• All teams are eligible for the BEST Award
• In accordance with BEST philosophy, materials submitted by the teams MUST be the work of the students.
• Judging is based on five criteria (100 points possible):
  • Project Engineering Notebook (30 points)
  • Marketing Presentation (25 points)
  • Team Exhibit and Interviews (20 points)
  • Spirit and Sportsmanship (10 points)
  • Robot Performance (15 points)

See "Award and Judging Policies and Award and Judging Policies Appendix" for details.

See award and judging policies for notebook specifications.

Purpose - Documentation of the process the team used to design, build and test their robot.

• Implementation of the Engineering Design Process
• Research paper (2-5 pgs) documenting correlation between the game theme and how related technology is used
• Brainstorming approaches
• Analytical evaluation of design alternatives
• Offensive/defensive evaluation
• Software Design and Simulation evidence
• Safety
• Support documentation (32 single-sided pgs max) not including title page/Table of Contents; supplemental appendix of no more than 20 double-sided sheets may be included
• Overall quality and completeness

Notebooks will be submitted as an electronic PDF file. Scores used to determine which 4 teams earn a chance for the single "wildcard" slot during playoff rounds.

Purpose - geared as a company (the team) marketing their product (robot) to prospective buyers (judges)

• Team scored on:
  • Company demographics, budget, operation (5 pts)
  • Design & Manufacturing Process (Engineering process) (3pts)
  • Marketing strategies (3pts)
  • Use of technology (4pts)
  • Quality of presentation (10pts)
• Minimum of 4 students must participate; maximum of 8 students may be present; no adults – including set-up / take down
• Representation from more than one grade is encouraged.
• Format is prerogative of team
• Overhead, TV/VCR, projection equipment and plug strip will be available. Other equipment must be provided by the team.
• Videotaping by team representatives will be allowed.

See 2016 Awards and Judging WTexas Logistics for details.

Purpose - Shows promotion of BEST concept, use of technology, creativity

• Exhibit (13 pts)
  • Sharing information and/or technology resources
  • Presentations/ robot demonstrations to other schools / community groups
  • Publicity generated
  • Fundraising/sponsorship efforts
  • Use of technology, display models, creativity and compliance with specifications
• Interview (7 pts)
  • Enthusiasm & learning experience from BEST
  • Recruitment efforts
  • Fundraising
  • Evidence that students were primary designers/builders of robot

Spirit and Sportsmanship (10 points):

• Evaluated during Game Day competition during rounds; evaluations of team's conduct in seating area/game floor/ pit area
• Includes outward display of sportsmanship (students – Not mentors), grace, conduct, and attitude

Robot Performance (15 points):

• Top 20% - 15 pts
• Top 40% - 12 pts
• Top 60% - 9 pts
• Top 80% - 6 pts
• Top 100% - 3 pts
• Team unable to score any points – 0 pts