Categorized | Sci-Tech

Isle students to compete in robotics contest (March 24-26)

MEDIA RELEASE

WHO/WHAT: More than 1,000 Hawaii, mainland and international high school students will put their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to the test at the 2011 FIRST in Hawaii Regional Robotics Competition sponsored by BAE Systems.

The students represent 33 public, private and charter schools from the Big Island, Maui, Kauai and Oahu, as well as Australia.

The event is free and open to the public.

WHEN: March 24 – 26, 2011
* Thursday, March 24 – Media Preview Day, Practice Rounds; 10 a.m. – noon, 1 – 4 p.m.
* Friday, March 25 – First Day of Competition; 9 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
* Saturday, March 26 – Final Day of Competition, Awards; 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: Stan Sheriff Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa

DETAILS: Hawaii students and their peers across the globe have been working with teachers and adult mentors since early January to research and construct robots and plan their competition strategy.

The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common engineering problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard “kit of parts” and a common set of rules.

The competition allows students to apply academic knowledge and innovation, while developing teamwork, problem-solving, communication and critical thinking skills that will better prepare them to continue their education and enter the workforce.

In this year’s challenge named “LOGO MOTION”, two alliances of three teams compete on a 27-by-54-foot field with poles, attempting to earn points by hanging as many triangle, circle and square logo pieces as possible.

Bonus points are earned for each robot that can hang and assemble logo pieces to form the FIRST logo. Robots can also deploy Mini-Bots to climb vertical poles for a chance to earn additional points.

Top-performing teams will move on to the 2011 FIRST Robotics Championship at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri, April 27-30. Teams from Waialua High School and Sacred Hearts Academy have already secured spots in the championship after earning top honors at regional competitions on the mainland earlier this month.

BACKGROUND: FIRST Robotics is one of six programs supported by the Hawaii Robotics Organizing Committee (ROC), including FIRST, FIRST LEGO League, Underwater ROV, Botball, VEX Robotics and Micro Robotics.

Recognizing the importance of promoting robotics education at an early age and sustaining students’ interest in STEM education throughout their schooling, Hawaii’s six robotics programs joined together to form the Hawaii Robotics Organizing Committee (ROC). The six of the robotics programs are coordinating efforts to promote
robotics education in elementary, middle and high schools statewide.

For more information about the 2011 FIRST in Hawaii Regional Competition as well as robotics education programs in Hawaii, visit: www.hawaiiiroc.org

Competing teams from Hawaii:

OAHU
Iolani School
James Campbell High School
Kalaheo High School
Kalani High School
Kamehameha
Kapolei High School
Maryknoll High School
McKinley High School
Mililani High School
Moanalua High School
Nanakuli High School
Pearl City High School
Punahou School
Sacred Hearts Academy
W.R. Farrington High School
Waialua High & Intermediate
Waianae High School
Waipahu High School & Hawaii Technology Academy PCS

MAUI
Baldwin High School
Kihei Public Charter School
King Kekaulike High School
Lahainaluna High School
Maui High School

BIG ISLAND
Hilo High School
Honokaa High & Intermediate School
Ka‘u High School & Pahala Elementary School
Kealakehe High School
Kohala High School
Konawaena High School
Waiakea High School
West Hawaii Explorations Academy PCS

KAUAI
Island School/Kapaa High School

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

 

Quantcast