MESA Battleball Robot Challenge

MESA Battleball Robot Challenge Level: High School Type of Contest: Team Composition of Team: 2 4 students per team Number of Teams: One entry per school Next Generation Science Standards: HS-ETS1-2., HS-ETS1-4. 1 Overview The objective of this project is to expose students to innovative engineering processes through the design and construction of a hybrid (programmed and remote frequency) controlled robot for the purpose of engaging in complex competitive action. The robot (based on an original design or a 50% modified kit, with a total cost of no more than $250 USD) will have to compete against other student-controlled robots in a single elimination tournament. This tool or armament (apart from standard motion) must be pre-programmed and/or controlled remotely by the students. To avoid signal interference, all robots must be able to function on at least two different frequencies/channels (e.g., 27 and 49 MHz). Additionally, all robots must function on one signal at a time. NOTES All robots must fall within the guidelines of safety for the students school site (at check-in, teams must provide a signed letter from their school administration official attesting to this fact). The robot may not include the following as offensive or defensive armaments: Water, Powder, Corrosive Acids/Bases, Electronic/Manual Metal Blade Saws/Knives, Untethered Projectiles, Open Electric Current, or Fire. All parties (students, teachers, schools, etc.) who submit their robots into this challenge do so at their own risk and acknowledge with full understanding that competing robots are allowed to apply direct force in all offensive and defensive actions, and that damage even damage resulting in loss of functionality may occur to robots competing in this challenge. Furthermore, by engaging in this challenge all parties agree to hold JHU/APL Maryland MESA and all host sites blameless for any and all damages that may occur to individuals or robots while engaged in competition. To ensure the safety of all participants, they must wear impact resistant glasses/goggles. Furthermore, the final entry of student robots into competition will be based upon the discretion of the MESA Judging staff. Questions on safety prior to the MESA Day competition may be directed to the MESA Day Event Leader(s). ALL ENTRIES MUST BE CHECKED IN UPON ARRIVAL AT MESA DAY. 1 Next Generation Science Standards: http://www.nextgenscience.org/next-generation-science-standards. MESA Battleball Robot Challenge 1 MESA Day Competition

Judging Guidelines Categories Students base score will be derived from the following components: 1. Oral Presentation and Board Display: 50 points 2. Design, Construction, and Compliance: 20 points 3. Performance Demonstration: 30 points NOTE The preceding list provides details on each primary category (100 points total). However, it does not include bonus points, which are available for other distinguishing actions noted in the Design Bonus section. The rubrics in the Scoring Sheet provide detailed descriptions of the scoring requirements for each category. Judges Questions All students are required to discuss and answer questions from the judges on the design process and the role they played in the creation of the game. Responses to judges questions will be factored in to scoring for all categories. Judges may ask questions at any time during the competition. Judges question may be centered on but not limited to the following: 1. Why the presented design was selected and why is it useful in response to the challenge. 2. How the design was tested and what improvements were made (engineering process). 3. Anecdotal accounts for the device s functionality, shape, styling, etc. 4. The scientific research required to construct a robotic device. 5. The team's selection of materials. 6. Steps taken to ensure team safety during construction and performance. ALL DECISIONS MADE BY JUDGES ARE FINAL. The following section provides details on the judging categories. MESA Battleball Robot Challenge 2 MESA Day Competition

Oral Presentation and Board Display Presentation Overview 50 points Each team will be assigned a setup location at MESA Day. In this location, student team members will complete their oral presentations and provide answers to judges questions about their robot. All student members are to actively participate in the presentation. Teams must be prepared to give a 2- to 7-minute presentation and answer any questions from the judges related to their design. NOTE Participation by adults (other than MESA judges) is not permitted during the presentation. Display Board Contents The team s oral presentation must be accompanied with a tri-fold display board (36 x 48 in.) that contains the following information: 1. School and School System Name. 2. MESA Advisor(s) and Principal s Names. 3. Team Members and Their Roles Display board introduces all team members and their contributions to the project. 4. Graphical Display A well-labeled graphic of how the model functions. 5. Descriptive insight into the Team s Engineering Process A clear, descriptive, and concise briefing that describes the engineering and design process the team employed; which includes items like: How/Why the team chose to the robot s actionable tool/armament(s). How the team chose to automate the device (manual, programming, or both) and why. How the device was designed, assembled, and tested. Teams must include sketches of their design(s). Programs like TinkerCad (https://www.tinkercad.com/) and Google SketchUp (http://www.sketchup.com/) may be used. What improvements or changes were made to the design and why. A complete (but brief) description of some of the problems the team encountered in designing the robot and how they resolved those problems. MESA Battleball Robot Challenge 3 MESA Day Competition

