STEM Partnership Planning MeetingMay 7, 2007
Northern New York Robotics Institute
Overview of Robotics Outreach Activities
• FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)– Massena and Salmon River via BOCES CoSer
and Coulter SPEED endowment, since 1998
• FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) or Vex– 13 districts within SLL-BOCES in 2007
• FIRST Lego League (FLL)– 15 districts within SLL-BOCES in 2007
• FIRST Junior Lego League (FJLL)– In development…
FIRST Robotics Competition• FRC is a unique “varsity sport” of the mind
designed to inspire high-school-aged youth• Teams of young people and their mentors
solve a common design challenge in a six-week timeframe using a standard kit of parts and a common set of rules
• FIRST redefines winning as teams are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and ability to overcome obstacles
How Does FRC Work?• A FRC competition consists of many short
matches played by remote-controlled robots
• The students pilot the robots on the field• Each school year, teams are formed in the
fall with competitions in March and April• A FRC regional event involves 40 to 70
teams cheered by thousands of fans over two and a half days
What makes FRC Unique?
• Designing and building a robot is a fascinating real-world professional experience
• Competing on stage brings participants as much excitement and adrenaline rush as conventional varsity tournaments
• The game rules are a surprise every year• It is a sport where the participants play
with the pros and learn from them
What is Needed toStart a FRC Team?
• A few engineers or other professional volunteers (3 to 6) encouraged by their company’s senior management
• High-school-aged youth led by an adult mentor, ideally supported by the school and a group of parent volunteers
• At least $10,000 to participate in one regional competition (funding from a single company, a group of companies and/or through school fund-raising efforts)
• Clarkson has successfully partnered with Massena and Salmon River since 1998
Accomplishments to Date?• FRC has grown to over 1,500 teams• 87% of the high schools and their company mentors
stayed involved year after year• The positive impact on student interest in STEM is
proven:– Participants also learn the great value of teamwork, self-
starting, character, time-management, speed, etc.• In most schools, participation in FRC has had a
broad positive impact beyond the team itself– FRC is one of the varsity sports in yearbooks
• The major media provide coverage of FIRST and the impact of FRC
FIRST Tech Challenge
• FTC (formerly FIRST Vex Challenge or FVC) is a mid-level robotics competition for middle to high-school students that:– Provides a more affordable, more
accessible opportunity to participate in FIRST-based STEM activities
– Uses an erector set-like kit of parts– Creates a bridge between the FIRST
LEGO League (FLL) and theFIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
How Does FTC Work?• FTC teams consist of:
– Up to 10 middle to high-school students with adult coaches and mentors
– Teams design/build robots to compete in a sports-like challenge
• Who can form teams:– Schools, home schools, after-school groups,
churches, civic groups,neighborhood groups with parents, teachers, community volunteers
• Corporate sponsors support local/regional competitions:– Up to 50 teams per event
What FTC Offers
• Discovery of fun and excitement with STEM-related activities
• Real-world application of science and math concepts
• Hands-on problem solving • Working alongside engineers and other
professionals • Computer programming experience • Teamwork skills • Self-esteem and confidence
FIRST LEGO League• FLL is an exciting and fun robotics program that
ignites an enthusiasm for discovery, science and technology in kids ages 9 to 14
• Each year FLL teams embark on an adventurous Challenge based on current, real-world issues.
• Guided by a team coach and assisted by mentors, the kids:– Research and solve a real-world problem
based on the Challenge theme – Present their research and solutions – Build an autonomous robot using engineering
concepts
FIRST LEGO League• Using the yearly Challenges, FLL:
– Entices kids to think like scientists and engineers
– Provides a fun, creative, hands-on learning experience
– Teaches kids to experiment and overcome obstacles
– Builds self-esteem and confidence – Inspires kids to participate in science and
technology• FLL offers a variety opportunities for student
engagement
How Does FLL Work?• FLL brings theory and practice together in a
revolutionary program by empowering kids to combine what they’ve learned in the classroom with the latest technologies to solve the yearly Challenge
• Working in an environment that encourages inquiry and hands-on experimentation, team members fulfill project responsibilities modeled after actual professions
• The roles they assume grant them the thrill of discovery as they witness firsthand how abstract concepts become concrete solutions
What Comprises a FLL Team?• A FLL teams is comprised of:• Up to 10 kids, ages 9-14 (5-6th graders
were targeted for the 2007 pilot)• An adult coach (a district teacher was
recruited for the 2007 pilot) • Mentors (Clarkson faculty, students and
community volunteers for the 2007 pilot)• Anybody can form a team; schools, home
schools, churches, neighborhood groups, civic groups, etc!
FLL Team Activities• Research a real-world issue presented in
the Challenge and solve a problem faced by real-world scientists and present their solutions
• Design, build, and program an autonomous robot using LEGO NXT kits
• Compete in friendly, sports-like tournaments with the knowledge that what is discovered is more important than what is won
• Proudly celebrate their teams’ accomplishments
FLL Outcomes• Team members learn life skills such as respect for
others, appreciation of different perspectives, cooperation, perseverance, and time management
• As a result of the FLL experiences, participants gain confidence, discover new skills and interests, and shape their futures
• What FLL kids accomplish is nothing short of amazing. It’s fun. It’s exciting. And the skills they learn will last a lifetime.– 2008 Challenge is entitled “Climate Connections
Challenge,” where students learn about past climates and delve into questions surrounding current and future climatic conditions
Overview of 2008 Workshops• Level 1 Lego Coaches Training
– June 28-July 3, July 11, 2008– Culminates in a FLL Tournament in 12/08
• Level 1 Vex Coaches Training– July 7-10, July 16, 2008– Culminates in a Vex Tournament in 12/08
• Level 2 Lego/Vex Curriculum Development– July 28-August 1, 2008– Funded by a recently awarded NYSED grant– Designed to develop peer-reviewed lesson plans for in-class
use
Common Workshop Objectives in Proposed Outreach
• Teach project and problem-based learning approaches that address state standards
• Teach how to effectively work in teams• Introduce an appropriate kit, e.g., Lego NXT or
Innovation FIRST VEX based • Mechanics/construction of mobile robots• Programming a robot and problem-solving using
ROBOLAB or Easy-C programming exercises, e.g., motors; light, touch, and/or rotation sensors
NYS Mathematics Standards
• The proposed FLL and FVC programs will provide hands-on experiences within the following math standards areas:– Problem Solving Strand – Reasoning and Proof Strand – Communication Strand – Connections Strand – Representation Strand
NYS ElementaryScience Standards
• The proposed FLL and FVC programs will provide hands-on experiences within the following science standards areas:– Students will use mathematical analysis,
scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions
– Investigate the use of common forces (pushes and pulls) on objects, such as those caused by gravity, magnetism, and mechanical forces
NYS Elementary Technology Education Standards
• The proposed FLL and FVC programs will provide hands-on experiences within the following technology standards areas:– Engineering Design– Computer Technology – Management of Technology – Technology Systems – Tools, Resources and Technological
Processes
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