FLL Kickoff Poster - Sept. 24, 2011

Message to Teams: Sept. 18, 2011

Dear Teams,

Note: this is going out only to teams that have registered so far and not to my general mailing list, though I will post this on the blog. Make sure to update the coach/contact information for your team if that information changes so they are in the loop. Forward this email to anyone else who needs it.

Primary: Next Saturday Sept. 24 at NYU/Poly in downtown Brooklyn (same location as Brooklyn Tournament) from 10-3 is our annual kickoff where the Food Factor challenge will be explained and you can ask questions and see demos. I will post more details on the blog as they come in. The event will start in Pfizer Auditorium at 10 with follow-ups in the Jacobs Building. http://www.poly.edu/directions

So far we have 144 teams registered with a few weeks left. So we should be having another robust year. Registration closes at the end of September or if they run out of field set up kits. If you still want to register more teams note that you do not have to order extra field set up kits as long as you have one.

As you know from my last update I have been out of the loop for the past 2 months but I am trying to catch up. (If you sent an email or called and did not get a response try again.)

I am updating the FLL blog as info comes in with links on the side panel on the right hand side. Check that first and contsct me for more info in needed.

It is best to contact me by Email: normsco@gmail.com
But if you have specific questions call 917-992-3734 -

Here are some other reminders:

Only 6 Slots Left for Sunday Sept. 25 FLL Coach Boot Camp
Register for the FLL Rookie Coaches Boot Camp!! Sunday Sept. 25
So hurry and register for the FLL Rookie Coaches Boot Camp!!

Sunday, September 25th 10am-5pm
NYU-Poly
6 Metrotech Center
Brooklyn NY 11201
http://www.poly.edu/directions

The Boot Camp is a road that leads a novice coach to a veteran robotics engineer. You will learn how to use different LEGO parts and take advantage of NXT G programming blocks. You will then go into more advanced programming topics; that would include reverse engineering and competition style robotics.

Register here while seats are still available:  Registration is a first come-first serve basis:

You can view the published form here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGUyWVdEOHJsZTRObUVoQmlMeWE0WUE6MQ

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New LEGO Technology & Robotics Center open in Fresh Meadow, Queens
Long-time NYC coach Veryl Greene

http://www.roboticrealm.blogspot.com/

Register for the FLL Rookie Coaches Boot Camp!! Sunday Sept. 25

There are only 6 slots left!!!

So hurry and register for the FLL Rookie Coaches Boot Camp!!

Sunday, September 25^th 10am-5pm

NYU-Poly

6 Metrotech Center

Brooklyn NY 11201

http://www.poly.edu/directions

The Boot Camp is a road that leads a novice coach to a veteran robotics engineer. You will learn how to use different LEGO parts and take advantage of NXT G programming blocks. You will then go into more advanced programming topics; that would include reverse engineering and competition style robotics.

Register here while seats are still available:  Registration is a first come-first serve basis:

You can view the published form here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGUyWVdEOHJsZTRObUVoQmlMeWE0WUE6MQ

The Morris FIRST Robotics Team will be demonstrating our 2011 robot at the Maker Faire

Good Morning Alumni and Friends,

Our 2011-2012 season kickoffs with a very special Saturday. The Morris FIRST Robotics Team will be demonstrating our 2011 robot at the Maker Faire at the New York Hall of Science located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park from 10am to 5:30pm.  As the World's Largest DIY (Do It Yourself) Festival, this family friendly Faire has something for everyone - a showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness and a celebration of the Maker mindset. http://makerfaire.com/newyork/2011

 

The team will also be appearing on a taped segment of Teen Kids News this Saturday at 9:30 a.m on Channel 5 in New York. Teen Kids News is seen in every state so please click the site below to get the schedule of what time and what channel the show is on in your area . http://www.teenkidsnews.com/index.php?/on-air-schedule.html

 

Teen Kids News is an award-winning television news show for kids

Teen Kids News is a national 1/2 hour weekly program that is informative, educational and entertaining! The show has been on the air since 2003, and given how many people watch it and love it, the show will be on forever!

