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 Superintendent of Schools New London-Spicer Administrative Director, Minnesota BEST Keith Bangasser Manager, E-Markets, Inc. Finance Director, Minnesota BEST Guy Chetrit Engineer, EngGraphted Technical Director, Minnesota BEST James Kleven Engineer, Nova-Tech Game Coordinator, 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. 10 th –Team Social Practice Runs: Oct. 13 th –Game Day: Oct. 28 th -29th

Kick-Off Day Inspecting the field after its been revealed

Kick-Off Day One of the many breakout sessions

Competition Day …

BEST – The Program Robotics 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 Digital i/o WiFi key USB/Tether Serial Joystick (2) Servo Mount H/W Servo Horns (2) Servo Extensions (2) USB A-A cable (16) AAA Battery Charger (4) Returnable Kit Items

(2) Motors Drive Components Motor Controller (4) Screw Terminal Motor i/f Cable (4) Screw Terminal Sensor i/f Cable (8) 7.2V Battery 7.2V Battery Charger Battery Adapter (2)

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 !