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We greeted campers in the morning, just like everyday. We started out by continuing the list of tasks to be programmed into the robots. Some of the ones completed today included...SENSORS! The campers were so excited to finally use the sensors and their use of each one was impressive. One of the tasks to be completed using the touch sensor, for example, was to have the bot back up while the sensor is being pressed and stop as soon as it is released. My personal favorite (this is Annie here) was the ultrasonic sensor. As shown on our instagram, the kids were able to program the bots so that they will never run into anything when they used the ultrasonic sensors. We then ventured over the 5181's shop to check out their Stronghold robot and the shop they build and work in. It was really neat to be able to see someone else's (basically) home. On our way back from the shop (it's across their campus from where the camp is held) we got caught in torrential downpours and while some of us were making ponchos out of trash bags and umbrellas out of plastic tablecloths (really, robotics shops have everything!), others were embracing the rain and soaked up every last drop. Kate and I decided it would be a good idea to race each other across campus. That is until we ended up walking around the rest of the day in soppy shoes and socks. Then we found out the challenge for tomorrow: With a partner, have your bots pick up a marker and write out "LA SALLE". I'll leave you with that and update you tomorrow on how the challenge goes!
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(This is being written from the point of view of a Firebird) Today started off bright and early at 9am, per usual. The camp we are doing this week is an Introduction to Lego Robotics with LaSalle Robotics 5181. The course is done through Lego Mindstorms and every day consists of different challenges and tasks that must be completed. We greeted the campers and got to pair up with a camper. Each of us got to work 1:1 with our partner and helped them with whatever they needed. Some of the tasks they were to complete individual included programming their robot to move in a figure eight motion, or having it play a song, but only while it’s moving. The kids have been having a blast getting to work on all of this and all of us are having a fabulous time helping them. The challenge today was to program a song and dance for their robots. Each of them were given 20 minutes and collaboration between themselves was allowed, but not with any of the high schoolers or mentors. While they all worked intensely on their routine, all of the high school ‘counselors’ got to just hang out and have a snack break. We all grabbed some paper, and the dance-off began. We rated each dance routine and the competitiveness boosted everyone’s interest in the challenge. After all the dances were done, we all got back with our partners to continue working through the list of tasks to be completed throughout the week. By the end of the day we all found out the winner of the competition and were told a hint at tomorrow’s. Can’t wait for another fabulous day with all of our friends! (Firebird girl here, not the robot) Today we had the opportunity to walk drive our robot in the Whitemarsh 4th of July Parade! We took Firefly (robot from Aeriel Assist) and got to show off how cool robotics is! So many people were amazed and we had an absolute blast!!! We started the day by packing up all we needed and heading over to the parade. We sat in the back of the car and the robot got go wherever he pleased while parading. We decorated him in American flags and had a whole lot of fun handing out candy to kids and playing ball with Firefly. All the kids we saw were amazed and we even got a couple barks from the attending dogs. After strutting around town, Firefly was a bit tired so we settled down in the tent and showed everyone how the robot worked and gave kids the chance to have a hands-on experience with him. Not only was shooting and throwing the ball fun, but they were so interested in the technology behind it! We're so glad we were able to present STEM in such a fun and exciting way today! esterday I was lucky enough to have been able to go to WICT (Women in Cable Telecommunications) Tech it Out event with a few of the girls. We were able to experience some crazy Virtual Reality things such as the cave at Villanova and VR goggles. My favorite part, though, was showing off my skills to people who have never seen anyone like me. We were able to see all our friends from Comcast and Arris as well as make a whole bunch of new friends. The girls and I introduced so many new people to FIRST and everyone was blown away by how much we learn and the fun we have. While the girls were showing me off, they were able to drive me like they never had before. I had so much fun and when I saw all the people passing by recording and taking pictures of me, I realized just how impressive I am and how lucky I am to be able to represent how much fun STEM can be. We got to listen to some talks on Virtual Reality and the girls even got to try some different heads sets on and bring their own Google Cardboards home with them. I didn't get to see the VR but watching the girls experience it for the first time was crazy! They were able to walk around the cave at Villanova and what the girls got to do was amazing! They had their own goggles on and could walk around the room they were virtually in and at times could even pick things in the room up and move them! Lastly, we got to listen to a panel called 'She Came, She STEMed, She Conquered'. I loved this so much because the girls got to hear from people to whom they could relate and got advice from people doing what what they want to do. The girls on and running the panel were so great to listen to and really gave the girls some good insight. ~ Lumos    |
