Qualification Points for Nationals- Give away?

[JVN]

Originally posted by M. Krass
I think getting as many teams to attend the Championship Event, while downplaying the importance of qualification, performance, or winning is a goal of prime important.

I think it's a great idea.

I disagree.
Winning is still an important aspect of this competition. When it comes down to it (in theory) the best design, the best strategy, the best alliance wins, right? I believe it is a good thing to show our HS students these elegant designs, to further inspire them.

229 did not win nationals this year (we're all shocked!) One of the first things I did when I got back from Houston, was email my team a link to the Wildstang Inventor Award Submission. I wanted to show my kids "this is what it took to win nationals this year" (plus some amazing driving, and a great alliance...) By doing so, I've inspired some of my kids even more to be a part of the team next year. I've made everyone want to "step it up" again.

Let's see:
Bristol Meyer Squibb 2000
CHAOS 2000
Beatty 2001
WildStang 2001
Beatty 2002
RAGE 2002
WildStang 2003

These are all "winning" or at least finalist robots from nationals. They are all elegant, amazing, unique designs in their own right. When my students see them fight to the end, and see that they are "the best" it sparks a flame in them to try harder for next year. Without the competition, without the "winning" I do not believe this would be possible.

Guys... my kids are not as impressed by the:
-amazing business plan,
-the great way you pulled your team together,
-the way you overcame adversity,
-the way you helped to change our culture

my kids are impressed by the cool robots, and innovative designs.
(you should have heard them when they found out I drove 45's ball drive). Yeah yeah... you can say all day long about how the goal of FIRST is changing culture, and how we should all be equal, etc... but I still believe the best way to change the culture is to effect these HS students one at a time, and on 229, that means showing them that engineering makes you a winner. Engineers are heros.


John

PS - It's not just my HS kids, this whole post applies to ME when I was a HSer. Seeing Beatty 2001 sold me on engineering for life. "How can I do something like that next year?"