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