STUDENTS EXPLORE NUTS AND BOLTS OF ROBOTICS DURING TOURNAMENT
AT UH
Robots were once the stuff of fantasy thanks to science fiction
movies, toys and novels. Now, robotics technology is a part of everyday
reality helping man explore space, manufacture autos and sweep floors
among other tasks. It’s also being used to teach, as middle
school students will soon discover during a competition at the University
of Houston.
The Lone Star FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Robotics Tournament will
be held in UH’s Campus Recreation and Wellness Center on Saturday,
Dec. 3. Teams of middle school students will design and build robots
using LEGO Mindstorm technology, a robotics system designed by the
LEGO Group. They will then program their robots to accomplish missions
on an ocean-themed playing field. This tournament is part of the
2005 FIRST LEGO League Team Challenge in which similar tournaments
will be conducted worldwide.
Although fun is a priority during this tournament, its primary
goal is to enhance students’ interests in science, engineering,
mathematics and technology.
“Students are intrigued by robots because of all the things
they’ve seen on television or in the movies,” said Enrique
Barbieri, UH professor of engineering technology. “Because
they already have this interest, we’re able to use robots
as a learning tool.”
The Lone Star FIRST LEGO League is sponsored by UH’s College
of Technology, NASA, LEGO, Clear Creek Independent School District/NASA
Robonauts and For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science &
Technology (FIRST).
“We want to expose more students to science, engineering
and mathematics, and we also want them know that there are careers
in robotics,” Barbieri said. “Robots are used in the
space program, the automotive industry and manufacturing among other
trades. If we grab their attention now, we can possibly inspire
them to pursue technical careers. Robotics is a perfect starting
point for a student’s professional goals.”
The event is free and open to the public, and the registration
fee for FLL-affiliated teams is $60. For registration details or
additional tournament information, contact Taresa Mikle at 713-743-1855
or visit www.HoustonRobotics.org.
For information on FLL, visit www.firstlegoleague.org.
WHAT: |
2005 Lone Star FIRST LEGO League Robotics Tournament |
WHEN: |
8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3 |
WHERE: |
UH Campus Recreation and Wellness Center
4500 University Drive
Houston, TX 77204-6056
|
WHO: |
University of Houston/FIRST LEGO League |
For more information about UH visit
the universitys Newsroom at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom.
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