2009-2010 Team Manager Training

2009-2010 Team Manager Training

Challenge B: DI®-BOT Challenge Masters Jim Butz (State, North Metro, Denver) 303-954-9032 Jim Stanek (State, North Metro) 303-733-6974 Chuck Wood (South Metro) 719-337-2400 Dick Witulski (Denver) 303-755-5911 Tim & Vilma Budzynski (Jeffco) 303-979-1471 Bev Chambers (Western Slope) 970-274-8394 Lisa Stanek (Boulder) 303-733-6974 Jerry Geiger (South) 719-564-2346 Joyce Ruddy (Pikes Peak) 719-593-7967 Dale Husk (Cherry Creek) 303-771-5859 Alex Melisaratos (Cherry Creek) 303-717-3370 TBD (SouthWest)

Challenge B: DI-BOT Focus of the Challenge Structural Engineering Robotic Technology Research Technical Design and Construction Science Theater Arts Teamwork

What your team should learn • Research skills- how to find information for use in developing a solution • How to understand and interpret the challenge • How to combine ideas and integrate multiple contributions to form a truly ‘team’ solution • Technical skills- how to saw, hammer, drill, sew, paint, solder, assemble, test • Performance skills- how to act, sing, dance, ad-lib, write, make an otherwise dry topic interesting! • Teamwork- how contributions from everyone are needed to get from the start to a great performance • Time management skills • Pride in their accomplishments

Challenge B: DI-BOTUnderstand the Challenge! Read the Challenge Understand the Challenge Question the Challenge Read the Challenge Again Read the “Rules of the Road” Understand the “Rules of the Road” – Note changes Question the “Rules of the Road” Read the “Rules of the Road” Again

Challenge B: DI-BOTSynopsis Robots- doing our chores and serving our every need! What could be better? Robotic Technology has changed our lives and made our dreams a reality. Gaming systems, cell phones, cars and factories all use Robotic Technology. What will Robotic Technology accomplish next? How will our lives change because of it? You get to decide and use your knowledge of Robotic Technology to show us what may happen!

Your team will: Learn about Robotic Technology and the changes it creates. Create an original Story which envisions and shows how at least one character’s life may be changed by Robotic Technology. Design, create, and integrate a device call a DI-BOT, which completes a motion or task, into the story. Create a method to change at least one prop or set piece, or part(s) of the prop or set piece, into DI-BOT, or a part of DI-BOT. Create a scene change that enhances the Presentation by providing an effective transitional link from one scene to another Challenge B: DI-BOT Points of Interest

Other Details • Time Limit: the team must complete the Presentation (including setup) in 8 minutes • Team Budget: Total value of material used in the presentation may not exceed US $150 • Roadmap for Success • Solvable on many levels from simple to complex • Designed to engage a wide range of creativity • Ask for clarification if you are uncertain of an element of your solution • If it doesn’t say you can’t – YOU CAN!

Challenge B: DI-BOT The Central Challenge The Story: Create and present a theatrical presentation of an original Story that is a clearly defined series of events that unfolds as the Performance is presented. Story must include at least one character whose life is changed by the Robotic Technology Only one character listed on the Tournament Data Form will be appraised for this element Dramatic Portrayal of the effect of the change will earn points Team will research Robotic Technology and earn points for integrating knowledge into the story Original story must have at least two scenes. Team will earn point for creativity and clear and effective presentation of the story.

Challenge B: DI-BOTThe Central Challenge DI-Bot: Team must use what they learn about Robotic Technology to design and construct a DI-BOT that is incorporated into the story DI-BOT is designed to interact with its environment and complete a motion or task without direct physical contact Presentation must include at least one prop, or part(s) of the prop(s) that visibly changes to become a DI-BOT or part of a DI-BOT. Change can be simple or complex. Team may use any method to create the change INCLUDING direct physical contact Change must occur BEFORE DI-BOT completes the motion or task Points for new/unexpected methods

Challenge B: DI-BOTThe Central Challenge DI-BOT: DI-BOT must complete a TEAM-DEFINED motion or task during the presentation using technical methods Motion or task must be described on Tournament Data Form DI-BOT must complete the motion or task without Direct Physical Contact by a team member No restrictions on the appearance of the DI-BOT. Team must design and construct DI-BOT from team supplied materials using their own ideas and skills. DI-BOT must NOT be a team member. Parts of DI-BOT may be commercially produced or parts may come from kits.

Challenge B: DI-BOTThe Central Challenge DI-Bot: • The greater the team involvement in design and construction, the higher the scores for technical innovation and design. • Teams should be prepared to explain to Appraisers the ideas and skills used to design and construct their DI-BOT. • DI-BOT will earn points for its creative integration into the story, for completing the motion or task, and for Technical Innovation.

