Podcasts about FIRST Robotics Competition

Magyar tudósok felfedezték, hogyan élhetik túl „zombiként” a rákos sejtek a kemoterápiát, hogy utána újra mellrákot okozzanak MI-vel tuningolt látvány és hangzás – megérkeztek a Samsung új tévéi Jön a Xiaomi saját fejlesztésű mobilchipje Lassan elérheti határait az MI-modellek fejlődése Robotépítésből jeles: magyar diákcsapat a legjobbak között a First Robotics Competition rangos mezőnyében Megdőlt a Rubik-kocka kirakási rekordja Légitaxik is lehetnek 2028-as olimpián Áttörés a génterápiában: személyre szabott CRISPR-technológiával javították ki egy 7 hónapos gyerek génhibáját Régi gomb lehet a Google AI-keresőjének áldozata A Qualcomm bemutatta a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4-et Baljós előjelek: leállhat az internet, olyan erősek a mostani napkitörések 2040-re Franciaország teljes robothadsereget építene Erről eddig csak álmodhattak az iPhone-tulajdonosok A további adásainkat keresd a podcast.hirstart.hu oldalunkon.

Magyar tudósok felfedezték, hogyan élhetik túl „zombiként” a rákos sejtek a kemoterápiát, hogy utána újra mellrákot okozzanak MI-vel tuningolt látvány és hangzás – megérkeztek a Samsung új tévéi Jön a Xiaomi saját fejlesztésű mobilchipje Lassan elérheti határait az MI-modellek fejlődése Robotépítésből jeles: magyar diákcsapat a legjobbak között a First Robotics Competition rangos mezőnyében Megdőlt a Rubik-kocka kirakási rekordja Légitaxik is lehetnek 2028-as olimpián Áttörés a génterápiában: személyre szabott CRISPR-technológiával javították ki egy 7 hónapos gyerek génhibáját Régi gomb lehet a Google AI-keresőjének áldozata A Qualcomm bemutatta a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4-et Baljós előjelek: leállhat az internet, olyan erősek a mostani napkitörések 2040-re Franciaország teljes robothadsereget építene Erről eddig csak álmodhattak az iPhone-tulajdonosok A további adásainkat keresd a podcast.hirstart.hu oldalunkon.

12členný tým středoškoláků z Ústeckého kraje čeká souboj s asi 50 dalšími týmy o účast ve finále nejstarší robotické soutěže, už 36. ročníku FIRST Robotics Competition. V současnosti jsou americkém Denveru na regionálním kole. Ta se v tomto období konají i v dalších 74 městech po světě.

Send us a Text Message.Embark on an entrepreneurial odyssey with the spirited Devin Valenca, co-owner of Wolverine Axe Throwing, as we traverse the landscape of small-town business and the exhilarating world of hobbies-turned-enterprises. Our journey commences in the charming town of Woodruff, South Carolina, where Devin, at the age of 23, leverages his Clemson education and airsoft passions into a thriving community-centric business. Peek behind the curtain of what it takes to launch and manage a venture that's as much about striking bullseyes as it is about striking a chord with people's need for connection and release.Cultural riches and the essence of a welcoming space set the scene in our second act, as we share tales of traditions from Europe to Japan, and how they shape the soul of a business. The narrative of Wolverine Axe Throwing unfolds, revealing how Devin's innovative approach, marrying internet savvy with the allure of rage rooms and technological advancements in the axe-throwing arena, helps rejuvenate his family's legacy. It's a story where old-world charm meets new-world strategy, creating a tapestry of unique experiences that cater to the heart of community and the quest for unconventional therapy.In the grand finale, we throw ourselves into the operational intricacies of rage rooms and axe throwing safety protocols, offering insights that could only be gained through hands-on experience. Discover the secrets behind choosing the perfect wood for an axe target or the most effective way to source smashable goods for a rage room. With personal anecdotes and a nod to my own brush with the First Robotics Competition, this episode is an invitation to step into the world of Wolverine Axe Throwing, where each throw is more than just a game—it's a foray into a community that's ready to welcome you with open arms and sharp axes.https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066745860241https://www.instagram.com/wolverineaxethrowing/ Support the Show.Thank you everyone for the support. Don't forget to leave a rating on whatever podcast app you listen to this on. It helps get this suggested to others with similar interests. Podcast SponsorsSKIRMESHhttps://www.instagram.com/skirmesh_airsoft/https://play.skirmesh.net/public/homeJACKAL TACTICALhttps://www.instagram.com/jackal_tactical_airsoft/https://www.otherworldmilsim.com/ Watch all of our podcasts hereYouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TriFectaAirsoft/videos Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/6kHBeKRqtOSe0K1BrkoRs1?si=f8bca440f29b4fe3 Rumblehttps://rumble.com/c/TriFectaAirsoftMerchhttps://my-store-e7676e.creator-spring.comSub to YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqMpG3H_J70S_H8TlI9Onog?sub_confirmation=1

Be careful of robots! They byte! Today we are discussing the FIRST Robotics Competition at the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global nonprofit (501(c)(3)) organization that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12). Their programs are suitable for schools or structured afterschool activities and receive support from a vast network of volunteers, educators, and sponsor/donors, including over 200 Fortune 500 companies. FIRST participants are guided by a signature set of Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements. The thrilling, sports-like challenges build their self-confidence and collaborative problem-solving skills and have a proven and lasting impact on STEM learning and interest. Participants and alumni gain access to education and career discovery opportunities, connections to exclusive scholarships and employers, and a place in the FIRST community for life. October 5, 1907, was a historic day in the young life of the frontier town of Oklahoma City. All attention that day was focused on the opening ceremony of a new institution located a mile east of downtown - the Oklahoma State Fair.   From those humble beginnings in 1907, the Oklahoma State Fair has grown to become one of the premier State Fairs in the nation. Named one of the Best Places to Visit by Frommer's Travel and Travel + Leisure, Oklahoma City offers all of the culture, cuisine, attractions and amenities you'd expect in a modern metropolis. And with its rugged Western past, working stockyards and title as “Horse Show Capital of the World,” it's rich in cowboy culture, as well. From family fun to romantic retreats to outdoor adventures you won't find anywhere else, Oklahoma City has plenty of hustle without all the hassle. Subscribe to the Only in OK Show. #TravelOK #onlyinokshow #Oklahoma #MadeinOklahoma #oklaproud #podcast #okherewego #traveloklahoma

Iowa Business Report Thursday EditionMarch 14, 2024       Jeff Margrett, FIRST Robotics Competition regional director for Iowa and Nebraska, about their unique program to help young people discover and apply STEM principles.

