Minnesota BEST Robotics a K-12 Workforce Development program with a

STEM focus.(Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)

Our TeamGeorge Blanks

Director, K-12 Outreach, Auburn UniversityExecutive Director, BEST Robotics Inc.

Paul CarlsonSuperintendent of Schools

New London-SpicerAdministrative Director, Minnesota

BEST

Keith BangasserManager, E-Markets, Inc.

Finance Director, Minnesota BEST

Guy ChetritEngineer, EngGraphted

Technical Director, Minnesota BEST

James KlevenEngineer, Nova-Tech

Game Coordinator, Minnesota BESTJean Spaulding

Kandiyohi County/Willmar EDCVolunteer Coordinator, Minnesota BEST

Plus steering committee (12) and many more volunteers (~40)

We Must Build CapacityAs the head-spinning viral video “Did you Know” informs us:

“The top 10 jobs in demand in 2010Didn’t even exist in 2004!”

These are kind of jobs we need and want inWest Central Minnesota

We Must Build Capacity

“We must prepare our kids forjobs that don’t yet exist

using technologies we haven’t invented

In order to solve problems, that we don’t even know are problems yet !”

Developing Self-EfficacyOne way we build capacity is by helping our citizensdevelop self‐efficacy — belief in their

capabilities.• Teaming skills• Problem solving abilities• Leadership skills• Communication skills• Technical skills• Organizational skills• Career awareness and attainment

The Solution…

BEST Robotics!

The Mission of BEST

“To inspire students to pursue careers in engineering, science, technology, and math through participation in a sports-like science- and engineering-

based robotics competition.”

Our Core Objectives• Provide students with a real‐world engineering

experience that incorporates the practical application of math and science

• Prepare students to be technologically literate and thus better prepared to enter the workforce

• Help students develop leadership, project management, teamwork, and organizational skills

• Develop students’ confidence and competence through self‐directed learning, decision‐making, abstract thinking, and problem‐solving

BEST RoboticsNon-profit, all-volunteer organization40 hubs in 15 states…and growing!Winning teams at local hubs advance

to one of four regional championships:

• Frontier Trails BEST at University of Arkansas – Fort Smith

• South’s BEST at Auburn University• Texas BEST at University of Texas in Dallas• Northern Plains BEST Regional at NDSU

BEST Locations

BEST Basics• There is no registration fee for schools

• All required materials are supplied free of change

• Students perform all of the work!Mentors – engineers and other technical

professionals from local companies – guide the students through the design & construction phase

BEST BasicsMiddle School and High School

students (6-12 grade)

One team per school…no limit to the number of students who can be on the team

BEST HistoryBEST concept conceived by Texas

Instruments engineers Ted Mahler and Steve Marum.

The first contest was held in 1993 with 14 schools and 221 students participating.

This fall, over 850 schools and more than 12,500 students will compete!

BEST – The Program6-week competition

– Starts in mid-September and concludes six weeks later in October

2016 Important Dates:– Kick-Off Day: Sept. 10th – Team Social Practice Runs: Oct. 13th – Game Day: Oct. 28th-29th

Kick-Off Day

Inspecting the field after its been revealed

Kick-Off Day

One of the many breakout sessions

Competition Day …

Competition Day…

BEST – The ProgramRobotics The BEST Award (It’s more than just the

Robot)– Project Engineering Notebook– Marketing Presentation– Team Exhibit and Interview– Spirit and Sportsmanship– Robot Performance

Robot Kits• Two kits supplied by hub:

– Returnables kit• Expensive items• Teams may not modify• Return at end of competition

– Consumables kit• Miscellaneous building supplies• Can modify any items

• Teams may not use any items not contained in the kits!

Servos

Controller

Analog

Motors/Servos

Battery

Digitali/o

WiFi key USB/TetherSerial

Joystick

(2)

Servo Mount H/WServo Horns

(2)(2)

Servo Extensions

(2)

USB A-A cable

(16)

AAA Battery Charger

(4)

Returnable Kit Items

Returnable Kit Items

(2)

(2)

(2)

Motors

Drive Components

MotorController (4)

Screw TerminalMotor i/f Cable (4)

Screw TerminalSensor i/f Cable (8)

7.2V Battery

7.2V Battery Charger

Battery Adapter

(2)

Team Exhibit Examples

Team Exhibit Examples

Team Exhibit Examples

What Teachers Are Saying…“Students from art, speech, FFA, video and computer classes all worked together for a common goal. I had "technical" kids giving

a speech, I had "art" kids using machines and I had students actually

writing papers and documenting without receiving a grade for it.”

Brian Stuvland, mentorPelican Rapids High School

What Teachers Are Saying…“Students begged us to have practice.

 Because it was not a part of any curriculum, our practices were held at

night, after sports practices and on Saturdays.”  

Kim Jones, teacherKittson Central High School

Thank You !