Best Robotics
BEST Robotics is one of the robust, large and well-known annual robotics and engineering competitions. BEST is designed to attract the largest possible number of entrants - participation is free, and students can come from any school, anywhere including homeschool. Students are mentored by professional engineers and other technical professional. This competition is enormous - there are over 3,500 volunteers running local, regional and national championships!
The objective of BEST is to help students understand the practical applications of what they learn in math and physics. Participants are challenged to solve real-life science and engineering challenges. They can then take this knowledge back to their academic lives. BEST is intended to be team-oriented, collaborative and creative.
“BEST Robotics is a middle and high school robotics competition whose mission is to engage and excite students about engineering, science, and technology as well as inspire them to pursue careers in these fields. Through participation in our project-based STEM program, students learn to analyze and solve problems utilizing the Engineering Design Process, which helps them develop technological literacy skills. It is these skills that industry seeks in its workforce.”
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How do I expand this narrative arc? If robotics is part of your narrative arc you might consider one of the many national robotics competitions, each of which involves different rules, parameters and prizes. For example:
Build something socially useful in the Firefighting Robot Competition
There are also some interesting marine-based robotics programs where individuals and teams compete to build remotely operated vehicles to explore underwater environments.
HOT TIP: Robotics competitions are a great way to have fun and expand your skillset. They are also a fantastic way to develop closer relationships with teacher/coach mentors. Keep this in mind when you are thinking about your recommendations. A coach may have insights that go far beyond your strengths in the classroom!