 

Teen Kids News (TKN) highlights positive stories about kids doing amazing things and helping to make the world a better place.

 

The show has received numerous awards including the Silver Circle award from The National Academy of Arts and Sciences, Hermes Creative Award, Angel Award, George Washington Honor Medal and several Accolade, Telly, and Communicator Awards!

Teen Kids News has been written up in People Magazine, TV Guide, Daily News, listed as a "best TV show" in Parenting magazine and spoofed by Jon Stewart on the Daily Show. The show was cited by the advocacy group, Children Now, as one of only eight shows on the air  that is truly tops for educational value!

 

Regards,

Gary

"i.am FIRST: Science is Rock & Roll"

 "i.am FIRST: Science is Rock & Roll"

  

Mark your calendar for Sunday, August 14, to join us in watching

"i.am FIRST: Science is Rock & Roll" - a back-to-school TV special about FIRST, airing on the ABC TV Network at 7 P.M. ET.

Check out: http://iamfirst.dipdive.com/

'i.am FIRST - Science is Rock and Roll' is a groundbreaking, one-hour special promoting education, science, and technology that features an electric hour of highlights from the 20th annual FIRST Championship. This very special celebration of technology features performances by The Black Eyed Peas and Willow Smith, as well as special appearances from a host of high-profile celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Jack Black, Bono, Miranda Cosgrove, Miley Cyrus, Josh Duhamel, Willow Smith, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake, and Steven Tyler speaking out to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. 'i.am FIRST - Science is Rock & Roll' airs SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 (7:00-8:00 p.m., ET) on The ABC Television Network.

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.

Amphibious Robot Snake

http://youtu.be/LZJslSbsLOU

NY Yankees & Curtis Granderson Honors Morris FIRST Robotics Team

Good morning friends and alumni,

 

Friday night the Morris FIRST Robotics Team ( 2TrainRobotics)  was honored on the field at Yankee stadium prior to the game with the Cleveland Indians which the NY Yankees won 11-7. During the pre-game ceremony Curtis Granderson congratulated each member of the team.  He then went on to hit a home run that night, another one on Saturday and then had 4 hits on Sunday. Granderson now leads the Yankees in home runs with 20. Could it be a coincidence or the magic of the 2Train?

Regards,

Gary

 

 

Revolutionary new teaching tool!

Hello Fellow Educators,

Here at the Robotics Academy we are developing multiple technologies and resources that you might want to consider for your classrooms. In this edition you will find:

• Revolutionary new teaching tool!
• Helping Boy Scouts earn their new Robotics Merit Badges
• Summer Robotics Teacher Training
• LEGO “Robots in Motion” Curriculum Testing this Summer
• PLTW Summer Training
• Multi-Robot Communications in ROBOTC

 

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Revolutionary new teaching tool!

“A Revolutionary Way to Learn to Program Robots!” That’s what a teacher said at our ROBOTC forum.  “Wow, this is really cool.”; that’s what kids in classrooms say. 

Carnegie Mellon is developing an innovative tool that enables kids to program robots in a game-like environment. You can download a free version of the Robot Virtual World programming software that your students can use at home or at school. The great thing about this software is that you can test your robots in the virtual world and then use the exact same code to program real robots. Teachers are free to use this free resource in summer camps, at home, or in other settings this summer.  

Visit the Planet H99 site by going to www.cs2n.org/h99

This project is part of the development of our "Computer Science Social Network ". Computer programming and algorithmic thinking are new basics that all students need to understand. Our project provides students with opportunities to learn how to build animations and games, program robots, learn fundamental STEM concepts, and learn how multi-robot communications happens. The project started in September 2010 and we’ve already developed new technology that will change the way students learn.This project is inspired by DARPA. DARPA is looking out 10 years and predicts that based on the number of students currently studying computer science, we will only be able to fill 30% of the computer science related jobs that our country will need to compete economically. DARPA requests that we track student, teacher, and hobbyist usage and that is the reason that we ask you to login to get the free new Robot Virtual World Software.

