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Minnesota BEST Robotics
a K-12 Workforce Development program with a STEM focus.
(Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Our Team
George Blanks
Director, K-12 Outreach, Auburn University
Executive Director, BEST Robotics Inc.
Paul Carlson
Guy Chetrit
Superintendent of Schools
New London-Spicer
Administrative Director, Minnesota BEST
Engineer, EngGraphted
Technical Director, Minnesota BEST
James Kleven
Keith Bangasser
Engineer, Nova-Tech
Game Coordinator, Minnesota BEST
Manager, E-Markets, Inc.
Finance Director, Minnesota BEST
Jean Spaulding
Kandiyohi County/Willmar EDC
Volunteer Coordinator, Minnesota BEST
Plus steering committee (12) and many more volunteers (~40)
We Must Build Capacity
As the head-spinning viral video “Did you Know” informs us:
“The top 10 jobs in demand in 2010
Didn’t even exist in 2004!”
These are kind of jobs we need and want in
West Central Minnesota
We Must Build Capacity
“We must prepare our kids for
jobs 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-Efficacy
One way we build capacity is by helping our citizens
develop 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 Robotics
Non-profit, all-volunteer organization
40 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 Basics
Middle 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 History
BEST 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 Program
6-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 Program
Robotics
The BEST Award (It’s more than just the Robot)
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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!
Returnable Kit Items
Servos
WiFi key
Analog
Digital
i/o
(4)
Joystick
Servo Extensions
USB/Tether
Serial
Motors/
Servos
AAA Battery Charger
Controller
(2)
Battery
(2)
USB A-A cable
(2)
Servo Horns
(2)
Servo Mount H/W
(16)
Returnable Kit Items
Drive Components
7.2V Battery Charger
(2)
Motors
(2)
Battery Adapter
Motor
Controller (4)
(2)
Screw Terminal
Sensor i/f Cable (8)
Screw Terminal
Motor i/f Cable (4)
7.2V Battery
(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, mentor
Pelican 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, teacher
Kittson Central High School
Thank You !