Expanding school robotics club

[lewigr]

I started a robotics club at school last year (10 sixth graders) and we competed (not so successfully) in the 2011 Food Factor challenge. We learned a lot from the experience though, and interest at school is extremely high. I am expanding the club to include this year's 4th and 5th graders so that they are familiar with things next year and so that the 6th graders (who will be a a different school next year) can help train the newcomers. I will probably try to use some of them as mentors or figure out a way to allow them to remain on the team.

My first concern is robot kits. We only have one Mindstorm Kit, but I suspect we will have enough students to have at least 3 teams next year. Do I need to get a Mindstorm 2.0 kit for each team or should I buy one more, then just add another brick. Money is somewhat of an issue, but I want to see what other clubs with multiple teams do. I assume that whatever I do, I should purchase things through Amazon.com or eBay.

[timdavid]

Congratulations on finishing your rookie season! If you competed in a tournament, then it was a successful season.

I would definitely recommend a complete kit for each team. If your team size is close to the maximum 10 kids, even more kits would be ideal, but I certainly understand the financial constraints. You really need the NXT brick, 3 motors, some sensors, and a variety of other pieces to build a reasonable robot. If you try to acquire those items separately, you will probably find out they cost as much as an entirely new Mindstorms NXT kit.

[lewigr]

Thanks. I figured I'd probably be better off with one kit per team. I'll start with a second kit now, then worry about additional kit(s) next year. It appears there is some news about next year's challenge on the FLL site.

[Roosevelt Robotics]

Where are you located? The Los Angeles Region has been supported by a grant from Rockwell Collins to help low-income schools join FLL. The grant is only for 1st-year teams with modest assistance to 2nd-year teams.

Perhaps there is a similar program in your region. Contact your FLL Operating Partner for more information.

Randy Kamiya