Introduction to the Speaker
Harper, the Lead CAD professional on The Qubit Bot robotics team, is an experienced and passionate mentor in computer-aided design (CAD). Harper has not only excelled in creating complex robotic designs but also in sharing his knowledge with others. This season, Harper has dedicated his time to mentoring the Millennium Falcons (FTC Team 19380), a rookie team from Four Points Middle School, guiding them through the foundational concepts of CAD.
About the Sessions
The CAD sessions were conducted in person over several weekends throughout the season at the Millennium Falcons’ practice space. Harper introduced the team to Onshape, a powerful online CAD software, and led them through a series of hands-on exercises designed to build their skills step by step.
What Harper Taught
Harper tailored the sessions to meet the needs of the rookie team by focusing on:
Basic CAD Concepts
Teaching fundamental skills like sketching, extrusions, and the use of shapes and tools.
Problem-Solving Through Design
Introducing real-world projects, such as designing sign holders for competition number plates, to apply theoretical knowledge.
Iterative Thinking
Encouraging students to brainstorm, prototype, and refine their designs to improve efficiency and functionality.
Teamwork and Specialization
Demonstrating the importance of collaboration and how splitting into smaller, focused groups can enhance learning and productivity.
Engaging the Students
Recognizing the challenge of teaching a complex topic like CAD, Harper adopted several strategies to keep the students engaged:
Identifying Interest
Conducting initial 30-minute sessions to identify students genuinely interested in CAD and focusing further efforts on them.
Creating a Comfortable Environment
Ensuring students had a relaxed and well-equipped workspace, complete with breaks to recharge.
Encouraging Hands-On Learning
Allowing students to experiment and troubleshoot independently, stepping in to guide them only when necessary.
Learnings for the Millennium Falcons
Through Harper’s mentorship, the Millennium Falcons gained:
Foundational CAD Skills
Students learned how to use Onshape for creating and refining designs.
Practical Application
They completed a project from start to finish, designing a functional sign holder for their robot.
Confidence in Problem-Solving
Hands-on practice taught them to approach challenges systematically and innovate effectively.
Passion for STEM
Harper’s enthusiasm for CAD inspired the students to see its value and applications in robotics and beyond.
Conclusion
Harper’s commitment to mentoring the Millennium Falcons exemplifies the core values of FIRST robotics: sharing knowledge, fostering curiosity, and building a love for STEM. By teaching CAD to a new generation of robotics enthusiasts, Harper not only empowered the Millennium Falcons but also strengthened the broader robotics community. The Qubit Bot team is proud to celebrate his impactful outreach and looks forward to seeing the Millennium Falcons soar in their FIRST journey!
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