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Frequently Asked
Questions
What is the EcoBot Challenge?
It’s a competition that requires 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders to design and build robots from a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education NXT Robot kit. They must then program the robots to complete a series of environmental activities such as recycling, reusing, and reducing. The Challenge is free and open to all school districts and community organizations in Texas.
What are the objectives of the competition
- To inspire students to learn how to learn
- To teach them critical thinking skills
- To excite them about careers in math and science
- To give them opportunities to see how they can solve real world problems with the skills they are learning in the classroom
- To teach them the value of intellectual collaboration, persistence, and time management
How is the robotics challenge structured?
Each team will participate in five rounds of robotics challenges. Out of the five rounds, the lowest score will be dropped and the other rounds will be averaged for a final score.
What is the marketing challenge?
To further enhance the student experience, there will be Microsoft® PowerPoint presentations through which teams will market potential environmental services of their robot, flexing their communication and marketing presentation skills.
Are there awards?
Yes, awards are presented to the top 10 teams in Robotics, the top 10 teams in Marketing and the top 10 teams overall. The top 3 teams overall will also with trophies. Individual awards for creativity and innovation will also be presented.
What is the Education Foundation of Harris County?
The Education Foundation of Harris County is an efficient conduit for corporate philanthropy, foundations and individual contributions supporting innovative academic programming, educational competitions and quality after school education enrichment activities in the twenty-six independent school district area comprising Harris County, Texas. Its mission creating opportunities for all children promotes the vision that every child can learn and succeed given opportunity and education.
Who can participate?
Any team of students from Texas may participate. Private, charter and home school teams are invited. YMCA teams, Boy Scout and Girl Scout teams and other organization teams may also apply.
Can students from private schools participate?
Yes.
Can students that are home schooled participate?
Yes. Please register the adult chaperone as a teacher.
Can my church students participate?
Yes. Please register the adult chaperone as a teacher and list the church name as the company.
Can my Girl Scout or Boy Scout troop participate?
Yes. Please register the adult chaperone as a teacher and list the troop name as the company.
How many members should be on a team?
Each team needs a minimum of three (3 ) students; Teams of four (4) are preferred.
May schools and organizations enter more than one team?
Yes. Register each teacher and up to (10) teams per teacher; One additional adult chaperone is required for every two (2) teams and can be entered with the teacher registration.
How do schools, teachers and students register?
Click this link to register.
How can I apply for a grant?
If your school promises to send a team but cannot afford a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education NXT Robot Kit, we will provide one for you. Click here to apply for a grant.
What is the cost to participate for students? For teachers and assistants?
LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education NXT Robot Kit and software costs $315. There is no charge for teachers or adult chaperones to attend Workshop Training or the event.
When and where will teacher training be provided?
Education Foundation of Harris County will provide Workshop Training on the robotics and marketing components. Teachers, assistants and organization chaperones may sign up for a session when registering their school or organization to participate. Be sure to check the calendar for dates and locations.
Is there a registration fee?
There are no registration or entrance fees for any team. The EcoBot Challenge is open to any 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student in Texas.
Is there a fee for teacher workshops and training?
No, we encourage any teacher, teacher’s aid or leader to receive training on how to program the robots.
Won't EcoBot distract kids from TAKS tests?
No, EcoBot is designed to enhance students learning by reinforcing STEM education and inspiring students to work harder in school and on standardized tests.
Where will the 2010 EcoBot Challenge be held?
At Reliant Center, located in Reliant Park in Houston, Texas
Where can I get a kit?
A limited number of kits will be available for purchase at Workshop Training. You may order kits online at http://www.legoeducation.com. If your team receives a grant, your kit will be delivered to you.
What must the robot be able to do?
Download the official rules and the illustrated guide for details.
What are the size restrictions?
Download the official rules and the illustrated guide for details.
Will I need any other materials?
Download the official rules and the illustrated guide for details.
Can we use third party sensors?
No, for this year we are not allowing third party sensors; we will consider this as an option for next year.
Can we have more than 3 motors?
No, it is three motors total that you may bring to the task table. You will need to design your subassemblies so that you can put them onto a motor and take them off quickly; this is part of the challenge.
Can you enter a robot in the competition without doing a PowerPoint presentation?
Yes, however, you are eligible for more prizes and garner more points to become a finalist or winner for all categories that consider total points.
When is the PowerPoint presentation due?
The marketing presentation will be due on April 5, 2010 by 9:00 a.m. Download the official rules and the marketing powerpoint guide for details.
How many slides should it include?
No more than 5 slides; file size should not exceed 3MB.
What information should it include?
Download the official rules and the marketing powerpoint guide for details.
How should it be submitted?
Download the official rules and the marketing powerpoint guide for details.
Will I be able to make changes to my robot on-site?
Teams are encouraged to arrive at the competition with their robots completed. However, there will be stations available so that teams may work on their robots as needed throughout the contest day.
What is the attire for the competition?
Casual pants and competition T-Shirt
Will bus parking be available?
If you will be arriving in a school bus, please contact our event coordinator for further instructions.
Sharmagne Taylor
On-site Partners
281-575-8155
Sharmagne@sbcglobal.net
Are meals and refreshments provided for the competitors?
Yes, a boxed lunch and beverage.
Will parents and observers be allowed to attend?
Yes. Parents are encouraged to attend! Bring siblings, too!
Are discounted parking options available? Where?
Parking options will be posted on April 3, 2010.
Will refreshments be available for sale to parents and observers?
Yes, food and beverage service will be available throughout the day on a cash sales basis.
What time is the awards program?
Approximately 5:00 pm
Where can my family stay in Houston?
If you require hotel accommodations, please contact our event coordinator for further instructions.
Sharmagne Taylor
On-site Partners
281-575-8155
Sharmagne@sbcglobal.net
What else is there to do in Houston?
Check out the Convention and Visitors Bureau site. For a calendar of events and coupons, visit www.visithoustontexas.com.
We participated last year. Can we sign up again this year?
Yes. We encourage teams to participate again. You will use the same robot kit. However, the tasks will differ so that no one has an unfair advantage.
What is the Jobs of the Future Pavilion?
An interactive experience that links the educational components of EcoBot to the possibilities available in higher education and the talents, skills and abilities required for real world jobs of the future. Learn how the concepts you are learning today can be a springboard to careers in science, technology, engineering, math and environmental innovation.
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