What does everyone do about large members involvement?

[mrs. p]

i started our team in 1999 and we have learned as the years go by. we usually have a group of about 40 - 55 students that want to be on the team and i agree that finding tasks or jobs for all to feel involved is sometimes challenging as a mentor. as previously mentioned we have a number of groups.

chairman's award
spirit team
animation
web page
driver/human player
field construction
base design
control system
electrical system
arm/manipulator design
project management
scouting
lego league

while everyone cannot be directly involved in the building of the robot every other aspect of the team is needed. to ensure that all of these areas are covered we have a minimum number of hours that students must complete in order to attend specific competitions. through school presentations and word of mouth, students that are not interested in building a robot come forward.

let me know if you want any further specifics.

[Koko Ed]

We have had some teams as large as 50+ kids but have found that it is most efficnt with about 40 kids at the most. We have 32 kids this year (started out with 35) here is how they are divided up.

Model Shop - Parts & Fabrication (2 kids)

Mech 1 - Elevation (5 kids)

Mech 2 - Acquisition (6 kids)

Mech 3 - Drives (5 kids)

PAW - Promotions, Animation and Web Design (7 kids diveded amongst three teams)

Sparkies - Electrical Team (4 kids)

uh oh! That's only 29! We're missing 3 kids on the webpage! D'oh!)

Other assignmetns are for team spirit (Prince or Princess of Positive Propoganda), Driver, Coach and Human player (of course), treasurer, Scout leader, even for Team Mascot.

Thanks -- these are all great ideas! We'll have to think about how to attract kids that aren't specifically interested in building the robot. I'd especially like to see us tap into a talent pool that can help with spirit...