This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes. Enjoy while we work on seaon 8! Meet Jay Flores, an engineer and global STEM ambassador who is on a mission to change the world by inspiring young minds to keep doing cool things with #STEM. Jay's parents nurtured his curious mind from an early age, and his mentors encouraged him to develop a growth mindset and take on new opportunities. This environment helped him believe in himself and say YES to experiences that could help him grow, and led him to become the youngest board member of the Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers. Being the first engineer in his family, Jay took it upon himself to inspire his little cousins to pursue a STEM education, and after working as a sales engineer for a number of years, he became a global STEM ambassador to inspire kids all around the world! Jay is on a mission to make science and technology interesting, fun, and relatable to young kids, so that they can become the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators. For those of you who are parents, Jay gives advice as to how to react when your child tells you they aspire to be an Influencer when they grow up!. The trick, he says, is to help your children see the technology behind that, and help them understand that developing technical skills will help them be the best influencer…and if that does not work out, they can always become an engineer. Some of the opportunities mentioned in this episode:First Robotics Competition: https://www.firstinspires.org/Follow Jay:https://www.jayfloresinspires.com/YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SHPENUR 

In this week's episode, the “muthas” are learning how students are gaining valuable skills in the classroom to succeed in high-tech careers. Cammy Lai is one example of how STEM education programs are developing the next generation of innovators and problem solvers in Hawaii's schools. Lai was a middle school student when she first learned about robotics. Her passion for coding and technology got her an internship with Booz Allen in college and later, a full-time job with the firm. Now, Lai works as a successful data scientist at the Honolulu office. Booz Allen's Michael Collat, who is also the regional director of the FIRST Robotics Competition for high school students, explains the pathways to a successful career for Hawaii's students.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

St. Joseph High School will be full of robots this weekend as teams compete in the FIRST Robotics District competition. Tim Dunaj, host of Robotics Roundtable talks with Jonny Reinhardt about when the community can expect to

1. HOY… Si el río suena, es que tendremos noticias de Apple. Todo sobre la nueva gama de Macs2. Además… Fast Company reconoce a Jüsto como una de las empresas más innovadoras de América Latina este 20233. Y también… estuvimos en Monterrey para conocer FIRST® Robotics Competition 20234. Y para terminar…: Sony presenta la nueva gama de televisores BRAVIA XR 2023.Todo esto y más en el podcast del día de hoy…Yo soy LuisGyG, y sin más preámbulos… comenzamos.

MCALLEN, Texas - The FIRST Robotics Competition season kicked off recently in the Rio Grande Valley at the McAllen Elks Lodge.The theme this year is “Charged Up” and focuses on the energy sector.The robots the students build are about 130 pounds and can stand up to six feet tall. The students are usually from grades nine through 12.“We've got about 16 teams here in the Rio Grande Valley from Laredo all the way to Brownsville and we're really excited about that,” said Jason Arms, executive director of FIRST in Texas.Here is a podcast with Jason Arms about the competition and the role FIRST plays in developing students for the STEM fields.To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.

On Tuesday's show: We reflect on Southwest Airline's massive flight cancellation over the holidays, the fallout from which is still ongoing for some travelers. What went wrong, and how might it hurt the airline? Also this hour: We begin a week-long series looking ahead to some of the stories expected to make news in different realms of Houston life – from politics, to education, to the environment. Today, we start off with a look ahead to the year in health care in Houston with the help of News 88.7 reporter Sara Willa Ernst. Then, a new documentary from the PBS series American Experience examines the history of the polygraph test and how it's used in criminal cases. We learn more about the so-called lie detector test, its flaws, and how it's used in Texas. And we visit the annual FIRST Championship, an international robotics competition for students, which was held in Houston in April and returns here this coming spring.

Louis teaches “Industrial Tech” at North Kansas City High School. That's exciting enough. But one of his classes—and a ton of his extracurricular student assistance—is building robots with kids there.  The team competes under the international umbrella of the FIRST Robotics Competition.  Louis switched from his engineering degree to a new world of teaching skills like that to kids.  Here's Louis' adventure in teaching and how his kids' robots are the same, and different, from those cool BattleBots on TV …  

“More Than Robots” follows four teams of teenagers from around the world as they prepare for the 2020 FIRST® Robotics Competition. Teams from Los Angeles, Mexico City and Chiba, Japan work towards the goal of taking their unique designs all the way to the highly competitive global championships. Although they are faced with overcoming challenges along the way, such as having limited resources within their community or putting everything on hold because of a world-wide pandemic, the kids persevere and learn that there is a lot more to the competition than just robots. “More Than Robots” is directed by Gillian Jacobs in her feature-length documentary directorial debut. In this SXSW virtual session, Jacobs is joined by her Community co-star Joel McHale to discuss the challenges and victories shared while making the film.

Each year we set aside time to recognize the achievements of women across our country and commemorate the contributions they have made to our culture and society. In that vein, we are celebrating two very accomplished women from right here in the Farmington Valley -- Cynthia Crockett, Esq. from the law firm Hersh & Crockett, and Technology Teacher Anya Jensen from The Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy. They chat with our co-hosts Christine Buhler of The Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy and Gena Hamilton of Exact Digital Media on how they started; what they learned along the way; on how, as women, the importance of being yourself and finding your voice; and the need for and potential influence of female role models for young girls to help them overcome their preconceptions and barriers to leadership and success in business. ----------------------------------------------------------- Anya Jensen first got involved in engineering when she founded the all-female FIRST Robotics Competition team, The Missfits, in high school. She has since graduated with a degree in Robotics Engineering from Olin College, and worked at Amazon Robotics, Cruise, and with NOAA. She is now an educator with Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy, where she introduces young learners to technology and engineering. You can read more about the program at tmsc.org or reach out to Anya by emailing her at ajensen@tmsc.org Cynthia I. Crockett, Esq. graduated from Stony Brook University and went on to earn her J.D. from Western New England University School of Law. Attorney Crockett has 27 years experience practicing in the areas of personal injury, worker's compensation and family law. She practices both litigation and mediation. Attorney Crockett owns and manages the law firm Hersh & Crockett in Hartford, Connecticut and practices in courts throughout the State. She attributes her success to the successful results she has obtained for her clients, her fantastic staff and a lifelong desire to help people.

