Please check this site frequently.  Any notifications and/or clarifications will be posted here as soon as they become available.

If you have questions that are not answered here, please contact:

Brenda Gile-Laflin
College of Engineering
brenda.gile-laflin@wichita.edu
(316)  978-6301

What is the Mission of the MindStorms Challenge? 

For the second year in a row at Wichita State University, the Colleges of Education and Engineering are coming together to bring the magic of LEGO to Wichita area children.  LEGO bricks provide a unique tool for exploring math and science theories.  Their ability to be constructed, disassembled, and reconstructed allows for endless exploration.  The standard shapes of LEGO bricks teach children the importance of industry standards and allow the integration of multiple kits.  However, the most important quality of LEGOS is they are FUN!!!

In today's computer age, some type of programming experience is an absolute necessity on a resume for most engineering positions.  Now with the aide of the LEGO MindStorms Robotics Invention System, children have the opportunity to learn the basic structure of computer programming.  With its "flow-chart-like" graphics children can build programs like assembling a puzzle.  By integrating motors and sensors with the RCX microchip, imaginations can run wild with endless robotic possibilities.

To promote the use and necessity of LEGO in the classroom the Colleges of Engineering and Education at Wichita State University are hosting the second annual LEGO MindStorms Challenge.  This event is meant to provide young students with an opportunity for practical application and exhibition of basic math, science, and engineering skills obtained in the classroom as well as promote teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship through a challenge of the minds.  Fourth through Eight grade students will have the opportunity to conquer five Mission Challenges designed by Shocker Engineers as well as an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned to professional Wichita engineers and educators in an oral presentation, table display and notebook.  Sportsmanship and spirit will be judged throughout the day to promote collaboration and teamwork.

When is the MindStorms Challenge?  

Saturday, March 2, 2002 , 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Award Ceremony 5:00 p.m.

What is the schedule for the MindStorms Challenge day?

* Presentations will be scheduled throughout the day for each team. You will receive your time slot in your game day packet.

Where is the MindStorms Challenge? 

Wichita State University’s Hughes Metropolitan Complex (Metroplex) Gymnasium. The Metroplex is located on the Southeast corner of 29^th Street North and Oliver.  A map and details of parking location will be posted later.

Who can compete in the Challenge?

Teams will be made up of 8-10 Kansas students currently in grades 4^th – 8^th.  One unique coach (18 or over) must sponsor each team.  More coaches and supervision are encouraged but one unique coach must represent each team.

• Each team must have at least eight members. No exceptions to this rule.

Do teams members have to live in Wichita?

NO!  The MindStorms  Challenge is for students in the state of Kansas.

Who can attend as a spectator?

The MindStorms Challenge is open to the public. Spectators: parents, grandparents, friends, classmates, and interested engineers and educators are invited.

Why are the team sizes bigger than last year’s challenge? 

The MindStorms Challenge is designed to encourage collaboration and cooperation within a design team.  In order to design, build, program the robots, and prepare for the presentation/challenge we feel that the minimum number of students is eight.

On game day can we substitute a student if another is ill? 

No substitutions can be allowed.  Please register eight to ten team members and two alternates, as eight registered members are required for a team to compete.  Only ten registered ten members may compete.

Do the team members have to be associated with a school? 

NO!  Teams may be formed with Homeschoolers, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, after-school groups, etc.

Does a coach have to be a teacher? 

NO!  The coach can be any adult (18 or over) who supervises, provides supports, and represents one unique team.

When is registration?

Registration begins on Tuesday, January 22, 2002 and ends at midnight on January 31, 2002.  The challenge will be limited to 22 teams.  If the registration exceeds 22 teams a selection process will be implemented. Teams will be notified on Feb 4, 2002 of acceptance.  Teams will have one week to amend their registration information.  Registration will be finalized on Feb. 11, 2002.

How can I register?

All registrations must be made online through the 2002 MindStorms Robotics Challenge website, Jan. 22, - Jan. 31.

Is there a fee to compete? 

NO!  The MindStorms Challenge is free to participants and jointly sponsored by Wichita State University’s College of Engineering and College of Education.

• Each team will need one Lego MindStorms Robotics Invention System kit to build their robots – cost approximately $200.

What equipment is used to build the robots and where can it be purchased? 

Each team needs one Lego Robotics MindStorms Invention System kit (Versions: 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 or Robolab).  Only the parts contained in these kits may be used to create a robot.  No additional parts are allowed. This equipment can be purchased at many retail stores here are some samples:

• Lego Shop at Home

• Amazon.com

• Robolab

What software can be used to program the robot?

