There's
nothing vexing about the success of this year's summer workshop.
Or maybe we should say it was all "VEXing."
Applied Technologies held our 17th annual Summer Workshop in
Cartersville, Georgia July 7-9.
Attendees spent most of their time building and programming
mobile robots using VEX Robotics kits, then competing in two events.
They also learned the importance of project/problem-based learning,
how to organize and host a VEX Robotics event, and about the
different kinds of robotics events available to students.
"Excellent workshop!" said Jason Morgan, a technology teacher at
Florence Middle School in Florance, AL. "I feel I learned a
ton of information I can and will take back to the classroom!
My students will benefit from my attendance at the workshop you
provided. Thanks!"
Another attendee wrote, "I really am looking forward to
integrating robotics into my curriculum. I hope to get the new
Robotics Engineering CPU at my school."
Upon arriving at the workshop, attendees were divided into groups
of four, where they all built and programmed the same basic mobile
robot.
Between the robot building and programming, several other
segments of the workshop were presented. Applied Technologies
General Manager and Learning Labs, Inc. Vice President
John Richardson shared his story of how hands-on projects were a
big factor in his education as a youngster and how similar projects
now guide the company's Development Department as they create
Career Connections,
Health Science,
and Agriscience
products. John passed out a document that offered teachers
many ways to integrate robotics with science, technology,
engineering, and math (STEM) ideas into their curriculum.
Brad Lauer, Senior Manager/Education Channel Development with
Innovation First (the company that manufactures VEX Robotics), also
spoke to the attendees about the various major robotics events, and
specifically about VEX Robotics Events.
Once attendees were confident in the basics of building and
programming with VEX, the teams were allowed to
manipulate their robots (based on parameters) to compete in two
events: the Pull-Bot Challenge and the About Face Challenge.
On the final day, the workshop moved from the nearby
Holiday Inn to the
Tellus Northwest
Georgia Science Museum. Prior to beginning the competition,
the teachers learned how easy, exciting, and profitable hosting
their own VEX Robotics Event could be. They were also
introduced to the new 2009-10 VEX competition Clean Sweep and were
offered tips and playing strategies.
At that point, it was time to "let the games begin!"
As mentioned, there were two challenges: Pull-Bot and About
Face. Pull-Bot required robots to pull the most weight in the
quickest amount of time. About Face had teachers build robots
that could travel seven feet, hit a wall, make a 180 degree turn,
then return to the starting spot and quickly and accurately as
possible.
At the end of the workshop, staff development
certificates were handed out, as well as awards for most innovative
designs, 1st place in both Challenges, and most dedicated.
After the workshop was officially over, all attendees gained free
admission to the Tellus Northwest
Georgia Science Museum. Bob Faulk, Dunwoody High School (Dunwoody,
GA) technology teacher summed the week up best by saying, "I had a
great time and I leaned a lot. Time flew! Thanks!"