Centennial Middle School hosted their first-ever robotics competition on Saturday. There, Cameron Culver, Kyle Whitcomb and Teagan Kolbeth wowed the judges and wracked up enough points on challenges to qualify for the state tournament. And another team of Centennial students — Kai Amundson, Jordyn Simo, Sydney Bell and Shiloh Warthen had already qualified. Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wow! Where to start. What an amazing interview and opportunity to have Greg Hayes on our program. We had a great conversation on applying Design Thinking and Machine Learning to solve business challenges. We talk through how to bring business stakeholders, R&D teams, and experimentations to apply MLOps at scale with an iterative approach.Greg is a technical leader in Machine Learning Engineering and Advanced Analytics with a strong interest in open source platforms written in Python. He has more than 20 years of experience leading global multi-disciplinary technology teams, and collaborating with global stakeholders to identify and align on new opportunities.  He is currently a Data Science Director at Ecolab and is responsible for leading the selection and deployment of technology platforms to create and operationalize Data Science products at scale.Greg served for many years as a team mentor as a part of the First Robotics Competition with his passion being to encourage the interest in science and technology, and to show kids that science and technology are both fun and rewarding. That's awesome. I thank you Greg for giving back to help kids in that way and for being on the program today!If you are interested in learning about how AI is being applied across multiple industries, be sure to join us at a future AppliedAI Monthly meetup and help support us so we can make future Emerging Technologies North non-profit events! Emerging Technologies NorthAppliedAI MeetupResources and Topics Mentioned in this EpisodeSix SigmaMachine LearningIn Memory DataDesign ThinkingEthnographyEcolabMLOpsModel RetrainingHuman in the loopPythonSolution ArchitectureKubeflowDistributed ComputingFirst RoboticsDonkey CarAI Racing LeagueDan McCrearyEnjoy!Your host,Justin Grammens

Meet Jay Flores, an engineer and global STEM ambassador who is on a mission to change the world by inspiring young minds to keep doing cool things with #STEM. Jay’s parents nurtured his curious mind from an early age, and his mentors encouraged him to develop a growth mindset and take on new opportunities. This environment helped him believe in himself and say YES to experiences that could help him grow, and led him to become the youngest board member of the Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers. Being the first engineer in his family, Jay took it upon himself to inspire his little cousins to pursue a STEM education, and after working as a sales engineer for a number of years, he became a global STEM ambassador to inspire kids all around the world! Jay is on a mission to make science and technology interesting, fun, and relatable to young kids, so that they can become the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators. For those of you who are parents, Jay gives advice as to how to react when your child tells you they aspire to be an Influencer when they grow up!. The trick, he says, is to help your children see the technology behind that, and help them understand that developing technical skills will help them be the best influencer…and if that does not work out, they can always become an engineer. Some of the opportunities mentioned in this episode:First Robotics Competition: https://www.firstinspires.org/Follow Jay:https://www.jayfloresinspires.com/YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SHPENUR

Think of a high school club, and you might think about a group of young students meeting regularly to engage in a common topic. Accurate, but the Del Norte High School's Team Optix 3749 Club builds robots and competes with them. This, and so much more.At its core, the purpose behind Team Optix 3749 is to provide an environment for students to learn about technology and robotics; to offer a place for them to build and test their own robots as they prepare to compete in the FIRST Robotics Competitions.Listen to our guests, Nicole Pi and James Hunt, and you'll hear about a highly successful club that gets students to participate; successful in raising funds to keep the club running; and successful in building and competing with their robots.And this is where things go way beyond just their club.The mission for Team Optix 3749 is to also lend aid to the community by teaching students valuable skills in computer science, business, entrepreneurship, and other fields that are often not included in school curriculums. The team also graciously shares some of the funds they raise with other clubs in the high school to ensure they can enhance the learning and life experiences of more students.Furthermore, the team also goes above and beyond technology and business in the community to help the citizens as they host food and supply drives; they did not allow the current pandemic to deter them.Team Optix 3749 hopes to expand its impact to reach more students and do more for the community. Our hope is that you listen to this episode and leave with a bit of inspiration to take action yourself.GuestsNicole Pi, VP of Strategy of Team Optix 3749 | Sophmore at Del Norte High School: class of 2023James Hunt, Outreach Director of Team Optix 3749 | Junior at Del Norte High School: class of 2022This Episode's SponsorsBugcrowd: https://itspm.ag/itspbgcwebDevo: https://itspm.ag/itspdvwebResourcesTeam Optix is Del Norte High School's FIRST Robotics Competition team: https://www.team3749.orgTo see and hear more The Academy content on ITSPmagazine, visit:https://www.itspmagazine.com/the-academyAre you interested in sponsoring an ITSPmagazine Channel?https://www.itspmagazine.com/podcast-series-sponsorships

Making Robots ~ Building Leaders, Gracious Professionalism, and Coopetition  are just a few terms you'll hear during this episode.Morgan Everett, Lead Mentor with Red Nation Robotics, is our special guest!  More than just robots and more than a student run enterprise, FIRST® Robotics & Red Nation Robotics has it all.  Listen to hear how tomorrow's leaders get real-world opportunities to build a robot in six weeks.  But that is NOT their biggest challenge!Communication, problem solving, working together and planning - the soft skills.  Students gain these valuable skills as well.  Red Nation Robotic team members participate year-round in FIRST® activities that range from robot design, building, and programming to website and branding to networking.Morgan's passion for learning and the well-being of the students is contagious! FIRST® is a global, youth-serving, nonprofit robotics community that advances STEM Education.  Learn more about FIRST® and find your local community.  Discover more about Red Nation Robotics Team 4576 and the amazing things our future leaders are doing!Follow the RNR 4576 team on Twitter, like the RNR 4576 team on Facebook,  while you're at it, subscribe to the RNR 4576 YouTube channel.There are more acronyms.  Here's the list:FIRST®:  For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and TechnologyFRC:           FIRST® Robotics CompetitionRNR:          Red Nation RoboticsSTEM:       Science, Technology, Engineering and MathIf you aren't fired up about what the future holds, listen to the episode again.  Reach out to your local team to see how you can help them.  Empowering others!#omgrobots #morethanrobots #rednationrobotics #hallshighschool #stemeducation 

En este episodio, conversamos con Angel Durán, mentor del FIRST Robotics Competition en el Colegio Carol Morgan, profesor de tecnología y Director del equipo TeamDRIFT. Conocerán también a Pablo Herrera , Ingeniero de Manufactura quien ha desarrollado relevantes proyectos científicos educativos y es sumamente experimentado en Automatización. Pablo ha implementado exitosamente planes de instrucción interdisciplinarios en diversas escuelas y actualmente dirige el laboratorio  de Robótica de la institución educativa para la cual labora.  Ángel y Pablo son instructores de tecnología el Colegio Carol Morgan, el cual desarrolla un programa innovador de STEM. Tuvimos la oportunidad de conocerlos  con profundidad, indagamos sobre su jornada pedagógica y su filosofía en educación STEM en República Dominicana.  Esperamos que disfruten este episodio cargado de muchas estrategias educacionales.Nos interesa recibir preguntas y comentarios de la audiencia.  Nuestro correo electronico es: info@stemeducationlifeline.com.

