News
Dalton Atomic Theory Interview Series, Part 1: Offseason Competition “Atomic Theory Presents the Uncertainty Principle”
This article is Part 1 of our interview series with the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team 4174, Dalton Atomic Theory from The Dalton School in Manhattan, NY. In late April, I met with team captains and seniors, Josh (3rd year FTC) and Maya (2nd year FTC) to discuss their upcoming competition, “Atomic Theory Presents the Uncertainty Principle” on May 19th at their school.
Why Host an Offseason Competition?
MAYA: We put a lot of work into building the robot and spent a lot of time and energy on this robot. We noticed that there are so many good teams that put as much work into their robot as we do and not that many teams get a chance to go to Worlds. We saw this as an opportunity to make an event where other teams that have the skills that this game [Ring It Up] requires are able to participate in something more, and to basically have fun.
What is the Competition?
MAYA: This competition isn’t really about showing your talent on the actual robot playing this year’s game. It’s about using your robot to play another game. Basically it requires teams to be able to reach all three levels of the pegs and have the ability to actually play the game, so it’s not as much of a competition if you can’t reach the top peg, but you can still win. It’s more we want the teams that have the ability to do all the challenges of this year’s game to come, but then we’re going to do something else. It’s a surprise challenge so none of the teams know what they’re going to do.
What is This Surprise Challenge?
JOSH: We have this mystery competition that we’re not sharing with anyone.
MAYA: As soon as everyone arrives, we’ll tell them what the competition is and then we’ll give them about 30 minutes to make minor HW/SW changes to make it easier to play the challenge, and then we’re going to start.
Who’s Competing?
MAYA: We compiled a list of teams that did well at Javits, who we knew or have competed with before, and that we’ve connected with in the past.
JOSH: [There are a] bunch of competent teams and we wanted to reward them and see these teams that have a good process, and hang out… [We looked at] teams in general that we think would make for a good competition. We are aiming for about 12 teams.
MAYA: [As captains] we are planning [the event] but are not competing.
How’d You Come Up with the Name?
MAYA /JOSH: We became Atomic Theory because Dalton’s atomic theory was a nice science-y name for the team. And since it’s a mystery game, we decided on “Atomic Theory Presents the Uncertainty Principle”, like Heisenberg’s.
- Vinessa DiCarlo, FIRST Volunteer
Dean Kamen at 92Y – Why We Need More Scientists – May 16, 2013
Dean Kamen is a cross between Willy Wonka and Thomas Edison.
He’s a prodigious inventor who holds over 440 patents. He’s created portable dialysis machines and drug infusion devices and a wheelchair that can go up and down stairs. He’s working on a compressed-air-powered device that can launch people from the ground up onto roofs and new water-purification and power-generating systems that can be used in developing countries. He lives in a quirky hexagonal house of his own design, full of 1960s furniture, spiral staircases and antique machines and engines. He owns a private island called North Dumpling which has seceded from the United States. But he says his proudest invention is FIRST, an organization that inspires kids to pursue careers in science and technology.
Find out why being a scientist is not just crucial – but fun!
Thursday, May 16 at 8:15 pm
Tickets are $10 using promotional code FIRST ($29 without code)
Go to the 92st Y to get tickets: 92y.org/Uptown/Event/Dean-Kamen.aspx
Basement Lions: Robotics Pride
Horace Mann has a strong reputation as a liberal arts school, well known for its debate teams and award winning publications, but in recent years, the Basement Lions robotics team has been creating a space for science and technology.
Three years ago, six students expressed interest in starting a FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team at their school. The students experienced much trial and error, including an incomplete packing list and outdated firmware, which nearly prevented them from competing at the NY State Hudson Valley Championships at Pace University. A competing team in an act of gracious professionalism shared their laptop so the Lions could be compliant.
The following year, the team doubled in size and the administration provided them the full computer lab, which continues to be their home. Ms. Janet Smith, their mentor, adviser, coach and computer science teacher at Horace Mann, reached out to another faculty member to help the students define their “Core Values”.
The purpose of the “Core Values” is to shape how the team will work and communicate with each other. Lee, one of the team captains, a senior and founding member, explained, “Wait, listen and do” as, “wait to see if ideas are valuable, listen to feedback and then act”. Another key value, “open source club” communicates the collective ownership of the robot. Instead of one student owning a specific part, they partner with each other in tag-team efforts throughout the build.
