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Like robots and junior high and high school students? : DYCD Inaugural Robotics Initiative Championship
Robert Tillman
Friday, 29 May 2009 15:42 UTC
This event needs volunteers to help judge the event and I wanted to pass it along – “Dōmo arigatō, Mr. Roboto”
What is it?
Some 400 young people between the ages of 9 and 14 will gather at Polytechnic Institute in Brooklyn on Saturday, June 13th to put the robots they have designed and built to the test. The championship is the culmination of the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development’s (DYCD) Robotics Initiative, a ten-week program that engages young people from 40 Out-of-School Time programs and Beacon Community Centers.
This year’s FLL theme is “Climate Connections”. Each team will put their robot through a course featuring obstacles that reflect various challenges related to climate change. Teams will be judged not only on time, but also on teamwork, creativity and presentation.
The competition is being organized by For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) which was founded by Dean Kamen the founder of and President of DEKA Research. The are looking for both judges and support staff and welcome students, postdocs and faculty to fill those roles.
When is it?
Saturday, June 13, 2009
9:00am – 3:30 pm (Award ceremony: 2:00pm – 3:00pm)
Event Schedule:
9:00 – 9:30 Opening Ceremonies
10:00 – 1:30 Tournament Play – Presentations and Judging
2:00 – 3:00 Awards Ceremony
Where is it?
Polytechnic Institute
Six MetroTech Center
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Where do I sign up?
If people wish to volunteer, they should contact Candace Reyes-Dandrea at DYCD directly by email or phone at: (212) 788-9922 or creyes-dandrea@dycd.nyc.gov.
Updated 29 May 2009 15:43 UTC
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Replies
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I arrived too late to volunteer, but I was allowed to stay for the competition. Hats off to the Department of Youth and Community Development for thinking out of the box. Saturday was an amazing opportunity given to our inner city kids. It appeared that they were able to reach many of the youth who don’t normally participate in robotics or technology opportunity. One group was called “Swag Bots”, simply amazing.
Great job DYCD
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Tech Bridge, That is great to hear. I will relay your message to my contact at DYCD and FIRST. I had the opportunity to meet Randy Schaeffer the Regional Director of FRC for New York and the senior high-school team (and their basketballs shooting robot) from Brooklyn Amity at an event here at the Academy last week. It is a great program and it was fun talking with the students about their experiences and having them show me the robot in action.
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