Archive for July, 2008

FIRST Pilots New Event Competition Structure in Michigan

Published by Chris on July 30, 2008 in Press Releases. 0 Comments

FIRST is pleased to announce that, in cooperation with the volunteer leadership of FIRST in the state of Michigan, a new pilot district event model will be launched for the 2009 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) season to provide increased robotics competitions and reach more students statewide in Michigan.

The volunteer leadership in Michigan has launched its own 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in the state, which will be known as ‘FIRST in Michigan’, to implement and execute the new district event pilot model as well as other FIRST programs. FIRST in Michigan will be responsible for implementing FRC programs in the state to make the most effective use of local resources and create more opportunities in robotics for students.

See postings: here and here

Rotary Club Luncheon Presentation

Published by Chris on July 29, 2008 in Information. 0 Comments

I am looking for as many students to show up next Tuesday at the LaFontaine Center at 11:30 am for a luncheon until about 2pm. The only catch is you need to wear your team shirt and socialize.

Also we need to drive the robot around a bit at the end. (It’s the Rotary Club luncheon presentation). You don’t have to speak or anything, just smile and talk to them about robotics, table talk is good.

If you can come, please RSVP to me by THURSDAY this WEEK, I need to let them know how many people are coming.

It’s next Tuesday, August 5th from 11:30 am till about 2 pm.
Brief Agenda:
11:30 am unload robots and setup projection.
12:00 pm eat lunch till 12:55pm
12:55 till about 1:25pm presentation
1:30 pm pack up

“Use the Force Forum Luke”

Published by admin on July 27, 2008 in Information. 0 Comments

Not directed at Luke personally, just sounded catchy.

But really, team members, try to start checking/using the forum more. It could really improve our flow of communication.

We’re also going to add an arcade on Monday, so everyone try to beat Chris at Space Invaders.

“I’m not that smart” to join Huntington Robotics

Published by Chris on July 26, 2008 in Information. 0 Comments

This is a statement we get alot when we are looking for new students to join our team. Your looking at the robot and you wonder that you can’t possibly do anything like that. I’d like to touch on fact that this is what this program is about. We are here to teach and inspire you. Focus your learning so you can expand your knowledge. Try not to look at the robot has a whole, but smaller “projects” and as we work together with the rest of team towards a common goal of building a machine to compete with the rest of the world.

One of our students posted this question on Cheif Delphi, a place on the internet where all the teams discuss the FIRST robotics competition. Here are some great quotes from other students and mentors around the world:

by tennispro9911
Its not how much knowledge you have, its how much you want to learn.

by Al Skierkiewicz
then the response should be “you are already smart enough, you just need to focus on something. Join the team and we will help you learn how to do that.”

by klrswift
Joining a FIRST team is the beginning of “smart,” not the culmination.

by Lancer Robotics
It is not brains but desire that matters

by Andy Baker
Smart is a relative term. Everyone is smart about something, but still dense about others. Once people realize that they have potential to be smart at anything, nothing can stop them.

You can read the whole post here.

Come on out and give us a try. Check out the calendar on the right and come to our next meeting.

PaintBall August 2nd, 8:30 AM

Published by Chris on July 25, 2008 in Information. 1 Comment

It’s time again for that monthly duke it out with your robotics buddies paintball cage match. Snabls are meeting at the normal place, woods by Wal-Mart August 2nd, on a Saturday morning. The start time is 8:30 AM. Let Micah know if you have any questions:

paintball.jpg