Kansas BEST Kickoff Information

Parking is open on Saturday, so you may park in any of the lots. The picture above shows the visitor
logs (with the ‘V’ on them.
Many of the lots closest to RSC are cramped for a full size bus. So if you will be getting to the event
in a full size bus, please take note of the bright yellow boxes. WuShock Drive that runs along the
outside edge of the buildings has a bus loading/unloading cutout right in front of Elliot and Ahlberg
Halls so you can stop there for a time and not impede other traffic. Parking during the event should
be in one of the other indicated areas.

We will start the event in CAC Theater at 9:00. Enter the north doors. There will be a check in table so we know what schools have arrived. You will be asked how many participants have come for the event. Then you may proceed to the theater and find a place to sit.

The program is posted on kansasbest.org. We will provide one printed program to each team at check in . It will have a QR
code to this link for anyone who wishes to look at the digital version. There will be QR codes posted in the theater as well.

We will do introductions, and have a keynote speaker.

These will be held in the Theater and rooms on the 2nd floor of RSC Topics will be:
• Tips for building a robot (remain in CAC theater for this one)

Bryan will cover some of the changes to the kits, and discuss some tips learned over the years for designing and building the robot.

• Software options (RSC Santa Fe Room 233)

We no longer have software just for programming the robot.  You have many types of software available to you.  Reference that section of the Team Workflow to get started on each.  Linda will give you a quick overivew of Vexcode Blocks and show you how to locate tutorials, download your software to the robot and actually run the components.  She will also give you information about packages that can be used for designing your robot, simulating its movement, and designing parts to be 3D printed.  All industry grade software that you will have free access to for this program.  

• Marketing presentations (RSC Spencer Room 264)

There are not many changes from last year on the Marketing Presentations, but for teams that are interested in getting involved with the BEST Award, this is a good place to start.  Wyatt will walk you thru the expectations of this component, discuss what judges are looking for and how to prepare

• Replacement for Team Exhibits (RSC Lucas Room 265)

The large installments for the Team Exhibits in the past have been very impressive, but maybe a bit overwhelming for teams to take on.  As we continue to try to represent the latest technologies and practices we have decided to take a different approach.  Alex and/or Ethan will show you the new path being taken in this part of the BEST Award.

• Critical Design Reviews (RSC Pike Room 266)

Critical Design Reviews are NOT a judged event.  They are a mentoring opportunity for teams to get some outside input.  All teams will be required to participate in a 20 minute, online meeting with our skilled volunteers (most of whom are training, practicing or retired engineers in industry).  David will  help teams learn how to make the most of these opportunities.

• Notebook (RSC Herrman Room 262)

All teams are required to build a notebook to compete in Game Day.  It helps teams understand how decisions are made, how to prioritize requirements, how to build strategy that all lead to a more capable team and robot.  It is also a component of the overall scoring, and can be a ticket to a wild card spot in the semi finals at Game Day.  Nicholas will help teams understand what is expected in a quality notebook.

 

When the breakouts are over, everyone should return to the CAC Theater to see the new game revealed.You will get to see: the game animation; an overview of the rules; the game field and demonstration. You may also ask questions about the field, take pictures, CAREFULLY interact with it.
Questions about rules at this point will be deferred to reading the rules.

Then we will close the presentations and you will get to pick up your kits.

You will want 2-4 people to collect all the kit components. Space is limited in the lobby so we encourage larger teams to not take the whole team through the line to pick up kits.  We have broken the kits down to these components (stations):

1. Medium sized box of small consumable components
2. Modified pillow case bag that has the 12”x24” sheets of metal and plastics and the shorter metal rods. The pillow case is meant to not just keep these items together, but protect you from their sharp edges.
3. Igus kit - bagged components about 18” long
4. Plywood (2 sheets 2’x4’ of different thickness)
5. PVC pipe (2, 5’ lengths) plus 3’ all thread that are bundled together
6. Plastic bin with returnable kit
7. Tri-fold poster board (optional)

If you have a foldup wagon or a dolly/cart you might want to bring that along, because there will be a bit of a walk to get to your vehicles. We will have a couple onsite you can borrow as well.  There is limited space to the north of CAC Theater that can be used for loading and unloading as well.  The pictures here shows all the components in my foldup wagon so you get an idea how big it is. 

Here are the teams registered for the 2026 competition.  If you think you registered, but don’t see your team here, please contact Linda Manfull.

351 - Wichita Collegiate HS
352 - Moundridge
354 - Council Grove High School
355 - Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School
358 - Wichita Homeschool
359 - Republic County High School
362 - Atchison High School
365 - Quark Robotics - Rose Hill
366 - Central Christian Academy
367 - McHomes Homeschool Co-op
368 - USD 300 - South Central High School
370 - Garden City High School
371 - Circle High School
372 - Rock Creek High School
373 - Solomon High School
374 - West Franklin High School
377 - Campus High School
378 - Valley Center High School
383 - Lakewood Middle School
384 - Berean Academy
385 - Derby High School
386 - Sunrise Christian Academy