TwoBot Challenge

[dna1990]

New team and coach, looking to build skills during the summer.

We are lucky to have a couple of sets and can make multiple bots. We also have a normal 4x8 table.

What challenge game can I issue the kids so that both teams start with the same basic bot chasis, but can then add programming and a few simple attachments/sensors - where they would then compete with each other on the table?

Obviously there is sumobots and soccerbots, etc - but again this is a very new team. The tasks need to be fundamental.

We have done some accuracy races (Navigate to X spot and mark with sharpie pen, etc scored by time/distance to X). But I think head-to-head play would get them going to the next level.

[Dean Hystad]

Start out REALLY simple. When I coached 3rd graders we started out with mechanical principles. We started with one motor drag racers (no steering).

1. Build a car(s) that goes fast
2. Make the car drive a fixed distance then stop.
3. Make the car calculate how fast it went and draw value on the screen.
4. Make car wait for a starting gun or flashing light to start.

Phase 2
1. Build a car that can climb a ramp.
2-4 Repeat.

How is car 2 different from car 1? Who is faster on the ramp? Who is faster on the flats? Why is there a difference?

[bjs16384]

If you wanted something a bit more complicated, you could look through the models from past years and find some that you have the pieces to build and tape those down to your field. Quite a few of those models look cool and can be activated by bumping into them.

[dna1990]

Excellent. I like the drag race idea.

Base building. Some motor/gear steps. Some sensor steps (light to start, touch to stop at the wall). Tires and traction lessons. Go straight tuning. And yet it is a side by side live race.

We have a third brick, so maybe even a fnish line detector and timer.

Sometimes I wonder if FLL only gets seen as 'wheeled car type bots', when programable machines or fixed devices can be just as fun. The timer would be a good project to bridge that connection.

Depends on age, but I can see neat math/geometry lessons with RPM, speed, gear ratios, elapsed time, etc.

Can span over several meetings, but each one can have a tangible ending goal.

[harrylegonxt]

yes i would like to join please its my last year and i'm moving to slc soon and i'm a good programer and took my first teem to state last year

[GWhizNonKid]

Originally Posted by bjs16384

If you wanted something a bit more complicated, you could look through the models from past years and find some that you have the pieces to build and tape those down to your field. Quite a few of those models look cool and can be activated by bumping into them.

This is just a bit late, but I noted that the challenge history being linked has only links for the latest four years' games. The earlier challenges are noted, but no links to challenge information are supplied on that page.