On the fourth episode of Opportunity Thrives, we take a closer look at technology and the gender gap. We discuss the challenges of engaging more females in computer science and some of the strategies that can be implemented to inspire these young learners to explore computer science and technology courses and pursue careers in these fields. Nine out of ten parents want their child to study computer science, but only 45% of schools teach computer programming. Computing makes up two-thirds of projected new jobs in STEM. Computing occupations are among the highest-paying jobs for new graduates. Yet fewer than 3% of college students graduate with a degree in computer science, and only 10% of STEM graduates are in computer science. A computer science major can earn 40 percent more than the college average. Schools are not required to offer computer science in 32 states. Only 29 percent of AP Computer Science students are women. Only 22% are Black/African American or Latinx. Women who try AP Computer Science in high school are ten times more likely to major in it, and Black and Latinx students are seven times more likely. Sabine Thomas, the Northwest regional manager for Code.org, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools and increasing participation by women and underrepresented minorities shares her insights on the show. The vision of Code.org is to provide every student in every school with the opportunity to learn computer science, just as easily as they have the chance to learn biology, chemistry or algebra. Sabine is passionate about Computer Science and Software Development and supports the organization by establishing organizational partnerships throughout the Northwest. Misty Christensen, a business education and AP computer science instructor at Dunwoody High School in the Dekalb County School System in Dunwoody, Georgia also joined us for the episode. After pursuing her teaching degree, she was so inspired by the computing classes she was teaching that she went back to school to get her degree in business education. Within her district, she supports Girls Who Code, the Robotics club, First Robotics Competition, and the Technology Student Association to help inspire both young men and women to pursue careers in computing.

The Dubai Future Foundation Dubai Future Agenda  this October they have partnered with FIRST Robotics Competition, a US based robotics education platform to bring FIRST Global event to Dubai. Noora Al Hathboor, the Associate Manager- Corporate Communication, Dubai Future Foundation tells us all about the competition and what the public can't expect at the event. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dubai-works/message

The Dubai Future Foundation Dubai Future Agenda this October they have partnered with FIRST Robotics Competition, a US based robotics education platform to bring FIRST Global event to Dubai. Noora Al Hathboor, the Associate Manager- Corporate Communication, Dubai Future Foundation tells us all about the competition and what the public can't expect at the event. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dubai-works/message

If you're involved in the FIRST community in Florida, then you are almost certainly aware of Middleton Robotics. The program is housed at the STEM magnet program at Middleton High School in Tampa, Florida, and has made a big name for themselves. Having one FIRST Robotics Competition team, currently two FIRST Tech Challenge teams (formerly three), as well as participating in VEX with two teams, Middleton knows how to compete.At ROBOTICON Tampa Bay, we had the opportunity to speak with Manu, the President of Middleton Robotics. He is a three year veteran of FIRST Tech Challenge Team 3846 Maelstrom, but for his senior year switched to FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1369 Minotaur. This switch is because of the sheer volume of scholarships that are made available exclusively to FIRST Robotics Competition team members, meaning that seniors are best-served long-term as a Minotaur team member.Coming into his Freshman year, Manu had no real robotics experience. However, knowing about Middleton's reputation as a world championship club is what attracted him to the school and the STEM program in the first place. Having the ability to participate in a program with teams in a variety of leagues has given him a better understanding of the similarities and differences between challenges. After switching from FIRST Tech Challenge to FIRST Robotics Competition, he noticed that there are a lot of similarities between the programs. The larger scale, however, allows for more people to be involved in the build, as well as adding a need for more detailed communication.One of the big challenges he experienced was in the schedule of the competition. FIRST Robotics Competition starts its season in January, meaning that, for the first half of a new school year, you're having to learn the old game, despite it not having a lot of real-world value. Fortunately, ROBOTICON gives students who are new to the program the opportunity to experience a competition environment and practice with last year's game and robot before their new season begins.Sponsored by: Support our coverage by shopping Amazon here. Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that can replace your laptop. Get yours at the Microsoft Store.

If you're involved in the FIRST community in Florida, then you are almost certainly aware of Middleton Robotics. The program is housed at the STEM magnet program at Middleton High School in Tampa, Florida, and has made a big name for themselves. Having one FIRST Robotics Competition team, currently two FIRST Tech Challenge teams (formerly three), as well as participating in VEX with two teams, Middleton knows how to compete.At ROBOTICON Tampa Bay, we had the opportunity to speak with Manu, the President of Middleton Robotics. He is a three year veteran of FIRST Tech Challenge Team 3846 Maelstrom, but for his senior year switched to FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1369 Minotaur. This switch is because of the sheer volume of scholarships that are made available exclusively to FIRST Robotics Competition team members, meaning that seniors are best-served long-term as a Minotaur team member.Coming into his Freshman year, Manu had no real robotics experience. However, knowing about Middleton's reputation as a world championship club is what attracted him to the school and the STEM program in the first place. Having the ability to participate in a program with teams in a variety of leagues has given him a better understanding of the similarities and differences between challenges. After switching from FIRST Tech Challenge to FIRST Robotics Competition, he noticed that there are a lot of similarities between the programs. The larger scale, however, allows for more people to be involved in the build, as well as adding a need for more detailed communication.One of the big challenges he experienced was in the schedule of the competition. FIRST Robotics Competition starts its season in January, meaning that, for the first half of a new school year, you're having to learn the old game, despite it not having a lot of real-world value. Fortunately, ROBOTICON gives students who are new to the program the opportunity to experience a competition environment and practice with last year's game and robot before their new season begins.Sponsored by: Support our coverage by shopping Amazon here. Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that can replace your laptop. Get yours at the Microsoft Store.

While most of the time, FIRST Looks gets the opportunity to speak with members of FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge teams, we always look forward to our experiences with FIRST LEGO League team members. These students, while very young, are some of the most energetic and passionate, both about their teams and about FIRST in general. During ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2018, the team spoke with Chloe from the Tie Dye Gummy Divas, Team 30648. The adorable team name came from combining one word from each team member, making it a true team effort.Showing the team's excitement for the season, the team members all have a similar, but unique look. All of the girls were wearing a team shirt, matching rainbow tutu, and space-themed leggings, which match the theme for the season. Each member, however, had their own design for their leggings, getting to show off a little about themselves. This is a big part of the FIRST LEGO League program, with awards being given to the team with the most "team spirit."For the Gummy Divas, there aren't exactly roles. The students get the opportunity to try different aspects of the build and research project and then focus on the aspects that they enjoy the most. For Chloe, that's been all about programming and building, while her friends have focused on other aspects of the season, like the research project. The project for the year is to think of the problems that would be encountered by people trying to live in space and help address those problems.When thinking about the future of space travel and exploration, Chloe is very excited. She says that "it takes your breath away, figurately and literally." Profound words from a very smart girl. She believes that, in the future, we will find a way to live in space for more than just a few years, with colonies being built. She's also excited about the things that she's learning now in FIRST about robotics could one day help astronauts on other planets.Sponsored by: Support our coverage by shopping Amazon here. Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that can replace your laptop. Get yours at the Microsoft Store.