New features, new robots, and a new planet

New game features include gripper arms on robots, access to light and touch sensors, four new challenges, the ability to accrue points and move to different levels, and an additional planet called H98. Pictured below is a new robot to program while you are on the planet. 

New Mini Rover

NXT REM Robot

You will notice that it has similar characteristics to the NXT robot shown at the right; both robots have two drive wheels and a coaster. This robot has built-in encoders, a sonar sensor, and a compass sensor.

To learn more about the LEGO RVW click here.

To learn more about the VEX RVW please click here.

 

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Helping Boy Scouts earn their new Robotics Merit Badges

Congratulations to the Boy Scouts of America on the creation of their new Robotics Merit Badge. The new merit badge will be a smash hit with boys across the world; the new merit badge appeared to be very popular at the recent Boy Scout Leader’s Conference in San Diego, California. At the conference, the Robotics Academy presented their plans to support the Boy Scouts as they earn the merit badge. Click here to learn more about merit badge counselor classes, merit badge resources, and how the robot virtual world software can help scouts who don’t have access to robots.

 

 

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Summer Robotics Teacher Training

Since 2003, Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Academy has offered robotics training to teachers across the country. This summer we will offer training on how to program Arduino, LEGO, and VEX robot controllers. Classes start the last week of June and run through August.  We limit the number of attendees to 24 teachers per week.Teachers learn from Robotics Academy instructors and also from each other. 

To learn more about classes click here!

 

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LEGO “Robots in Motion” Curriculum Testing this Summer

Another ongoing research project in the Computer Science Social Network is the integration of a Cognitive Tutor into our newly developed “Robots in Motion” Curriculum. The curriculum foregrounds measurement, angles, speed, scale, and rate as students learn to measure and make precise moves and turns using robots that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The AI-based tutor uses special algorithms to provide hints and measure a student’s mastery of STEM concepts as he or she works through a series of engineering design problems.

Try Robots in Motion now!

You can test the public preview of two units in the curriculum here!

If you don’t have a CS2N account, simply click "New User" to get started!

Attention Teachers: What do you want in your robotics report?

This summer, we are also soliciting design input into the next generation of teacher interfaces for the Robots in Motion curriculum. Is there some key graph of student data you’ve always wished you could see? What information needs to be front and center on a student's robotics progress report? If you have an idea for what we need to include in our Robots in Motion teacher reports, drop us a line at robotsinmotion@cs2n.org!

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PLTW Summer Training

PLTW Teachers for the Principles of Engineering, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Aerospace Engineering, and Gateway to Technology courses will receive training inROBOTC's new Natural Language to prepare them for their transition to the VEX Robotics system. To kick-off the training, a group from the Robotics Academy offered several workshops for the PLTW Master Teachers and Trainers, who will be training the rest of the PLTW network.

The Robotics Academy has committed to the continued support of the PTLW network through free webinars, curricular resources, forums and technical support. PLTW Teachers are also encouraged to attend one of the Robotics Academy's Online or On-site Training Classes.

 

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Multi-Robot Communications in ROBOTC

It's not hard to imagine a world where robots are talking to each other. One part of the development of our Computer Science Social Network consists of a team conducting research around developing a combination of hardware, software, and curriculum that enables students to learn about Multi-Robot Communications. We have integrated libraries into ROBOTC for the LEGO NXT, VEX Cortex and Arduino Uno/Mega platforms.

The team’s plan for this summer is to demo and test the lessons and labs they have worked on with a group of teachers this summer. The technology that we are developing uses a low cost wireless Xbee radio to create a mesh network between different types of robot controllers. The robots are able to pass small messages back and forth to create group intelligence and the ability to solve challenges that a single robot could not. To simplify this, the development team has begun building easy-to-use tools and commands into ROBOTC to make this technology accessible to all levels of programmers.

Take a sneak peak at some of the Video, Labs and Lessons on the team’s development Wiki are available at http://www.robotc.net/firewiki/. Check this part of the project often because we are expecting great work from this team this summer.

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