STEM Partnership Planning Meeting May 7 , 2007

1. Northern New York Robotics Institute STEM Partnership Planning MeetingMay 7, 2007

2. 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…

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. FIRST Tech Challenge • FTC (formerly FIRST Vex Challenge or FVC) is amid-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)

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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!

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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