While most of the time, FIRST Looks gets the opportunity to speak with members of FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge teams, we always look forward to our experiences with FIRST LEGO League team members. These students, while very young, are some of the most energetic and passionate, both about their teams and about FIRST in general. During ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2018, the team spoke with Chloe from the Tie Dye Gummy Divas, Team 30648. The adorable team name came from combining one word from each team member, making it a true team effort.Showing the team's excitement for the season, the team members all have a similar, but unique look. All of the girls were wearing a team shirt, matching rainbow tutu, and space-themed leggings, which match the theme for the season. Each member, however, had their own design for their leggings, getting to show off a little about themselves. This is a big part of the FIRST LEGO League program, with awards being given to the team with the most "team spirit."For the Gummy Divas, there aren't exactly roles. The students get the opportunity to try different aspects of the build and research project and then focus on the aspects that they enjoy the most. For Chloe, that's been all about programming and building, while her friends have focused on other aspects of the season, like the research project. The project for the year is to think of the problems that would be encountered by people trying to live in space and help address those problems.When thinking about the future of space travel and exploration, Chloe is very excited. She says that "it takes your breath away, figurately and literally." Profound words from a very smart girl. She believes that, in the future, we will find a way to live in space for more than just a few years, with colonies being built. She's also excited about the things that she's learning now in FIRST about robotics could one day help astronauts on other planets.Sponsored by: Support our coverage by shopping Amazon here. Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that can replace your laptop. Get yours at the Microsoft Store.

The FIRST Tech Challenge had their game released two weeks prior to ROBOTICON Tampa Bay and, for some people, this event is the first time they get to see the field with robots running. The team interviewed Anaya from The Pink Team FIRST Tech Challenge 6326. This is her first year as a member and as a driver. The FIRST experience for Anaya hasn't just started, as she explained that her brother was a member of The Pink Team before her and that she is used to being surrounded by robots. Anaya became attached to FIRST through her familiarity with it and because of the influence of her father's creativity. Though she is in her first year, Anaya has already expressed interest in learning to program. The Pink Team has been around for over 20 years and is still running strong! This team has come all the way from the Space Coast league and is different from others because of their cooperation between three different high schools on one team. It's common for a team to be based in a school, or for a team to be based in a garage, but it's less common for a group of schools to come together to build a single team. They include students from Rockledge, Cocoa Beach, and Port St. John.The Pink Team has both a FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition team and allows team members to be a part of both, with 45 students this team is large when compared to others. Anaya talked to us about the team and how the FIRST Tech Challenge team has been dedicated to going to meetings twice a week and are working hard on their design for the new robot. Which she states should be done within the next week.To learn more about The Pink Team go to The Pink Team website, or find them on Facebook.Sponsored by: Support our coverage by shopping Amazon here. Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that can replace your laptop. Get yours at the Microsoft Store.

The FIRST Tech Challenge had their game released two weeks prior to ROBOTICON Tampa Bay and, for some people, this event is the first time they get to see the field with robots running. The team interviewed Anaya from The Pink Team FIRST Tech Challenge 6326. This is her first year as a member and as a driver. The FIRST experience for Anaya hasn't just started, as she explained that her brother was a member of The Pink Team before her and that she is used to being surrounded by robots. Anaya became attached to FIRST through her familiarity with it and because of the influence of her father's creativity. Though she is in her first year, Anaya has already expressed interest in learning to program. The Pink Team has been around for over 20 years and is still running strong! This team has come all the way from the Space Coast league and is different from others because of their cooperation between three different high schools on one team. It's common for a team to be based in a school, or for a team to be based in a garage, but it's less common for a group of schools to come together to build a single team. They include students from Rockledge, Cocoa Beach, and Port St. John.The Pink Team has both a FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition team and allows team members to be a part of both, with 45 students this team is large when compared to others. Anaya talked to us about the team and how the FIRST Tech Challenge team has been dedicated to going to meetings twice a week and are working hard on their design for the new robot. Which she states should be done within the next week.To learn more about The Pink Team go to The Pink Team website, or find them on Facebook.Sponsored by: Support our coverage by shopping Amazon here. Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that can replace your laptop. Get yours at the Microsoft Store.

Live from the 2018 ROBOTICON Tampa Bay at the Yuengling Center at the University of South Florida. This year's event features 23 FIRST Robotics Competition teams, 16 FIRST Tech Challenge teams, 8 FIRST LEGO League teams, and 5 FIRST LEGO League Jr. teams. We speak with representatives from several of the teams, including some of the most recognizable teams in Florida, as well as rookie teams. We also speak with a software engineer from NASA about the future of space travel, including what is needed to get people to Mars and, more importantly, how to keep them alive once they arrive. We end the show with the Affiliate Partner for FIRST LEGO League and FIRST LEGO League Jr. in South Florida.Sponsored by: Support our coverage by shopping Amazon here. Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that can replace your laptop. Get yours at the Microsoft Store.

Live from the 2018 ROBOTICON Tampa Bay at the Yuengling Center at the University of South Florida. This year's event features 23 FIRST Robotics Competition teams, 16 FIRST Tech Challenge teams, 8 FIRST LEGO League teams, and 5 FIRST LEGO League Jr. teams. We speak with representatives from several of the teams, including some of the most recognizable teams in Florida, as well as rookie teams. We also speak with a software engineer from NASA about the future of space travel, including what is needed to get people to Mars and, more importantly, how to keep them alive once they arrive. We end the show with the Affiliate Partner for FIRST LEGO League and FIRST LEGO League Jr. in South Florida.Sponsored by: Support our coverage by shopping Amazon here. Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that can replace your laptop. Get yours at the Microsoft Store.

RoboZone Podcast Episode #089 - Kickoff Review with Frank Merrick! Episode Description - In this episode, we speak with FRC Director Frank Merrick about Deep Space. He provides us with some updates on the season thus far, his review on this years kickoff and how to handle items such as inclement weather during build season! Finally, we have a winner of the AndyMark giveaway! Interview - Frank Merrick - Director, FIRST Robotics Competition

Robotics Competition Podcast

Latest episode of Tech questions

The TechHOUNDSJohn WaidnerElectronics Engineer with a background in Logic design, analog circuit, system integration and testingCurrently John is a mentor for the TechHOUNDS and volunteers for the Boy Scouts of AmericaDerek Fronek High school student from Carmel High SchoolPart of the Carmel High School robotics team the TechHOUNDSTechHOUNDSWhat are the TechHOUNDS and how did you start?Leadership? Who leads the group?DivisionsRobot OpsProgramming/ElectricalConstructionInformation TechnologyPublic RelationsHow do you handle the overlap between divisions?Derek - What division are you most involved with?John - How involved are you in the process?What is FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)Who can be a part of FIRST?How to get involvedFunding?Competing in FRC (First Robotics Competition)What are the competitions?How does your team prepare for them?Who gets to go?Who gets to drive the bot?The TechHOUNDS youtube channel has lots of videos of the robot and competitions the group has been in2018 Robot RevealTechHOUNDS Team 868 FlickrWhat is next for the TechHOUNDS?Visit our Slack Channel and join the conversation in between episodes and please review us, wherever you listen (PodcastAddict, iTunes). It helps this show stay visible and helps new listeners find us.Tags: Derek Fronek, electronics podcast, FIRST, First Robotics Competition, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, FRC, John Waidner, MacroFab, macrofab engineering podcast, MEP, Robotics, TechHOUNDS

