The easiest way to compete is my line following Robot kit.  The minimum necessary components are provided and we will be having workshops to get everyone up and running.  However, it is not the only way nor the best way to win the competition.  If you want to go it your own, but are unsure of how to start there are a lot of amazing resources online.

Probably the best is the Society of Robots.   This site has an excellent tutorial on how to build a robot for 50 dollars that can be adapted to our competition.  Furthermore there are member tutorials like this one:  http://www.societyofrobots.com/member_tutorials/node/55

 Or this tutorial for a $40 dollar line following robot : http://www.societyofrobots.com/member_tutorials/node/59

 Which detail all the steps to make a line following robot.  Before you start on your own robot, read through as much of society of robots as possible.  

Another great Resource is David Cook's website www.Robotroom.com and book  Robot Building for Beginners.  David  Cook is a great author take you step by step through the design and construction of a Line following robot which needs no programming.  His discussion of building techinques is great for beginniners and his book also explains the electric theory behind the components in laymen's terms.  His book and a kit to build the robot that he describes can be purchased at http://www.solarbotics.com/ .  His site also has loads of interesting robotics projects.  Check it out!

 Other Useful sites:

Desktop Line Follower 

 Failure Bot