This approach has impressive results. At this season’s Ring It Up, Javits Center Championship Tournament, the team received the Rockwell Collins Innovate Award, a recognition that exemplifies innovation in robotics design and the ability to deliver, and were finalists in the PTC Design Award and Inspire Award.
Some lessons learned for new teams? Teddy, another team captain and founding member, says, “Make sure you know about the competitions and how to use the stuff”. Sonia, sophomore and 1st year FTC participant, advises to “set reasonable goals”. Nikhil, a freshman and FIRST Lego League alum, emphasized resolving problems among team members. On a technical note, Daniel, a sophomore and 2nd year participant, says, “Avoid complicated gear boxes”.
During the offseason, the team produced, “Stop the Zombies: A Robo-Mystery” at an annual school all-day program. Tishya, a freshman and 1st year FTC participant, spoke about how they created an interactive murder mystery experience set in a zombie apocalypse using mathematical clues and an android device attached to their competition robot.
The students are looking forward to challenges for next year like exploring more in 3D printing and growing the team. One enthusiastic wish – continue to throw things!
When reflecting on her team, Ms. Smith is very proud of their accomplishments. “The team has changed Horace Mann in 3 years. It’s amazing! They are making a tradition and it’s hard work.”
Basement Lions Stats
- School Name: Horace Mann School www.horacemann.org
- Location: Bronx, NY
- Team website: www.basementlions.org
- Team Motto: ”We Pick Things Up and Put Them Down”
- Awards / Recognition Received:
- Get Over It season, NJ Robo-Joust Qualifier: Winning Alliance 1st Pick
- Ring It Up, Hudson Valley Championship Tournament: Motivate Award Winner, PTC Design Award Finalist
- Ring It Up, Javits Center Championship Tournament: Innovate Award Winner, PTC Design Award Finalist, Inspire Award 3rd place Finalist
- Ring It Up, NJ Qualifier Frozen Frenzy: Connect Award Winner
- Vinessa DiCarlo, FIRST Volunteer
New York City FIRST Regional Championship Results
NYC FIRST RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT: NEMO (http://www.firstnemo.org)
While I’m consistently amazed at the technical skills of students, my conversations with teachers reveal that non-engineering elements of FIRST can present bigger challenges to teams. “Teams are almost like small businesses and have to do everything,” says Jenny Beatty, Co-founder of Non-engineering Mentor Organization (NEMO).
Although we’ve been hearing about snowstorm NEMO in the news, some of you may not be aware of this useful resource. NEMO offers a private forum and public resource site to share lessons learned and discuss all aspects of the FIRST competition. While the member-based private forum is targeted for teachers, mentors and parents, everyone can leverage the publicly available Resources page.
Jenny adds, “One of the perceptions is that if you’re technical that you can’t join NEMO. This is not the case. Teachers, teams and captains have to do both.” Kathie Kentfield, Co-founder and Director of NEMO, notes, “There’s a spot for every student on a FIRST team” and it can also be said there’s a spot for every adult in NEMO.
In addition to an exchange and support network, discussions can develop into new materials on the Resources page. Kathie pointed out that a recent article for Varsity Lettering is based off “discussions [that] dated back to 10 years ago”. She says, “[NEMO] is about compiling these details mainly bringing in the best practices and lessons learned from other places”.
Articles on these pages cover all aspects of the FIRST cycle, from team building guidance to scholarships. Resources should be a bookmark for all teams. In light of the competition cycle, checking out articles in the Awards and Competitions sections is especially useful.
- Vinessa DiCarlo, FIRST Volunteer
13th Anniversary New York City FIRST Mega-Celebration – Save the Date
Thursday March 7 – Saturday March 9, 2013 – 9am-4:30pm
Jacob Javits Convention Center
655 West 34th St., New York, NY 10001
THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
New York City FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) along with over 200 robotics teams from across the New York City, USA, Brazil, Canada, Turkey and Jamaica will compete over a three day mega competition weekend, with winning teams advancing to the global competition.
The FIRST Mega-Celebration brings three intense robotics competitions under one roof. Watch as FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST LEGO® League student teams compete to win the regional competition and for a chance to go onto the global competition. Also, join us for a career fair, where you will be able to talk to college representatives and fortune companies about careers in technology.
CLICK HERE for more information.