If you have been involved with any part of competitive robotics, you have most likely seen the smiling face of this week's STEM Rockstar, Karthik Kanagasabapathy.  When you listen to our conversation with Karthik, you will understand why he is often at the microphone at FIRST and IFI/VEX Robotics events.  He excels in communicating the fun and passion of competitive robotics, but also has the engineering background as a past competitor himself to understand the competitions.  We were so thrilled that our daughter Makenzie, who works at Innovation First International, was able to connect us with our special guest.  Our conversation with this internationally known STEM Rockstar was so engaging that listeners will get to enjoy two episodes with Karthik. Show Notes  Karthik spent nine years at Innovation First International where he was responsible for exciting young people about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education via participation in the VEX Robotics Competition in which he designed competitive robotic games that have been played by over 75,000 teams of students around the globe.  He has won numerous awards for his dedication to furthering robotics education, including the prestigious Woodie Flowers Finalist Award for exemplary mentoring and being a positive role model for high school students through the FIRST Robotics Competition.  He also hosts various international robotic events, having worked with media personalities such as Mythbusters' Grant Imahara and Kari Byron, given an internationally recognized TEDx talk, and hosted televised robotics specials on ESPN and CBS. Innovation First International Dean Kamen (Co-Founder of the FIRST Robotics Competition) There are several robotics competitions including: BEST Robotics FIRST RoboRAVE International VEX Robotics Robotics Alliance Project (list of robotic competitions)   Resources on Karthik: The Subtle Secret of Success: Karthik Kanagasabapathy at TEDxUTSC Competitive Robotics: Bringing Excitement Back to the Canadian Classroom, by Karthik Kanagasabapathy Simbotics Robotics Team   Book recommendations: Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall, by Anna Funder The Art of Smart Football, by Chris B. Brown STEM Hero: Dr. Woodie Flowers (Co-Founder the FIRST Robotics Competition and considered the pioneer and grandfather of competitive robotics) Dr. Woodie Flowers - STEM Hall of Fame Induction 2017 Favorite quote: "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm," by Ralph Waldo Emerson STEM Rockstar: Paul Copioli Paul Copioli and Karthik Kanagasabapathy, VEX Worlds 2018 (photo credit: Makenzie Gruenig, IFI)   Contact information: Twitter Facebook Instagram

If you have been involved with any part of competitive robotics, you have most likely seen the smiling face of this week's STEM Rockstar, Karthik Kanagasabapathy.  When you listen to our conversation with Karthik, you will understand why he is often at the microphone at FIRST and IFI/VEX Robotics events.  He excels in communicating the fun and passion of competitive robotics, but also has the engineering background as a past competitor himself to understand the competitions.  We were so thrilled that our daughter Makenzie, who works at Innovation First International, was able to connect us with our special guest.  Our conversation with this internationally known STEM Rockstar was so engaging that listeners will get to enjoy two episodes with Karthik. Show Notes  Karthik spent nine years at Innovation First International where he was responsible for exciting young people about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education via participation in the VEX Robotics Competition in which he designed competitive robotic games that have been played by over 75,000 teams of students around the globe.  He has won numerous awards for his dedication to furthering robotics education, including the prestigious Woodie Flowers Finalist Award for exemplary mentoring and being a positive role model for high school students through the FIRST Robotics Competition.  He also hosts various international robotic events, having worked with media personalities such as Mythbusters' Grant Imahara and Kari Byron, given an internationally recognized TEDx talk, and hosted televised robotics specials on ESPN and CBS. Innovation First International Dean Kamen (Co-Founder of the FIRST Robotics Competition) There are several robotics competitions including: BEST Robotics FIRST RoboRAVE International VEX Robotics Robotics Alliance Project (list of robotic competitions)   Resources on Karthik: The Subtle Secret of Success: Karthik Kanagasabapathy at TEDxUTSC Competitive Robotics: Bringing Excitement Back to the Canadian Classroom, by Karthik Kanagasabapathy Simbotics Robotics Team   Book recommendations: Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall, by Anna Funder The Art of Smart Football, by Chris B. Brown STEM Hero: Dr. Woodie Flowers (Co-Founder the FIRST Robotics Competition and considered the pioneer and grandfather of competitive robotics) Dr. Woodie Flowers - STEM Hall of Fame Induction 2017 Favorite quote: "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm," by Ralph Waldo Emerson STEM Rockstar: Paul Copioli Paul Copioli and Karthik Kanagasabapathy, VEX Worlds 2018 (photo credit: Makenzie Gruenig, IFI)   Contact information: Twitter Facebook Instagram

If you have been involved with any part of competitive robotics, you have most likely seen the smiling face of this week's STEM Rockstar, Karthik Kanagasabapathy.  When you listen to our conversation with Karthik, you will understand why he is often at the microphone at FIRST and IFI/VEX Robotics events.  He excels in communicating the fun and passion of competitive robotics, but also has the engineering background as a past competitor himself to understand the competitions.  We were so thrilled that our daughter Makenzie, who works at Innovation First International, was able to connect us with our special guest.  Our conversation with this internationally known STEM Rockstar was so engaging that listeners will get to enjoy two full episodes with Karthik. Show Notes Karthik spent nine years at Innovation First International where he was responsible for exciting young people about STEAM (Science, Technology, Education, Arts, and Math) education via participation in the VEX Robotics Competition in which he designed competitive robotic games that have been played by over 75,000 teams of students around the globe.  He has won numerous awards for his dedication to furthering robotics education, including the prestigious Woodie Flowers Finalist Award for exemplary mentoring and being a positive role model for high school students through the FIRST Robotics Competition.  He also hosts various international robotic events, having worked with media personalities such as Mythbusters' Grant Imahara and Kari Byron, given an internationally recognized TEDx talk, and hosted televised robotics specials on ESPN and CBS. Innovation First International Dean Kamen (Co-Founder of FIRST Robotics Competition) There are several robotics competitions including: BEST Robotics FIRST RoboRAVE International VEX Robotics The Robotics Alliance Project (list of robotic competitions)   Resources on Karthik: The Subtle Secret of Success: Karthik Kanagasabapathy Competitive Robotics: Bringing Excitement Back to the Canadian Classroom Simbotics Robotics Team   Book recommendations: Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall, by Anna Funder The Art of Smart Football, by Chris B. Brown STEM Hero: Dr. Woodie Flowers (Co-Founder of FIRST Robotics and considered the grandfather of competitive robotics) Dr. Woodie Flowers - STEM Hall of Fame Induction 2017 Favorite quote: "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm," by Ralph Waldo Emerson STEM Rockstar: Paul Copioli Paul Copioli and Karthik Kanagasbapathy, VEX Worlds 2018 (photo credit: Makenzie Gruenig, IFI)   Contact information: Twitter Facebook Instagram

