GreyingJay]

I've got good news and bad news:

Based on my experience, building the actual robot is the least of your worries.

That was both the good news and the bad news.

Last year was 2706's first year as a new, veteran team (spun off from another local team). Being involved in the team administration for the first time was eye-opening, as there is a LOT of stuff going on:
- team registrations (tracking your own paperwork, waivers, and also STIMS/TIMS)
- competition transportation and lodging logistics
- getting a leadership structure in place for your mentors and students
- setting up subteams
- finding sponsors
- planning fundraising events
- planning and ordering parts
- answering the many emails you'll start getting from... everyone
- teaching students the skills they need: hardware, software, communications, planning, conflict resolution, etc.
- team building
- team branding and marketing (shirts, banners, logos, pit)
- awards

You'll note the robot itself is not on that list anywhere.

So this is good news because your mentors don't need to be robotics experts. Experience in any sort of school/club/Scouts/Guides/camp/team environment is directly applicable. I'm a software guy, but when I started doing FRC I was learning everything directly alongside the students. I was maybe a half-step ahead of them thanks to my industry experience. And that's OK. I think that was a great way to learn, and it models to the students how to go and get the answers they need.

As for the robot itself, as you'll see from 1114 and everywhere else: Simple, simple, simple. Build the kitbot. Nice thing is that this doesn't require dedicated shop tools or all that much specialized knowledge. Then expand on it according to your skill and equipment. Build something that's reliable, that does whatever it does consistently.

As Karthik says, find something simple to do in the game that's within your reach, and be damned good at it. Practice the heck out of it. The nice thing about this strategy is it doesn't require a fancy robot, and therefore, fancy fabrication or programming skills from your mentors. A willingness to learn is all it takes. And, realistically, the ability to sell the "simple" concept to your students, because everyone will be tempted to try to take on more. You have to know to stop before you've taken on too much.

Good luck!

[Mark1153]

Hi Patrick

Awesome - you will have a great time as a new Mentor, with lots of ups and downs along the way. Lots of great teams and Mentors nearby - do not hesitate to reach out for assistance. I assume you already know Steve Cremer - First Regional Driector - he is a very good resource as well.

I am a Mentor with the Walpole High School Robotics Team 1153 in Walpole, MA. I have been involved as a Mentor for about 10 years. We are nearby, but likely a 30 minute drive. Feel free to call or email me anytime - we would be happy to assist in any way you would like. You are also welcome to swing by our shop/robo rooms at any time - generally we will be working Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 6-9pm, and 1-9pm on Saturdays from kickoff thru the NE Championships.

Mark Gallivan
Walpole Robotics Team 1153
micmarkg@aol.com
508-878-8261 cell and texts