Scene-Change Transition Team will create a scene change transition between two scenes during the Presentation. See Challenge description for definition of scene change Can include means such as visual effects, sound effects, staging, lighting, dance, dialog, others. Existing lighting at the performance site cannot be changed Points for successful presentation of the scene-change transition, new/unexpected methods, and effectiveness. Team ID Sign Just do it. Challenge B: DI-BOTThe Central Challenge

Side Trips: Team must present TWO creations called ‘Side Trips’ Must present Both Side Trips during Eight Minute Presentation Must have meaningful connection to Central Challenge Solution Side Trips show off or Showcase interests, skills, talents This is the team’s opportunity to select items THEY want to see scored by the appraisers Challenge B: DI-BOTSide Trips

Side Trips – Cont’d: Team may create anything they wish for Side Trips including Props Music Technical gadgets Costumes Physical actions May Present both Side Trips simultaneously if both can be evaluated, identified, and scored separately Challenge B: DI-BOTSide Trips

Side Trips – Cont’d: May NOT be specific item already scored in Central Challenge – However; May be Single Unique part of a required item Must be able to be evaluated as ‘Stand Alone” item Points for: Creativity and Originality Quality, Workmanship, and Effort Challenge B: DI-BOTSide Trips

Presentation Site Minimum 8 ft (2.43 m) deep X 10 ft (3.04 m) wide Will not be marked off Team may use any additional space designated as available Three pronged AC Power cord available at edge of Presentation Area Clarifications First source: The Challenge Final word: Submit to DI and International Challenge Masters will respond! (Usually within 48 hours) READ the General Clarifications on the DI website PLEASE!!!!TWO were posted last night. RCM can answer questions specific to the regional tournament Challenge B: DI-BOTOther Notes

Challenge B: DI-BOTScoring – Points Breakdown 17% 45% 38%

Challenge B: DI-BOTScoring – Points Breakdown

Challenge B: DI-BOTSafety SAFETY IS A TOP PRIORITY Team manager is key in teaching kids safe techniques for designing, building, testing the solution. It’s not interference to prevent injury. BUT- this does not give team manager permission to do something for the team! Understand the rules for Chemicals, Electrical Devices, Dry Ice, Helium No weapon-looking props Many Schools have a “No Tolerance” Policy Proper Eye Protection (If Required) Shoes / Foot Coverings Location-Specific Considerations

Appraiser Roles and Responsibilities In ~10 to 12 minutes, evaluate the team’s solution to the challenge Scoring evaluations that are consistent. Award each team as many points as possible. Appraisers will evaluate ~10 to 20 solutions at Regional and Affiliate Level 50+ at Globals. Challenge B: DI-BOTAppraisers – The Audience That Scores

Appraiser Perspective • Appraisers will appraise what your forms tell them to appraise! • Be concise and be specific- use simple identifiers: “girl in bluebird costume” rather than “Susie” • For side trips, it helps for appraisers to know when the side trip happens, and not to have to score two items that are happening simultaneously • Double and triple-check paperwork to make certain all questions are answered properly • The easier you make it for the appraisers, the more they will see in your performance!

Team Interview • Appraisers will interview your team after performance to learn more about the development and nuances of their solution • This is the opportunity for your team to explain neat features and details of props, research, skills • Appraisers will ask kids who worked on specific aspects to talk about their contributions, so expect everyone to be involved

Challenge B: DI-BOTPaperwork Ensure Team has all forms ready at check-in Tournament Data Form Declaration of Independence Expense Report Team’s Responsibility for Legible and Logical Forms OK for TM to write/type forms for elementary teams in Kids’ own words Middle and secondary teams are old enough to fill out their own forms! Team may want to read their forms and make certain everything is clear Appraiser’s Will Have ~2 Minutes To Read This, So Make It Clear & Precise Appraisers Seldom Have Time To Thoroughly Read Attachments Have Extra Copies With Backups

Challenge B: DI-BOTRisk Taking DI Appraisers Understand and Appreciate Risk Taking. Risk Taking is usually rewarded. Risk Can Come In Various Forms / Shapes / Ways. Engineering - The Solution Itself. Humor - Magic. Complexity. Integration of Several Pieces.

Challenge B: DI-BOTManagement Hints • The team may have trouble figuring out how to get started. Help them break down the Challenge into pieces. Then ask them “what is the easiest way you can think of to do this piece?” Then let them build that. • Once they have a trivial solution on the floor, they will see how it all comes together and they will have a much easier time seeing how to make it better. • Once the team has a device that solves part of the Challenge, no matter how weakly, encourage them not to destroy it until the upgraded device is complete and functional. It’s always good to have fallbacks. • Younger children rarely come with time management skills. It is part of your job to help them organize and schedule.

Challenge B: DI-BOTManagement Hints • Your kids will each have different skills, talents, and interests. Let them use them. If everyone hates art, maybe there shouldn’t be any art in the solution. • Help them focus on scoring elements. It’s very easy for younger teams to get wrapped up in some feature that has little or no scoring value, but completely ignore something mandatory. • Practice on as close to a full size floor as you can. • Practice recovering when something goes wrong. • Take field trips to Lowe’s and Home Depot, the public library, museums, plays • Keep it fun. Have frequent breaks. Practice Instant Challenge a lot. Go out for Chinese food and see who understands the chopsticks. Go to plays.

