MARS Robotics

Meetings:

• Meetings are generally held every other week during off-season (Thursdays, 6-7:15), and increase significantly in frequency during the 6 week build season from Jan. through March (up to 7 days a week). You are expected to show up at every meeting possible. If your subteam is falling behind, you are expected to put in extra hours to meet the deadlines.
• All students and volunteers must complete an application for team membership. This is found on-line on the team’s website (www.marsbot.org). Also a 2006 Team Expectations agreement must be signed by you and your guardian and turned in to the team.
• Although team activities require a lot of time, it is never an excuse for poor or dropping grades. It is important that you devote ample time and effort to schoolwork.
• Computers are used for team tasks only. Do not download anything from the Internet that is not related to FIRST. This means no game playing, instant messaging, email, etc.
• Behavior should be appropriate to the workplace; no horseplay.
• If you do not have work to do then ask a team lead/manager or mentor for a job. If you still cannot find a job to do, watch others and learn from what they are doing. Show initiative; thought out suggestions are always welcome. Explore the FIRST web site (www.usfirst.org) or the Chief Delphi team forum site (www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/portal.php) for ideas or scouting information.
• Put away tools and maintain a clean work space. Follow all safety guidelines. Review safety guidelines posted on our team website (www.marsbot.org) under the “Resources” tab, on the “Safety” page.
• Sign in and out of team activities or meetings. Unrecorded or unproductive hours will not count. Total hours worked may be used to determine eligibility for team field trips.
• You must learn and know the rules to the year’s game announced in Jan. 2007.

Fundraising:

• Participation in team fund raising is required. You are expected to raise a minimum of $175 from attending team car washes or other events and/or by soliciting business or family sponsorships by November 2, 2006. You only need to raise $25 per week to meet your obligation.
• Where does all the money go? Here’s a quick breakdown:
  • Participation in one regional and the basic kit of parts: $6000.
  • Participation in each additional regional event: $4000.
  • Participation fee for Championship Event: $5,000.
  • Additional costs not already mentioned: Machining/tooling/additional materials not in kit/ banners/ team uniform/ tools/ travel expenses/van or bus rental/ freight shipping of robot/ food/ hotel/ etc.
  • The FIRST Experience: Priceless!
• Students who raise $500 or more will not be required to pay for their hotel room at the regional competition.
• Inform MARS of who you’ve approached with fundraising packets so that other people don’t repeat your efforts.

Community Outreach:

• You will participate in robot presentations and demonstrations as scheduled. A large part of being in FIRST is promoting excitement in the areas of science and technology. This year MARS will be assisting the South Florida Science Museum with their upcoming robotics exhibit.
• Show leadership by discussing FIRST, describing your experiences with MARS Robotics and helping provide power point presentations, games, robot demos, etc. at scheduled events.
• Attend team community service activities such as Friends of Jupiter Beach’s monthly beach clean-up; make sure to wear your team t-shirt. Wear a plain black or red t-shirt if you have not yet received your team shirt.

Communication:

• It is your responsibility to stay current with all email postings.

• Support the team’s website by visiting it frequently. Use our forum to discuss ideas outside of meetings and explore links. Always represent yourself and the team well; do not post negative things online on either the MARS forum or on Chief Delphi forums.

Competitions:

• When at events with other FIRST teams, help others whenever possible. If you cannot provide help yourself, find someone on our team who can. Learn about and demonstrate “gracious professionalism”.
• Members are expected to watch matches and cheer not only for our team, but for other teams as well. Never boo under any circumstances. Competitions are fun; it’s important to show your enthusiasm.
• All members will help scout.
• Safety glasses must be worn in the pits at all times. It is suggested that every member have his own pair. The team brings a limited number that can be shared.
• Personal items are not to be stored at the pit area as space is very limited and judges evaluate organization and tidiness of the area. Only members with pit jobs should stay in the pit area.
• Students will travel by pairs (buddy system) and need to tell someone where they are going at all times. No one leaves the competition building without permission from Mr. Zachariah.
• Curfews will be followed, and no visitors from other teams are allowed in hotel rooms.