There are no limits to the software language used to program your robot. We will not provide any programming software to teams for their use on game day. If you are checking out one of our laptops, you will need to ensure that you bring your specific programming software to install on the laptop.

Will laptops be available for team use? 

A limited number of PC or MAC laptops will be available for checkout by an adult team coach. The coach can check this equipment out at registration on game day and will be responsible for ensuring the laptop is properly handled and used by the team.  On the registration form there will be a check-box for making this request.  Teams are encouraged to bring their own laptops.  Electricity will be made available for each team.

• Remember to bring your own infrared tower and software.

What else will each team be responsible for bringing? 

Batteries!  Each team should bring their own supply of batteries both for their robots and their infrared tower. Also be sure to bring your IR tower, cable and software for programming your robot.

Will our team have a place to re-build and program our robot? 

There will be Workrooms where each team will be assigned a large round banquet sized table to work on their robot.  These tables will be located in a common Workroom for multiple teams.  These rooms will be open for teams at 8:30am on challenge day.

Will there be any other space available for the teams?

Each team will be assigned an area (Homeroom) that will be available for them to eat, drink, place coats, and other belongings.  Food and drink are not allowed in any other areas of the building. These rooms will be open for teams at 8:30am on challenge day.

Can remote controls be used?

NO!  No form of remote control can be used in the missions including the Lego remote control that can be purchased separately. Each robot must be programmed to perform autonomously and can have NO human contact of any kind during the mission.

What is a mission? 

The College of Engineering has created five different scenarios or “Missions” that a robot can complete.  Each of these missions is independent of the others and will be judged separately.  During the MindStorms Challenge Game Day all five missions will be available for teams to complete.  Teams must use only one RCX during the Challenge so it will be necessary to rebuild and reprogram between missions.  Each robot must perform the mission independent from any human contact.  The robot must be programmed to perform autonomously. The details of each of these missions and how points are accumulated will be released six weeks before the Challenge on Saturday, January 19, 2002.

How will you ensure that each team only uses one RCX in all of the missions? 

The coach will bring the team RCX to the registration table on game day so that the serial number may be registered.  The RCX serial number will be checked at every mission to ensure that the same RCX is being used throughout the day.

Are there other Challenges in addition to the missions? 

Yes!  The MindStorms Challenge encourages teamwork, presentation, and sportsmanship.  To compete for the MindStorms Award teams will be required to have a table display and notebook, give a presentation and exhibit exemplary sportsmanship and spirit in addition to completing 3 of the 5 Missions.

What is the Presentation? 

The Presentation is an opportunity for your team to demonstrate to a panel of judges the process your team went through in preparation for the missions. Each team will have 3 minutes to setup, 4-6 minutes for an oral presentation, 5 minutes for a question and answer period and 3 minutes to cleanup.  A minimum of two students shall actively participate in the presentation.  Coaches/mentors are not allowed to participate in the presentation but may attend as observers.  Other observers shall not be permitted.  A vugraph machine, screen and table will be provided for transparencies.  Data projectors, computers, power cords and any other materials are the responsibility of the presenters.  Presentation times will be assigned.

What do the Table Display and Notebook require? 

Each team will be given a table to put a poster or display board representing their team and their process and efforts in preparation for the Challenge missions.  Each team will also display a notebook of drawings, pictures, notes, etc. that document the process their team took to complete their robots.  These items may also be used in the Presentation.

How are Sportsmanship and Spirit judged? 

The MindStorms Challenge encourages interteam and intrateam cooperation and support.  Each team member will receive a name badge and be required to clearly display this at all times during the MindStorms Challenge day.  Roving judges will be watching sportsmanship conduct and spirit throughout the day at the missions, workrooms, homerooms, etc. 

Will there be a chance to see the Mission boards and try them out before the Challenge day? 

Yes!  There will be a trial day where the mission boards will be set up so that teams may try their robots.  Representatives of the College of Engineering will be available to answer questions.  No laptops will be available.  If teams want to be able to re-program on that day they will need to furnish their own computer, software, and IR tower.  

*We do encourage teams to use the dimensional drawings of each mission to create mission boards that racticed with at other times.

Lego MindStorms Challenge Trial Day: 

Saturday, February 23,  10:00a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

This trial day coincides with The (SWE) Society of Women Engineers Expo.  This Expo is designed to bring hands-on activities and information about engineering occupations to students.  Women in the engineering field will hold booths from many topics in engineering such as: Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Computer.