How to keep new students entertained?

[GaryVoshol]

Entertained is not the word you want. Enthused, active, productive, inspired - try those on for size.

I disagree somewhat with Chris on fundraising. New students who don't know much about the program won't be good ambassadors for your team in seeking funding. When the businessman or -woman being approached asks, "What good things has your team accomplished?", you'd better have a good answer! They can be involved in some outreach efforts, but you certainly need to have experienced students on hand to answer questions.

Education is a better pre-season approach. Certify the new students on the use of power tools. Teach one or two how the robot is programmed, how the sensors work. Explain drive train options - this works really well if you have 2 or 3 old robots to compare/contrast.