6. Bibliography List at least six resources used to support your response to the challenge. (Examples include: Professionals, books, articles, websites, etc.) Reference citations must be formatted according to the American Psychological Association (APA) style for reference citations 2. 7. Materials List all component materials of the robot. Indicate the cost of these items. (Estimate the value of donated materials.) At the bottom of this list, provide a total cost of all component materials used in the device, which must be less than $250 U.S. Dollars (USD). See the Example Budget Sheet. 8. MESA Logo Include the JHU/APL Maryland MESA logo, no smaller than 3.79 W x 1.5 H in., in the upper right corner of the display. The logo can be downloaded from the Maryland MESA website: www.jhuapl.edu/mesa. Example Budget Sheet The following is an example of an itemized sheet listing each component and its cost: Item Quantity Cost ($) Popsicle Sticks 200 4.00 Marbles 2 2.00 Motor 1 5.00 TOTAL: 11.00 NOTE Donations must be assigned a value and included the budget sheet calculation. Receipts and/or descriptive purchase documentation must be provided for all items. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE CHECKED IN UPON ARRIVAL AT MESA DAY. 2 Available at: http://www.apastyle.org. MESA Battleball Robot Challenge 4 MESA Day Competition

Design, Construction, and Compliance 20 points The overall design and construction of the robot will be judged on the following characteristics: 1. Materials and Tools The completed, remotely controlled robot must be constructed as an original design or a modified kit, for an amount of no more than $250 USD. All kits must be modified at least 50% and may not be utilized out of the box. (If questioned, students must show an image/model of the manufacture s original design of a kit to prove modification.) An itemized cost list must accompany each team s robot. The robot must utilize at least one form of actively controlled tool or armament in defense of its Goal Zone and/or offensively in its attempts to score. This tool or armament (apart from standard motion) must be pre-programmed and/or controlled remotely by the students. 2. Size Before initial activation, the robot must be no more than 30-cm 3 [30x30x30 cm LWH (11.8 in. 3 )]. After activation, the robot may change in size. 3. Control & Design The robot must be controlled by either electronic remote and/or student pre-programming. The robot must have a student engineered design, complete with at least one offensive or defensive tool/armament (apart from standard motion) that is remotely controlled. 4. Operators The team may elect to switch which members control the robot during its competitive performance. 5. Starting Once the robot is set up behind the Goal Zone Line, the student(s) must give a three count before allowing the robot to travel to the Action Line during the initial 30-second window. Once the three count is completed, the switch, lever, trigger, etc. can be engaged to initiate the robot s movement. The scoring for this will be done in the Performance Demonstration portion of the challenge. 6. Time Limit A 30-second time limit will be given to students to travel, unhindered, to the Action Line. A 3-minute time frame will be given to students to compete in the Performance Demonstration portion of the challenge versus an opposing team. 7. Restrictions Teams may only bring one robot to the competition. Students must remain behind their Goal Zones throughout the Performance Demonstration. 8. Goal Zone and Action Line Starts The robot must remain behind the Goal Zone Line before initial demonstration, and stop behind the Action Line [within 5 cm (1.9685 in.)] before competitive demonstration. MESA Battleball Robot Challenge 5 MESA Day Competition

Performance Demonstration 30 points Before the start of head-to-head competition in the Performance Demonstration portion of the challenge, students will be given 30 seconds to complete a bonus challenge in which they send their robot from inside of their Goal Zone to a complete stop at least 5 cm (1.9685 in.) behind their respective Action Lines (see the Arena diagram). This must be completed via student pre-programming in order for the student to receive bonus points. Students who bring their robot to the Action Line without pre-programmed action must do so via (electronic) untethered remote control; these students will not receive bonus points. Additionally, students whose programmed bots cross the Action Line will not receive bonus points. The Arena Students will engage in competitive performance demonstration in an arena as defined in the following graphic: The official arena setup includes the following: Official JHU/APL MESA Battleball Robot Challenge boundary/wall Five table-tennis balls as Game Spheres (each with a slight concave indent to reduce movement) A Timer (for verification of the 30-second initial challenge time, and 3-minute arena time window) Official JHU/APL MESA Battleball Robot Challenge flooring (supplied by JHU/APL) NOTE The Goal Zone areas will consist of the venue flooring, which will vary, depending upon location (e.g., Hardwood Gym Floor, Carpet, Vinyl). MESA Battleball Robot Challenge 6 MESA Day Competition

