In past events, the creators have created a scenario and a problem for students to solve using their robot. This year,
the task and scenario are very true-to-life: the Hubble Space Telescope has been having problems and the gyros need replacing!
The BEST Robotics problem has had some very versatile and inclusive tasks of all sorts; "Transfusion Confusion" in 2003
had to do with blood, germs, and health. In 2004, the problem was about DNA replacement, and this year's "Mission to Hubble"
is about the space program and fixing the telescope. So no matter what field of study a student in BEST is interested in,
you can be sure that this competition will help them somehow!
How does BEST help our team members?
Richard Padilla, a senior on the DHS BEST Robotics team, plans to become a dentist after high school. He says that BEST
helps train him in doing fine, delicate work on small objects when every cut counts.
Meilea Wertz, who wants to be a physical therapist, says that BEST helps her prepare for her future by lteaching her
to accept a challenge and push her limits.
Gary Brown, team captain, wants to become a material physicist, and building, designing, and driving the robot give him
a chance to understand what his job may be like in the future. "Also, the electronic work," he says. "I've had to repair 3
servos so far!" He enjoys learning about the way things work and trying to maniplate the simple material given to us in the
beginning (wood, PVC pipe, and motors) into performing a job to solve a problem.
D'Aun Flesher, the head of the website, is also helped by this program. "I've always had a problem working with people.
I could never communicate my ideas cleary or listen to others!" But now, she can easily work in groups or be put in charge
with no fear of failure. Believe it or not, the creator of this website used to be a self-proclaimed "techno-spaz." Says D'Aun,
"I hated technlogy, especially computers. But I got involved in BEST, and now I want a career in Radiology: working with people
AND technology!"
Even those unsure of their future career interests, such as Brenden Jones, are helped by BEST. "BEST is preparing me
for an ever-changing world of machines. It gives me a better feeling for mechanics, engineering, electrical work, communication
and teamwork."
Chelsea Silverthorne, also undecided, says that BEST gives her more experience with engineering and presenting herself.
"It gives me another opportunity to apply myself in a diverse situation, "she says.
