LEGO Robotics Book out now and featuring the NYC group

Norm –

 

I want to share with you that the LEGO Robotics book I’ve been working on for the past 18 months finally was published and released at the recent ISTEConference  (late June in Philly)…

 – a section of the book presents interviews with “colleague experts” and (needless to say) the list of these reads like a roll call of New York City LEGO Robotics/FLL enthusiasts. Included are: Laura Allen, Mark Sharfshteyn, Mike  Koumoulos,  Chris Dudin, Ian Chow Miller, Evan Weinberg, Corbett Beder, Phil Firsenbaum (there are others I reached out to as far away as Hawaii, but these are the NYC folks you’d know)… some of them  found their  way to me and into the book via the announcement you put in the blog when I started the project. Again, if you can mention the release of the book I’d appreciate it. The book, by the way, is intended to provide background and first steps for teachers. It should  help many, as it gives the: "LEGO Robotics? What is it? Why do it? Could  I do it? Where do I  begin? What do I need to know? To buy?" background  info and advice... and on and  on etc. etc. etc.

Please read the publisher’s description… 

Thanks,

 

Mark

 

      http://www.iste.org/store/product.aspx?ID=1690

FIRST Robotics Teams from New York City Public Schools to Showcase Robot Creations in the Sony Plaza Atrium on July 13-14

Good Evening Alumni and Friends,

Tomorrow and Thursday the Morris Campus FIRST Robotics team will be showcasing the 2011 robot at the Sony Wonder Technology Lab in NYC. Below is the press release sent out today.

Regards,

Gary

FIRST Robotics Teams from New York City Public Schools to Showcase Robot Creations in the Sony Plaza Atrium on July 13-14

NEW YORK, July 12, 2011 – Various high school students from the New York City area will showcase their award-winning robotic creations in the Sony Plaza Atrium at Madison Avenue and 56^th Street on July 13-14, 2011.  The robots were created for the national FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition that took place from March 11-13 in the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, and will be on display for the public from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET each day.

Specifically, students from Morris High School Campus, Herbert H. Lehman High School, and High School for Computers and Technology in the Bronx will present their robots to the public and encourage visitors to interact with them in hands-on learning environment. Students will also share with visitors the mechanical and design challenges they faced in building the robots.

“At the Sony Wonder Technology Lab, we take great pride in allowing visitors to explore technology in a fun and engaging way, which is why we are thrilled to be hosting local students involved in the FIRST Robotics Competition again this year,” said Karen Kelso, Executive Director of the Sony Wonder Technology Lab. “Both organizations are committed to helping people discover just how rewarding technology can be, and we are delighted to be providing the general public with an opportunity to experience these students’ uniquely designed robots first-hand.” 

The FIRST Robotics Competition is an exciting, multinational competition that pairs professionals and young people together to solve an engineering design problem in an intense and competitive way. The annual competition is open to the public and appropriate for all ages.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway™, to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, FIRST designs accessible innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math.

The Sony Wonder Technology Lab (SWTL) is a free, four-story, interactive technology and entertainment museum for all ages. Located in mid-town Manhattan, SWTL inspires creativity in a high-quality, engaging, and family-friendly learning environment. By inviting visitors to experience the latest technologies in a hands-on setting, SWTL nurtures curiosity while awakening visitors to their own talent and potential. Through its permanent exhibits and innovative programs, including Sci-Tech workshops, ongoing screenings and associations with well-respected local non-profit and educational institutions, SWTL aims to educate and cultivate the next generation of leaders in media, science, technology and the arts. For more information, visit www.sonywondertechlab.com.