Once both robots are on their Action Lines during the Performance Demonstration portion of the challenge, the judge will indicate the start of the head-to-head competition, in which students are challenged to defeat their opponent by scoring either a Knockout ( Completely immobilizing your opponent s ability to function for a 10-second count out and/or completely knocking them out of the arena) or a Blowout (which is to place three or more of the five provided Gamespheres into their opponents Goal Zone) during the allowed 3 minutes of head-to-head competition. Matches that do not end in a Knockout or Blowout will be determined by an odd number panel of at least three judges who will vote to decide which robot was the most physically dominant in battle during the match. As they strive to score points into their opposing team s Goal Zone, students will also need to defend their own Goal Zones from their opponent s attempts to score. Students must utilize at least one form of actively controlled tool or armament in defense of their Goal Zone and/or offensively in their attempts to score. The following are the parameters for the Performance Demonstration: 1. Three Count Once the robot is set up behind the Goal Zone Line, the student(s) must give a three count before allowing the robot to travel to the Action Line during the initial 30-second window. Once the three count is completed, the switch, lever, trigger, etc. can be engaged to initiate the robot s movement. The student(s) will have 30 seconds to reach the Action Line via student pre-programed movement. If this time runs out before the robot reaches the Action Line, no bonus points will be awarded. At no time should any physical action from a team member generate a force that directly contributes to the device s motion. 2. Gamespheres Once the Competitive Demonstration begins, the robots are challenged to place three or more of the five Gamespheres (table-tennis balls with slight concave denting to reduce movement) into their opponent s Goal Zone to score a Blowout win. 3. Tournament Each MESA Day Battleball Robot Challenge will be set up as a double-elimination tournament with the overall 1 st place winner receiving the greatest number of points for the Performance Demonstration. 4. Ways to win the match: Knockout Completely immobilize your opponent s ability to function for a 10-second count out and/or completely knock it out of the arena. Blowout Score three or more Gamespheres into your opponent s Goal Zone (Once placed behind a Goal Zone, Gamespheres may not be removed.) Judges Decision Matches that do not end in a Knockout or Blowout will be determined by an odd number panel of at least three judges who will vote which robot was the most dominant in battle during the match. MESA Battleball Robot Challenge 7 MESA Day Competition

NOTES Interference If while in the arena a robot falls over, teams may not pick it up or provide assistance to it by any third-party means apart from remote or preprogrammed controls. Students must remain behind their Goal Zones throughout the Performance Demonstration. Repairs and Tools Teams will not be allowed to make repairs to the robot once it is in the arena. However, adjustments/repairs are allowed before each round of competition at the MESA judges discretion not to exceed 5 minutes. Any tools brought to MESA Day for the robot event may not take up more than a 30-cm 3 ( 1 1. 8 i n. 3 ). space and must be stored in a location that does not interfere with the competition. Design Bonus 1. Programming Bonus At minimum, remote control of the robot is required; however, a bonus of +15 points will be given for student programming of the robot s autonomous travel to the Action Line during the unhindered 30 seconds provided before the start of the Competitive Demonstration. See the rubrics in the Scoring Sheet for detailed descriptions of the requirements for each bonus type. 2. Engineering Prowess The team s robot shows a high level of innovation and effort via dedicated computer, electrical, or mechanical engineering. Points will be awarded based on the following scale: Above Avg. +5, Amazing +10. Tie-Breakers Ties will be broken via the use of the highest score on the following predetermined rubric indicators: 1. Oral Presentation/Board Display 2. Design, Construction, and Compliance 3. Performance Demonstration The rubrics in the Scoring Sheet itemize possible points for each tie-breaker category. ALL DECISIONS MADE BY JUDGES ARE FINAL. MESA Battleball Robot Challenge 8 MESA Day Competition