If you have been involved with any part of competitive robotics, you have most likely seen the smiling face of this week's STEM Rockstar, Karthik Kanagasabapathy.  When you listen to our conversation with Karthik, you will understand why he is often at the microphone at FIRST and IFI/VEX Robotics events.  He excels in communicating the fun and passion of competitive robotics, but also has the engineering background as a past competitor himself to understand the competitions.  We were so thrilled that our daughter Makenzie, who works at Innovation First International, was able to connect us with our special guest.  Our conversation with this internationally known STEM Rockstar was so engaging that listeners will get to enjoy two full episodes with Karthik. Show Notes Karthik spent nine years at Innovation First International where he was responsible for exciting young people about STEAM (Science, Technology, Education, Arts, and Math) education via participation in the VEX Robotics Competition in which he designed competitive robotic games that have been played by over 75,000 teams of students around the globe.  He has won numerous awards for his dedication to furthering robotics education, including the prestigious Woodie Flowers Finalist Award for exemplary mentoring and being a positive role model for high school students through the FIRST Robotics Competition.  He also hosts various international robotic events, having worked with media personalities such as Mythbusters' Grant Imahara and Kari Byron, given an internationally recognized TEDx talk, and hosted televised robotics specials on ESPN and CBS. Innovation First International Dean Kamen (Co-Founder of FIRST Robotics Competition) There are several robotics competitions including: BEST Robotics FIRST RoboRAVE International VEX Robotics The Robotics Alliance Project (list of robotic competitions)   Resources on Karthik: The Subtle Secret of Success: Karthik Kanagasabapathy Competitive Robotics: Bringing Excitement Back to the Canadian Classroom Simbotics Robotics Team   Book recommendations: Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall, by Anna Funder The Art of Smart Football, by Chris B. Brown STEM Hero: Dr. Woodie Flowers (Co-Founder of FIRST Robotics and considered the grandfather of competitive robotics) Dr. Woodie Flowers - STEM Hall of Fame Induction 2017 Favorite quote: "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm," by Ralph Waldo Emerson STEM Rockstar: Paul Copioli Paul Copioli and Karthik Kanagasbapathy, VEX Worlds 2018 (photo credit: Makenzie Gruenig, IFI)   Contact information: Twitter Facebook Instagram

Chelsey Short, Regional Director of FIRST in Utah stars in this episode. Chelsey brings a wealth of experience in many youth programs including performing arts, public safety, and University Extension. 

So it's no secret to say that the Orlando Regional Competition is one of our favorites. And one of the best parts of our coverage is when Terri Willingham stops by for a chat. Terri was formerly a Regional Director with FIRST. She loved organizing these events and working closely with the teams as they navigated their way through the robotics program. Her new position, as Director of the Foundation for Community Driven Innovation (FCDI), is her most rewarding role yet. Terri and her husband Steve are now able to take all of the knowledge gained with FIRST a step further with the foundation and AMRoC (Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Center). They are in the process of building out this manufacturing and robotics center that will be home to a permanent FIRST Robotics Competition field, as well as an FIRST Tech Challenge field and a couple of FIRST LEGO League tables. It will give students a place to come to be creative, build their robots and then test and practice. The dream is to have the makerspace easily accessible with all of the tools available for building and repairs. Everything started to come together about a year ago when Terri applied for an Argosy Foundation Grant. The application of these funds, as well as other donations, have been disbursed directly to local community groups and programs, such as Robotics Tampa Bay and FIRST teams. It's tough to make real changes when trying to tackle challenges as a national level. She now realizes that by concentrating her efforts hyper-locally, it is easier to leverage community engagement. Thus putting money, manufacturing and jobs in the community. The philosophy is basically that we can change the world in our own back yards and then scale it up from there. At the local level, you can apply a thousand dollars and see actually the impact it creates. Make sure to watch our interview with Terri and learn more about all of her exciting upcoming ventures. Then stay tuned to watch them grow and even join in the efforts by volunteering along with all of us. Sponsored by: Support our coverage by shopping Amazon here. Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that can replace your laptop. Get yours at the Microsoft Store.

So it's no secret to say that the Orlando Regional Competition is one of our favorites. And one of the best parts of our coverage is when Terri Willingham stops by for a chat. Terri was formerly a Regional Director with FIRST. She loved organizing these events and working closely with the teams as they navigated their way through the robotics program. Her new position, as Director of the Foundation for Community Driven Innovation (FCDI), is her most rewarding role yet. Terri and her husband Steve are now able to take all of the knowledge gained with FIRST a step further with the foundation and AMRoC (Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Center). They are in the process of building out this manufacturing and robotics center that will be home to a permanent FIRST Robotics Competition field, as well as an FIRST Tech Challenge field and a couple of FIRST LEGO League tables. It will give students a place to come to be creative, build their robots and then test and practice. The dream is to have the makerspace easily accessible with all of the tools available for building and repairs. Everything started to come together about a year ago when Terri applied for an Argosy Foundation Grant. The application of these funds, as well as other donations, have been disbursed directly to local community groups and programs, such as Robotics Tampa Bay and FIRST teams. It's tough to make real changes when trying to tackle challenges as a national level. She now realizes that by concentrating her efforts hyper-locally, it is easier to leverage community engagement. Thus putting money, manufacturing and jobs in the community. The philosophy is basically that we can change the world in our own back yards and then scale it up from there. At the local level, you can apply a thousand dollars and see actually the impact it creates. Make sure to watch our interview with Terri and learn more about all of her exciting upcoming ventures. Then stay tuned to watch them grow and even join in the efforts by volunteering along with all of us. Sponsored by: Support our coverage by shopping Amazon here. Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that can replace your laptop. Get yours at the Microsoft Store.

One of the things that makes a FIRST team succeed is the ability to pass knowledge on from season to season. Under normal circumstances, a team expects to rotate members out every year, with a healthy portion staying and some graduating, to be replaced by freshman. Some seasons, however, a larger portion of the team graduates than others, leaving a lot of rookie members. That is what FIRST Robotics Competition 6527, Short SirKit experienced this season. A large portion of their team were rookies (around 15), though about 5 veteran members remained, including Angel (a 2-year member), who spoke with Daniele and Marissa at the Orlando Regional. It meant that the veteran members all had to take on more of a mentoring role for the new students. Despite the higher number of rookie members, the team was doing well on the field; even better than last season. Angel acts as a machinist on his team, working with tools like bandsaws, drill presses and a CNC machine, to produce the body and appendages for the robot. He finds the experience of FIRST to be fun, and he appreciates working with his team. Before joining the team he wasn't experienced with the tools he uses, and owes his knowledge to his 2 seasons with Short SirKit. This team works differently from many other teams, as the team exists as part of a manufacturing class and a robotics class in school, which he heard about from his mother. After enrolling in the class, he was inspired to go into machining as a career after high school. Because the team is run as a class, it means that activities are graded, but there is not as much time for the social aspects of FIRST. Sponsored by: Support our coverage by shopping Amazon here. Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that can replace your laptop. Get yours at the Microsoft Store.

