The idea that some of us had was to host an off season “FIRST science fair”.
This would be a single day summer event where teams bring their machines and give a presentation about a single feature that they feel is innovative and creative. If you have put alot of work into designing a multi-speed transmission, a closed-loop feedback system for arm control, a custom circuit, or any other cool feature why not show it off! Some of these features that we spent time and effort on do not get noticed during competition even though they may play a huge role in a team’s success.
The event would likely include presentations, demonstrations, exchange of ideas, and judges awards, and maybe even a barbecue. After the event, I could compile all of the presentations into a white paper or maybe create a website for them. This way great ideas and efforts from FIRST teams could be recognized and shared.
What I am trying to determine now is how much interest there would be. How many teams would head down to RI for a day to take part in this? If you think this is a good idea, or have suggestions please post them on this thread or come to the 121 pit inAtlanta and ask for Rob.
Team 811 is only in NH, so it seems reasonable that we might be able to go down to RI. Also, we are planning to work on several projects over the summer (we hope) and it might be a good goal to have a target date to “show and tell” our efforts at your science fair.
Keep me informed as to your plans for this. It sounds interesting.
I think its a great idea. I use whatever free momments i have at regionals to look at other robots with interesting designs, but competetions are really hectic. It’d be nice to have a regional minus the competing part
At this fair, could we bring things that we have made other than just competiton robots? ie: one team is working on a robot to help their local police station check the safety of buildings, and some other teams are trying to get special carts made–things of the such.
I only ask because my team is trying to put together a site based on such projects. Ot would be really cool to see what all people are doing with their extra parts from the kits they have collected over the years. If we could bring things like that to the fair, you guys would be a really good resource for us.
Sounds like it could be interesting. An extra opportunity to get the kids to get used to presenting and talking to judges other than at ‘official competitions’. I’m sure 190 could gather up some folks to come on down (is it limited to this year’s robot?). Sounds like a great opportunity to share technologies with other FIRST teams as well.
…Although I’m sure all the kids will be asking “well, when do we get to compete?!”
Keep us info-ed on the details or if you need any help.
There hasnt been too much interest in this yet…If you want it to happen, let teams in the area that could make it know. I think it is a great opportunity for teams to be recognized for hard work and great innovation. I think that any technology developed to be used in a recent FIRST game would be great to show.
I need to have at least 12 or so teams interested by the time I come back from Atlanta so that we could start planning the event. Tell teams about it! We would love to run this event and see what great things teams have come up with!
Come talk to me in Atlanta if you have interest or ideas. (look for Rob, 121 pit, Archimedes division).
