Robotics Academy Blog  

In Part 2, we’re going to take a look at what an FLL team gets out of the experience. Every student goes home with a medal for participation, and some earn trophies as well. But what do students really take home with them in terms of learning and experience? Read the rest of this entry »

It’s now easier than ever to attend Robotics Academy Teacher Training classes: our Online NXT Professional Development sessions are web-based. This video provides a quick overview.

Currently, we offer courses that focus on learning how to program robots that use the NXT Intelligent Brick controller. The NXT Professional Development courses are STEM-focused, and include methodologies for pedagogy. The ROBOTC for TETRIX online course teaches ROBOTC programming, and offers insights and tips into mentoring an FTC team. We plan on expanding our course offerings, so stay tuned…!

For current class listings, click here.

This coming summer, you can attend Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Teacher Training classes in Pittsburgh, PA. A full slate of classes is available, covering different robotic platforms and software. This video provides a quick overview.

Robotics Academy teacher training courses are designed for robotics educators who use LEGO MIndstorms, TETRIX, or VEX robots in their middle school and high school classrooms. All training is conducted at the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) in Pittsburgh, PA. The NREC is part of the Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute, a world-renowned robotics organization, where you’ll be surrounded by real-world robot research and commercialization. You also can take advantage of Pittsburgh’s attractions, from world-class museums and entertainment, to shopping, excursions, sports, and more.

For current class listings, click here.

We interviewed coaches at the 10th annual Pittsburgh Regional FLL competition. In Part 1 of our analysis, we look at what an FLL team REALLY is.

Read the rest of this entry »

FULL COVERAGE – Scores, Rankings, Photos and more…

On Saturday, December 5, the Pittsburgh State FLL tournament was held here at the National Robotics Engineering Center. Titled ‘Smart Moves’, the event featured scores of teams, each equipped with a custom-designed NXT LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot (or two), and team members eager to have a go at the competition tables. The day featured the usual frenzy of packed-in crowds, bustling practice areas, intense presentation sessions, and – of course – enthusiastic robotic runs at the missions on the main gameboards. The Robotics Academy lauds the students, mentors, parents, and all who contribute their time and talent to this prodigious undertaking.

Listed below are the first, second and third place teams from the various categories, along with the Champions Award winners.

Robot Design
First Place – Team 1516 – Tech-Link - Tech-Link 2
Second Place – Team 4062 – Mary Queen of Apostles School – Knightbots
Third Place - Team 99 – Techno Tacos

Programming
First Place – Team 625 – Heat
Second Place – Team 3781 Butler Catholic School – BCS Robo-Pens
Third Place – Team 8680 – Quaker Valley – Pogo Stick Pigs

Research Project
First Place – Team 5250 – Lightning Bolts
Second Place – Team 10146 – Campus School of Carlow University – Carlow Platypi
Third Place – Team 3594 – Iroquis School District – Electric Dreams

Teamwork
First Place – Team 4323 – YWCA of Westmoreland County – Yough Middle School
Second Place - Team 4696 - Jr. Pgh Tech Women
Third Place – Team 6554 – Indiana Area School District – RoboSquad

Competition
First Place – Team 7847 – TerraBytes
Second Place – Team 7020 – Mountain View Christian School – Mountain View Lego Club
Third Place – Team 4619 – J.S. Wilson School – Rams 2

Champions Award
First Place – Team 7847 – Terrabytes
Second Place – Team 7020 – Mountain View Christian School – Mountain View Lego Club
Third Place – Team 5522 – Roboexplorers.

We expect to have photos, video and more posted at our site in the near future. Check back soon for more on FLL 2009..!