TechScape Column “Dean Kamen & FIRST … Perhaps His Greatest Invention” is now online
The piece includes great quotes from Jon Dudas, will.i.am and Kareem A.J.
The story truly captures the impact that FIRST continues to have on youth K-12.
The reporter is already set to join FIRST next year in St. Louis!
Click Here to view the article:
New York City FIRST Mega Weekend – 2012 Results
Congratulations to all the winners! Please see the PDF below for the full results!
2012 New York City FIRST® Science and Technology College and Career Expo helps students explore new opportunities
More than 30 educational institutions and corporations to exhibit March 16-18, 2012 at the
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
New York, NY – March 6, 2012 – Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics (STEM) lessons build the foundation for new career opportunities, and students of all ages will get a taste of the possibilities at the New York City FIRST Science and Technology College and Career Expo, March 16-18, 2012, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, NY.
“The employers of today put a premium on innovative problem solvers who are skilled in science and technology applications,” said Arlene Goldman, Volunteer Head of the Committee for the FIRST Science and Technology College and Career Expo. “This weekend, students and their parents will explore a world of opportunities for achieving their long-term educational and career goals in promising STEM career fields.”
On Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17, students will have the opportunity to connect with more than 30 colleges and universities offering FIRST Scholarships and learn more about options in education within STEM. Some of the top colleges and universities within STEM are confirmed to exhibit, including the Polytechnic Institute of New York University, Yale, BU, MIT and Capital College.
On Sunday, March 18 corporations from across the tri-state area will descend on the Javits Center to talk to students and parents about future career opportunities, This includes Fortune 500 companies who are looking for the best and brightest talent.
The New York City FIRST Science and Technology Career Expo is part of the 12th Annual New York City FIRST Mega Weekend, which combines three intense robotics competitions under one roof.
For more information about the New York City FIRST Mega Weekend, goto http://www.nycfirst.org.
Note: Press passes and photos are available upon request
About New York City FIRST
NYC FIRST is the Regional Office of FIRST®, the 501c3 not-for-profit organization created to inspire youth to pursue studies and careers in science and technology and to help students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to compete in the technologically-driven global economy.
Contact:
George Nikanorov
Head of NYC FIRST Marketing Committee
Head of Marketing
DATA Inc.
(201) 799-4937
[email protected]
Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect changes the way the robotics game is played at the New York City FIRST® Mega Weekend
More than 60 robotics teams to compete in “Rebound Rumble” format – March 16-18, 2012 at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York
New York, NY – March 6, 2012 – Video games and real-life robotics are about to collide, as FIRST Robotics teams prepare to compete using Xbox 360 Kinect Controllers at the New York City FIRST® Robotics Competition, held on March 16-18, 2012 at the Jacob K.JavitsConvention Center inNew York,NY.
“We designed Kinect to make entertainment more simple and more approachable,” said Alex Kipman, GM, Hardware Incubation for Xbox at Microsoft in the FIRST® Robotics Competition Kickoff Video, aired on January 9, 2012. “(The) technology has so much potential uses beyond the living room. I’m very much looking forward to seeing what (the teams) do with it with (their) robots at the FIRST Robotics Competition.”
During the FIRST Robotics Competition, alliance teams will have the option of supplementing one of their robots’ autonomous routines so that a team member can be the controller. By doing so, for the first 15 seconds, the combination of the Xbox 360 Kinect and the alliance robot forms a Hybrid, which the driver will be able to control through a series of motions. After 15 seconds, conventional controls kick in and the alliance driver then comes back to help the team.
The Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect is just one of the exciting new additions to the FIRST Robotics Competition and the “Rebound Rumble” format. For a complete video of how the Xbox 360 Kinect will be used to control robots at the competition, visit the link below:
For more information about New YorkCity FIRST, and the FIRST Robotics Competition, visit http://www.nycfirst.org.
Note: Press passes and photos from the competition are available upon request
About New York City FIRST
NYC FIRST is the Regional Office of FIRST®, the 501c3 not-for-profit organization created to inspire youth to pursue studies and careers in science and technology and to help students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to compete in the technologically-driven global economy.
Kinect, Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox 360 Kinect and the Xbox logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.
Contact:
George Nikanorov
Head of NYC FIRST Marketing Committee
Head of Marketing
DATA Inc.
(201) 799-4937
[email protected]