With only days remaining before the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robot competition construction deadline, members of the CCHS robotics club look on while their adviser attempts to troubleshoot a problem with the design. As a rookie in the club, Maya has been assigned to the relatively mundane task of bumper construction. The bumper must conform to strict size and shape constraints (see vertical cross section below) and the fabric covering must be easily changed from red to blue (for team designation) and must carry the team number (3205). Maya put in several hours this afternoon before Jeanine and I arrived to deliver dinner for the club. To Jeanine’s consternation hot macaroni and cheese went cold and a crisp chicken salad went limp before members could pause for refueling. There is a reason why we are called nerds.