| Science comes alive at robotics rodeo
WHEN WE'RE YOUNG we can't wait to grow up and share in the adult knowledge of the world. But sometimes, it seems, it's we adults who can learn valuable life lessons from the next generation. I was reminded of this on March 31, when I went to the New England Institute of Technology, in Warwick, to watch Rhode Island high-school students compete in the Vex Challenge, a robotics competition sponsored by inventor Dean Kamen's FIRST program. I also read with great interest Elizabeth Gudrais's coverage of this event in The Journal ("Battle of the brains," April 3). Kamen's nonprofit aims to excite students about math and science so they'll choose careers in technology, engineering and related fields. A Brandeis University study found that FIRST participants are far more likely than other students to expect to get a graduate degree and pursue careers in science and technology.
Smart cookies eye engineering
That is the idea the Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne student chapter of the Society of Women Engineers was trying to get across to 15 local Girl Scouts on Saturday. The society sponsored "She's the Engineer" workshop for the Girl Scouts on the third floor of the IPFW Engineering, Technology and Computer Science Building. "We try to make different exhibits fun," said Amy Drefke, a mechanical engineering student at IPFW and secretary for the society. "We want them to know it's not all boring math and science. It has practical uses as well," she said. The girls rotated through five stations, learning the different disciplines of engineering and technology and how it can be applied in the real world. The demonstrations and hands-on activities included the AutoCAD computer program used to design houses, circuit building and Lego robotics.
Fitness of the future
Sonny Tran, who normally works as a corrections officer, guards the new Nautilus One (covered at left), as the minutes count down to its unveiling at the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association convention in San Francisco. Sacramento Bee/Lezlie Sterling See additional images .
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Public's support fuels robotics team
At the cold, dark hour of 3:30 on the morning of Wednesday, April 11, a crowd of about 20 students was seen milling around the flagpole in front of West Salem High School. As principal of the high school, there are times when that would cause me concern. They weren't there to cause trouble, however. They were there because the community believes in them. The group was the West Salem High School robotics team, preparing to go to the US FIRST national competition in Atlanta. They qualified for nationals by being part of the winning coalition in the regional championships, held in Portland about a month ago. In order to send a team to the national competition, the group needed to raise approximately $15,000 to cover entry fees, airfare, lodging and the cost of shipping the robot. All in less than three weeks.
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