FAQ #5: Why games?
Answered by: Mr. Melvin R. Matulac
“When children play (especially when with others), the whole child develops”
“When children can make real what they can imagine, we nurture the inventor in them” – Melvin Matulac
“Play is the highest form of research” – Albert Einstein
“We learn more about children when they are at play. Play is the occupation of children”
The theory of games and development of society’s games are often a reflection of how older generations want to prepare the younger ones or the younger ones imitating the older generation. In recent times, bad games with the objective of something close to addiction have emerged in the computer industry and entered pop culture.
Dean Kramen of FIRST Robotics wanted to promote being Scientist, Engineers, Roboticist, as HIP and COOL. He wanted the young generation to see them as BIG AS NBA (NFL) stars! Thus was born robotics competition in the US and later on emulated in all corners of the world.
Every robot game is a complex problem solving that keeps escalating. While beginners may find some form of success, they also see more problems to solve. They see possibilities of improvement. They are able to communicate ideas or reverse engineer ideas from the products of other teams. The competition, when well managed, becomes a melting pot of learning. Coaches must always be on the lookout for the learning experience so the learners develop an attitude of learning (thinking) on their toes.
With these principles in mind, PRG develops robot games or adopts existing games. We promote and create venues for young scientists and engineers to gather, learn, make, test, fail and succeed. Each game may challenge the use of specific equipment to its limit. Other games are designed appropriately for the skill levels of the players. Thus, building your robot, programming it, testing it, competing against other like minded persons, getting challenged by coaches, are all WINNING experiences. The medals and trophy are mere accidents for ALL BECOME WINNERS.