How does a team win one of the many awards that are given out that have no details about how to submit in the manual? They all seem to be selected by “Judges” - and it almost seems like they (the judges) just choose from the attending teams, but I can’t see how they would know who some of the winners should be without some kind of submission or interview. The Engineering Inspiration Award, for example claims as its criteria: “Award celebrates a team’s outstanding efforts in advancing respect/appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school and their community.” I can’t figure out how the judges would be able to pick that without an essay or something.
It’s all about what you present to the judges. When they talk to your students in the pits, make sure they are equipped for success - ready to answer questions, show materials, and perhaps hand them a concise flier or handout with important facts about your team.
The judges visit every pit.
Think of each visit as a job interview.
Be prepared. Have students assigned to field questions not only from the judges, but from all passersby.
Impress the judges with your energy and passion.
Get across the uniqueness of your team, your robot and what it does, and all the terrific things that make your team special and a standout from the rest.
There is a ppt in NEMO that gives some advice in addition to what is said in the previous posts. http://www.firstnemo.org/resources.htm “Judging 101”. Caveat: this presentation was given in Nov. 2012, so not all the updates for 2013 season are there.