Pre-Conference Workshop Descriptions

Campus Map

Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center

Several pre-conference workshops will occur on Wednesday, June 17. Workshop formats are either half-day or full-day and require registration and fees separate from the conference. Questions should be directed to Jesse Daniel (danierj@auburn.edu).

 

Starting a BEST Hub (9:00 am to 4:00 pm, lunch included) - $75
Paul George (Blazer BEST) and Nancy Rossland (Bison BEST)

This workshop is designed for those individuals or groups interested in starting a BEST hub in their local communities. Topics include fundraising tips, event logistics, volunteer assignments, consumable and returnable kits, BEST Award logistics, recruiting judges, training teachers, and much more.

Come learn why every year, more and more corporations are supporting BEST and why so many two- and four-year colleges and universities, companies, professional engineering societies, and groups of committed individuals are starting BEST hubs.

 

New BEST Teachers (9:00 am to 12:00 pm, lunch not included) - $25
Robin Fenton (Director of Outreach, Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, Mobile, AL)

The workshop is designed for teachers and team mentors who are new to the BEST program and those who have participated for only one year. The workshop will teach attendees how to do the following aspects of the six-week long fall competition:

• Organize and manage the robotics team
• Organize and manage the BEST Award competition, an optional competition for participating schools that involves students with interests in web design, CAD design, speech, writing, arts and crafts, photography, cinematography, etc.
• Incorporate a proven design process that will guide students through the design and development of both their robot and the various components of the BEST Award
• Understand how to use the equipment that is provided to each team

 

Advanced BEST Teachers (1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, lunch not included) - $25
Robin Fenton (Director of Outreach, Exploreum Science Center, Mobile, AL)

Participants will be introduced to and provided with various instructional materials, strategies, and other resources to help manage both the robotics and BEST Award components of the competition. These resources were submitted by veteran, highly successful BEST teachers from various BEST hubs around the country.

Intro to SolidWorks (9:00 am to 12:00 pm, lunch not included) - $20
Bobby Conrad (Technical Training Aids, Pelham, AL)

Participants will learn the basics of using SolidWorks CAD software, the free software provided to all BEST teams to use in the design and construction of their robots.

Advanced SolidWorks (1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, lunch not included) - $20
Bobby Conrad (Technical Training Aids, Pelham, AL)

This workshop is designed for teachers or mentors who have used the basic features of SolidWorks software and are now ready to kick it up a notch!

Pre-Conference Workshop Registration Form