Chairman's questions from judges

[jaunvie]

As we are preparing for our presentation, we are trying to practice answering judges questions. I'm trying to find as many questions as I can. So I was wondering, what are some of the questions the judges have asked you? What were you kind of stumped by? (That you realized a great answer to later, of course. )

A common question for us seams to be; "What is the balance of girls to boys on your team? What subteams are they on?"

So, what are some of yours?

[anishde]

One that I can remember off the top of my head was, "What have you done to encourage girls to get involved in robotics?" At the time, our team was more than 50% female, so we had a pretty solid answer to that question.

[Jardanium]

If nothing else, be sure to prepare for the two common questions I've been asked every time I've gone in there.

"What are you going to do after high-school?"
"What does FIRST mean to you?/How has FIRST impacted you?"

[Lil' Lavery]

Every judge is different. While certain judges have "canned" questions they like to ask to every team, many judges will craft questions specific to your essay and your presentation. Be prepared for either approach.

[Basel A]

Team 27 recorded questions they got from judges over several years and have made them available online: http://www.teamrush27.net/chairmans-award-resources

[Jayd009]

I remember that one of the judges asked us "Why did you join robotics?" and "What do you plan to do in the future?"

[jaunvie]

Thanks so much for the responses. And your resources are great Rush! These will help us out a lot.
We were talking, and I wonder. ...what was the weirdest /strangest question you ever got asked? Just curious.

[Tungrus]

Just know what your team does, especially off season events that focus on promoting FIRST. Like others mentioned about recruiting girls, and in general under represented students. Its okay not to know something, vague answers can corner you. Most judges have sixth sense and ask follow up questions. Make sure all team members in judging room participate in presentation. If you can please don't take mentors (my personal preference). Presentation material, keep it concise and organized.

[NachoCheese]

One of our favorite questions to ask during our auditions, which was asked at one of our tournaments, "How would you explain FIRST to a Martian?"