Challenge B: DI-BOTManagement Hints • Keep track of costs, and make sure your parents know there will be cost sharing. • As you get to the last week, focus on mandatory items- review the scored elements! Pace the kids during the last week. Get the forms done. The last week is always stressful; be as prepared for it as you can. • Have at least some team members working on the story and skit a month or more before Tournament, and be practicing it. The first time you run through it, don’t be surprised if it takes 20 minutes. It gets better with practice. And it will go faster than you ever dreamed at the Tournament. • Your rights to critique the play and blocking and general performance are very limited. Consider videotaping a practice, having the kids watch it, and critique themselves.

Challenge B: DI-BOTMembership and Signing Up • Your school needs to register with (and pay) Destination Imagination at the ShopDI web site. This will also register you at the state level. Your school coordinator will probably do this. • Your team needs to sign up as a team under that school registration. That will get you a membership number. It will look like 106-NNNNN (ex. 106-22222). This is also done at ShopDI; either you or your school coordinator will do this. • Your team needs to register with your region. Procedures for this vary from region to region. Some regions charge for this, some have their costs paid by their school system. If you don’t register with your region, there won’t be a time slot for you at the Tournament.

Challenge B: DI-BOTClarifications • If you have questions about this Challenge (for example, can we do this; must we do this; what happens if we do this) and it’s not obvious from the Challenge text, your team should seek a Clarification. • When you register your team at ShopDI you will get the necessary materials for submitting Clarifications. • You will get a fairly rapid response (24-48 hours) over e-mail. Your answer will not be shared with other teams. • You may ask up to 10 Clarifications, and you must ask by February 15, 2010 • Bring your Clarifications to Tournament with you. • Check the IDODI website often for General Clarifications that apply to all teams. These happen when many teams ask the same question.

Challenge B: DI-BOTTournament – Before the Big Day • Have the team get your forms done and copied • Help the team prepare a crash kit with essential tools and spare parts, in case something breaks during the trip • Make sure you know where you’re going and how to get there • Make sure your team parents and grandparents know where they’re going, how to get there, and what school and Challenge they need to look for inside the school. • Make sure you know how each team member is getting to the school. You will be happiest if you meet them near home and you travel in a convoy. • Pack the cars the night before. • Don’t let them stay up all night finishing stuff, unless they’re high school.

Challenge B: DI-BOTTournament – Arrival at the School • Plan to be at the site an hour before your performance, at least. • You may want to drop props at the curb (with a parent guard) then go find a parking place. • Figure out how to get to the performance site before you start parading props through the building. • Parents can carry props! Give them something to do! • Parents CANNOT assemble props. Even if they drop or break something, the TEAM must repair and re-assemble. • Find a convenient piece of hallway to set your props down. • Have the kids check over the props and make any repairs needed. Adults should not have tools in hand. • Deal with snacks, restroom runs, makeup (Kids must do!) and costumes. Remember- This is the Team’s Show!

Challenge B: DI-BOTTournament – Check-in • No Later Than 20 minutes before performance time, the prep appraiser will be looking for you. Be findable. • The appraiser will invite you to bring your props to his check-in table. Parents can still carry, then go sit down! • Give the prep appraiser your forms. • The appraiser will engage the kids in conversation and try to keep them as calm as possible. • When the previous team finishes, the prep appraiser will “walk the floor” with the team, and then have them take their stuff to the launch area. At this point team managers will be dismissed to their seats, and should take any materials that will not be needed in the performance such as tool boxes.

Challenge B: DI-BOTTournament – The Performance • The Challenge appraisers may visit with the team if they have questions about the forms. • The timekeeper/announcer will visit with the team to discuss photography and video taping, and how they want to be announced. • The timekeeper/announcer will announce the team, ask if they are ready, and tell them to begin. • The team then has eight minutes to move their stuff onto the site from the launch area and present their solution. • The timekeeper/announcer will call Time at eight minutes, and the team will stop whether or not they have finished the performance. Have your team plan to take a bow for all their hard work!

Challenge B: DI-BOTTournament – After the Performance • The Challenge appraisers will talk with the team about their solution for two or three minutes. It’s helpful if the team knows this will happen, and knows which team member is best qualified to talk about what item. • When the appraisers are done, parents should come down and help the team remove the props. • Raw scores will be available as soon as possible after the performance, but rarely sooner than an hour. There will be a sign for when scores are ready for your team. • Do not destroy your props, even if you hate them, until after the awards ceremony; teams often do much better than they think they did, even if there is a major malfunction. • The state tournament and Global Finals are enriching experiences, but the real value of DI is in the skills, creativity and teamwork your kids learn

Challenge B: DI-BOTCongratulations!!!!!!! You are now certified and fully qualified Team Managers for …

2009-2010 Team Manager Training