MESA Battleball Robot Challenge Scoring Sheet School: Judge: Total points Oral Presentation, Board Display TIE-BREAKER 2 Performance Area Level of Mastery (Select One) Battleball Robot Challenge None Developing Approaching Some Mastery Total Student(s) significantly increase the judges understanding of the team s approach to the engineering and design process including but not limited to the following: Visual Insight The presentation and display board offered a highly insightful view into how the design was tested and selected (including sketches of the original design). Visual aids utilized appropriately, i.e., models, charts, pictures, graphs, etc. Section Total 50 Points /50 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) /5 Delivery Utilizing their display board, the team presented a compelling and informative 2- to 7-min description of their work including an engaging introduction, a uniquely interesting presentation, and a highly compelling conclusion. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) /5 Sources The presentation and display board include at least six cited sources used to assist the team in solving the stated problem (formatted using APA style for reference citations). 3 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) /5 Teamwork The team introduced all of their team members and detailed the contributions of each on the display board. From the presentation, it is clear that all members worked and collaborated together as a team. Organization The team s board, presentation, collaboration, and overall conduct demonstrate the presence of order. The team is able to clearly organize their materials, thoughts, statements, and display in a way that demonstrates care and consideration to both essential and peripheral details. Display Board The following is true of the board (Score as zero unless all items present): Professionalism in assembly. Utilized during the oral presentation. Includes the JHU/APL Maryland MESA Logo in the upper right corner. The board is the required size of (36 x 48 in.) and includes a list of component material costs not to exceed $250 USD. A Computer Aided Design or CAD model is evident. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) /5 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) /5 (0) (5) /5 Professionalism Clear speech (avoids "umm," "like," "you know," etc.), good eye contact, professional posture. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) /5 Accurate Timekeeping/Pacing Team presented within the 2- to 7-minute window without rushing or going too slow. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) /5 Working Knowledge Student conversation(s) allow judges to readily assess that the students were highly involved in the engineering, design, and construction process and that their ideas came to life in the device. The students should demonstrate that the robot was constructed and tested by them; not for them by a secondary source/individual. Creative Rigor The student presentation shows a high level of creativity and rigor. Students identified a unique solution and succeeded in bringing the idea to fruition; additionally, students clearly articulated their vision. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) /5 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) /5 Continued 3 Available at: http://www.apastyle.org. MESA Battleball Robot Challenge 9 MESA Day Competition

MESA Battleball Robot Challenge Scoring Sheet School: Judge: Total points Performance Area Level of Mastery (Select One) Battleball Robot Challenge (Continued) None Developing Approaching Some Mastery Total Design, Construction, and Compliance TIE-BREAKER 3 Student team members readily engage in the design and engineering process to produce a working solution to the presented problem, demonstrating a command ability to meet design requirements as demonstrated in their device - including but not limited to the following: Size- Before initial activation the robot must be no more than 30 cm 3 (30x30x30 cm) (11.8 in. 3 ). After activation, the robot may change in size. Materials The completed robot must be constructed as an original design or a modified kit, for an amount of no more than $250 USD. All kits must be modified at least 50% and may not be utilized out of the box. (If questioned, students must show an image of the manufacture s original design of a kit to prove modification) An itemized cost list must accompany each team s robot. Control & Design The robot must be controlled by either a two or more frequency electronic remote and/or student pre-programming. The robot must have a student engineered design, complete with at least one offensive or defensive tool/armament (apart from standard motion) that is remotely controlled. Goal Zone and Action Line starts The robot must be programmed to remain behind the Goal Zone Line before initial demonstration, and stop behind the Action Line (within 5 cm) before competitive demonstration within the allotted 30 seconds. See Design Bonus for Programming. Section Total 20 Points /20 Not Demonstrated Demonstrated (0) (5) /5 (0) (5) /5 (0) (5) /5 (0) (5) /5 Performance Demonstration TIE-BREAKER 1 Tournament Ranking: Win via a Knockout, Blowout, or Judge s Decision! Section Total 30 Points /30 Three Count Once the robot is set up behind the Goal Zone Line, the student(s) must give a three count before allowing the robot to travel to the Action Line during the initial 30-second window. (0) (5) /5 Ranks with resulting scores: All Others (Honorable Mention) 5 points 4 th and 5 th Place (Runner Up) 10 points 3 rd Place (Runner Up) 15 points 2 nd Place (Runner Up) 20 points 1 st Place (Tournament Winner) 25 points /25 Design Bonus Add the slated additional points if the following tasks are completed: Bonus Section Total 25 Points /25 Programming The robot completes a full approach from behind the Goal Zone Line and stops before the Action Line (within 5 cm) as a result of student pre-programming. Engineering Prowess The team s robot shows a high level of innovation and effort via dedicated computer, electrical or mechanical engineering. Points will be awarded based on the following scale: Above Avg. + (5), Amazing +(10). (0) (15) + (15) Above Avg. +(5) Amazing +(10) + + (10) MESA Battleball Robot Challenge 10 MESA Day Competition

MESA Battleball Robot Challenge Scoring Sheet School: Judge: Total points Overall Score for the Battleball Robot Challenge Judge s Feedback TOTAL SCORE (x/100 points): /100 MESA Battleball Robot Challenge 11 MESA Day Competition

MESA Battleball Robot Challenge Scoring Sheet School: Judge: Total points MESA Battleball Robot Challenge Tournament Bracket The following are samples of brackets with an even- or odd-number of teams: Four-Team Bracket Five-Team Bracket MESA Battleball Robot Challenge 12 MESA Day Competition