1) 2009 Vandal Robotics Challenge Schedule
February 10, 2009 - Registration Opens 2) Who can participate in the Vandal Robotics Challenge?Q: Who can participate in the Vandal Robotics Challenge (V-ROC)? A: The V-ROC program is aimed at high school students, and is flexible enough to encourage teams to form in any structure (ie: within a school or home-school environment, as an after-school program, with a neighborhood group, or as part of any youth-based organization). There is no age limit placed on the team members, except that they cannot have graduated from high school. Q: What is the schedule, and how do I register my team to participate? A: Teams register online on the V-ROC web site from February to March 13 or until we have 32 registered teams. The V-ROC challenge will be sent to registered teams beginning February 25. March and April are the active months in which teams will be preparing their robots for the four competitions within the challenge. The event will cumulate in May with the Engineering Design EXPO at the University of Idaho in Moscow, ID. 3) Team CriteriaQ. What is the expected team size? A. A team may consist of up to ten students and a minimum of 1 adult team coach. The small-team concept works well with this age group and encourages a closely knit team in which each member can play several roles. Q: Do the team members need to have a technology background? A: V-ROC encourages students to become more familiar with basic concepts in science, math, and technology. The program hopes to engage students from various backgrounds, inspire new ideas and concepts in experienced students, while motivating less experienced students to pursue a discipline they may not have considered previously. Through their involvement in the Vandal Robotics Challenge, students will also learn about critical team skills such as planning, collaboration, mentorship, and teamwork. Q. What are teams expected to do? A. The V-ROC Team Handbook provides teams with an overview of the program expectations. After the Kickoff, the team will plan, strategize, and refine robot building and programming, as well as prepare an Engineering Design Poster. 4) Kickoff and ChallengeQ: What is the yearly game challenge? A: The Challenge Rules will be revealed to teams after they register and receive their robotics kit. Teams must determine their strategy and program, build, and test their robot. Working through the engineering process brings the reality of science and technology to students on a more intimate, hands-on level. Q. Can we register after the Kickoff Date? A. Yes, you can register at any time February 10, 2009 to March 13 or until we have received registrations for 32 teams. Once you register, you will receive an official V-ROC Identification number, and an invitation to join the V-ROC Google group to receive access to the rules and discussion boards to communicate with other V-ROC teams and mentors. 5) Registration and CostQ: Where can I register my team? A: Please visit our registration page to register your team for the 2009 Vandal Robotics Challenge Season. Q: What are the registration fees? A: Thanks to a generous donation from the Micron Foundation in 2008, all V-ROC teams will receive a robotics kit for the 2009 season FOR FREE! Teams are allowed to spend up to $25 on modifications for their kits, but must return kits in their original condition to the College of Engineering after the competition. Travel stipends are available for teams traveling long distances for the competition. Applications for funding are available. Please note your interest on your team registration form. Application are due by March 13. 6) CoachingQ: How much time is involved in coaching a team? A: This will vary from team to team. Your first team meeting should include a discussion on the time commitment your entire team is willing and able to commit. Generally teams range from three to six hours per week, with additional weekend hours if needed as we get closer to the May 2 competition. Q: Does the coach need to have a technical background? A: A technical background is helpful, but not necessary. Learning alongside the team is expected. Coaches must be willing to acquire some basic knowledge of the programming environment and Parallax robot kit. For additional assistance we encourage the coach to enlist the support of a technology mentor or guest speaker(s). Q: Is one coach enough? A: A team of 4-5 kids can operate with only one coach. However, if you have the maximum number of students on your team (10), you will probably need some extra help. You may want to ask teachers, parents, or other volunteers in your area to help you run your team. Q: Are there any learning materials or training available? A: The V-ROC Team Handbook includes suggestions and guidelines to make the preparation for this competition as exciting and enjoyable as possible. As this is a new program, we have not been able to anticipate all of the questions and problems you may run into. Please use the Google Groups page as a resource to communicate with the V-ROC technical team. Your input will help us to develop more inclusive materials and reference guides for future events. |