One of the things that makes a FIRST team succeed is the ability to pass knowledge on from season to season. Under normal circumstances, a team expects to rotate members out every year, with a healthy portion staying and some graduating, to be replaced by freshman. Some seasons, however, a larger portion of the team graduates than others, leaving a lot of rookie members. That is what FIRST Robotics Competition 6527, Short SirKit experienced this season. A large portion of their team were rookies (around 15), though about 5 veteran members remained, including Angel (a 2-year member), who spoke with Daniele and Marissa at the Orlando Regional. It meant that the veteran members all had to take on more of a mentoring role for the new students. Despite the higher number of rookie members, the team was doing well on the field; even better than last season. Angel acts as a machinist on his team, working with tools like bandsaws, drill presses and a CNC machine, to produce the body and appendages for the robot. He finds the experience of FIRST to be fun, and he appreciates working with his team. Before joining the team he wasn't experienced with the tools he uses, and owes his knowledge to his 2 seasons with Short SirKit. This team works differently from many other teams, as the team exists as part of a manufacturing class and a robotics class in school, which he heard about from his mother. After enrolling in the class, he was inspired to go into machining as a career after high school. Because the team is run as a class, it means that activities are graded, but there is not as much time for the social aspects of FIRST. Sponsored by: Support our coverage by shopping Amazon here. Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that can replace your laptop. Get yours at the Microsoft Store.

Who doesn't love it when a Jedi stops by for a chat? Well, we might enjoy it a little more than your average interviewers, but that's okay. It was great to get to know Joao with FIRST Robotics Competition 5557, BB-R8ERS. Once again it was so refreshing to see how excited and motivated a 1st year team member can be. He is a freshman in high school and this his initial exposure to FIRST. When he was looking into which high school he wanted to attend, he chose his current school because of the tech classes offered and the robotics program. He thought it would be a great opportunity to learn a lot and also have a lot of fun. Joao started off on the electrical team at the beginning of the season and then moved over to the business side. He even presented the Chairman's Award here at the competition. His goals for the future are to get back involved on the electrical team and hopefully become a lead, while still helping out in business. While we were talking with him about how the team was doing at the competition this year, they were actually currently on the field competing behind us. It was fun to look back and see them in action with all of their teammates cheering them on, light sabers in hand. Many were in costume and you could feel the team spirit all the way up to our booth. There are currently about 35 members on the robotics team. They start out as Padawans when they are rookies and build their way to being lead and mentor Jedi Masters. One thing Joao loves is how even though this is a technical field, it has the feeling of a large sporting event. That is something that we at FIRST Looks also really enjoy. And if you are looking to also get inspired by FIRST, this is the interview that you are looking for. Check it out and let us know what you think. Sponsored by: Support our coverage by shopping Amazon here. Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that can replace your laptop. Get yours at the Microsoft Store.

Who doesn't love it when a Jedi stops by for a chat? Well, we might enjoy it a little more than your average interviewers, but that's okay. It was great to get to know Joao with FIRST Robotics Competition 5557, BB-R8ERS. Once again it was so refreshing to see how excited and motivated a 1st year team member can be. He is a freshman in high school and this his initial exposure to FIRST. When he was looking into which high school he wanted to attend, he chose his current school because of the tech classes offered and the robotics program. He thought it would be a great opportunity to learn a lot and also have a lot of fun. Joao started off on the electrical team at the beginning of the season and then moved over to the business side. He even presented the Chairman's Award here at the competition. His goals for the future are to get back involved on the electrical team and hopefully become a lead, while still helping out in business. While we were talking with him about how the team was doing at the competition this year, they were actually currently on the field competing behind us. It was fun to look back and see them in action with all of their teammates cheering them on, light sabers in hand. Many were in costume and you could feel the team spirit all the way up to our booth. There are currently about 35 members on the robotics team. They start out as Padawans when they are rookies and build their way to being lead and mentor Jedi Masters. One thing Joao loves is how even though this is a technical field, it has the feeling of a large sporting event. That is something that we at FIRST Looks also really enjoy. And if you are looking to also get inspired by FIRST, this is the interview that you are looking for. Check it out and let us know what you think. Sponsored by: Support our coverage by shopping Amazon here. Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that can replace your laptop. Get yours at the Microsoft Store.

FIRST Robotics is a very important organization that brings more and more educated students into the workforce with robotics experience that will propel them into the future. Once these students graduate from high school, they are encouraged to join the FIRST Alumni Association to stay involved in FIRST and to help students just like them. Alumni volunteer their time and prior experience to encourage the next generation of great minds as well as push the bar up for robotics around the world. Vishal Vellody is a perfect FIRST alumni example. He was apart of FIRST Robotics Competition 5276 Edgar Allan Ohms as a vital part of the mechanical team for three and a half years. After graduating, he realized that he can apply what he learned on the team and work with the current students to help them learn like he did. Vishal made it his mission to ensure his team learned from the team's past mistakes so that they can evolve robotics. Now, he has volunteered a year of his time and he loves it. Vishal is a current intern at the Pasco County Library in Land O' Lakes where the Edgar Allan Ohms meets. The space is free to the community to work on projects and teaches anyone numerous skills. Vishal's job is to work with visitors to make sure they have tools and help they need to complete their own projects. Sponsored by: Amazon Prime gives you more than just free shipping. Get free music, TV shows, movies, videogames and more. Enjoy your favorite books while you work or travel. Get a free book and a 30 day trial with promo code Try70.

On this episode of Talking Space, the team discusses the International Space Station One Year Mission. We also mention that the New Horizons spacecraft is just a little over 90 days away from its destination: Pluto. We then look at the ramifications of an article by Eric Berger of the Houston Chronicle making an assertion that NASA is looking at leveraging the Moon as a true stepping stone to Mars. We also cite The Examiner's Mark Whittington, and a rebuttal to Mr. Berger's piece by Marcia Smith at SpacePolicyOnline . Mr. Berger stood by his piece in a later blog post. NASA Chief Scientist Ellen Stofan said during a public panel aired on NASA TV, “I believe we are going to have strong indications of life beyond Earth in the next decade." We discuss what that really means for us and how some main stream media outlets have reported on this story. Mark Ratterman wraps up his involvement with the First Robotics Competition  and what do the Mars Exploration Rovers have in common with Major League Baseball? We'll tell you in this week's NASA Spinoff Segment.  The outro song is "Familiar Frontier " by Craft Lass. It is used with her permission. To purchase the file, visit https://craftlass.bandcamp.com/track/familiar-frontier. The song is also available on iTunes and Google Play. Show recorded: 4/9/2015 Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman, Kathryn Robison and Kassy Tamanini aka Craft Lass