FLYSET 4th Annual Youth Robotics Fair

2018-05-20 @ 2:30pm - 4:30pm, QD Academy

FLYSET will host the 4th annual Youth Robotics Fair on 5/20/2018. We will have many hands on Robotics activities. We are adding FRC robot showcase and FTC robot scrimmage and a few other new activities too. The Robo-sumo and line follow challenges are good ones for FLL teams as off season activities. Everyone is welcome to participate for free.

Please visit http://flyset.org/events-2/upcoming-events/2018-youth-robotics-fair/ for details, and pass along the attached flyer to others as well.

2018-05-08 0 Comments

UTD FTC Coaches Training Workshop

2018-07-11 @ 9:00am - 2018-07-12 @ 4:30pm, University of Texas at Dallas / SEEC

This clinic is intended for coaches/mentors (adults) ONLY.
Cost:  $30/session, register at UTD Marketplace.

Calling all FIRST Tech Challenge coaches, mentors, and educators! Come brush up on your knowledge & skills and hear proven tips for improving team performance.

UT-Dallas is offering a 2-day training workshop for coaches and teachers where attendees get hands-on experience building and programming FIRST Tech Challenge Robots, including the new REV Robotics Expansion Hub controller and sensors.  Sessions are facilitated by Dr. Patrick Michaud, North Texas FTC Affiliate Partner and renowned FIRST coach with several world-ranked teams.

Workshops will consist of four half-day sessions on July 11 and 12.  Each session will cost $30 (thus $120 to attend all four sessions).  UTD will provide the robot materials, computers, and software to be used during the workshops.  (Lunch is not provided, but there are many on-campus options for lunch, and we have refrigerator/microwave for those who wish to bring lunch.)

Space is limited and registration is required — registrations will generally be taken on a first-come first-served basis.

July 11 (9a-12n): Intro to FTC and robot construction
– Introduction to FTC and season overview
– Basic components of the TETRIX robotics kit
– Key robot mechanical principles
– Hands-on build of a simple competition robot

July 11 (1p-4:30p): Beginning Programming for FTC
– Introduction to control system components (REV Robotics)
– Android Studio / FTC application environment
– Basic gamepad programming for navigation
– Arm and servo programming
– Touch sensors

July 12 (9a-12n): Intermediate programming and competition prep
– FTC competition: robot game, awards
– Engineering notebooks
– Other building systems, materials, and tools
– Autonomous mode programming
– Motor encoders

July 12 (1p-4:30p): Programming and building for success
– Basic game, robot design, and alliance strategies
– (Un)Successful robot designs and devices
– Principles of leverage, gears, center of gravity
– Color sensing
– Gyro/IMU sensors
– Driver automation

Registration is available via the UTD Marketplace at https://ezpay.utdallas.edu/C20239_ustores/web/classic/store_main.jsp?STOREID=135.  Again, space is limited and registration will be generally first-come first-served.

For more information regarding the workshops, please email <patrick.michaud@utdallas.edu>.  We look forward to seeing you at the workshops!

2018-04-30 0 Comments

UTD/BCS FLL Coaches Training Workshop

2018-07-16 @ 9:00am - 2018-07-17 @ 4:00pm, Bethesda Christian School

Presentation Slides:
Session 1 – Intro and Robot Build
Session 2 – Beginning Programming
Session 3a – Strategy, Chassis, Attachments
Session 3b / 4 – Intermediate Programming

A Fort-Worth sited version of UTD’s popular FIRST LEGO League Coaches Training Workshops!

This workshop is for coaches/mentors (adults) ONLY.
This workshop is at Bethesda Christian School in Fort Worth.
Cost:  $30/session, register at UTD Marketplace

UT-Dallas and Bethesda Christian School are offering our popular FLL Coaches Training Workshop in Fort Worth! Come brush up on your knowledge & skills during the summer break and hear proven tips for improving team performance. This is a “hands on” workshop where attendees get experience building and programming LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robots. Sessions are facilitated by Dr. Patrick Michaud, renowned FIRST coach with several world-ranked teams.

This workshop will be held at Bethesda Christian School in Fort Worth.  The workshop will consist of four half-day sessions on July 16-17; each session will cost $30 (thus $120 to attend all four sessions).  We will provide the robot materials, computers, and software to be used during the sessions.  We will also provide lunch for participants that are registered in both the morning and afternoon session for each day.

Space is limited and registration is required — registrations will generally be taken on a first-come first-served basis.

Specific session topics for the FLL workshops include:

July 16 (9a-12n): Intro to FLL and Robot Build
– Introduction to FLL and season overview
– LEGO Mindstorms components
– Basic robot building concepts
– Assemble and test prototype robot

July 16 (1p-4p): Beginning FLL Programming
– Introduce Mindstorms EV3 software
– Robot navigation concepts
– Sensors for detecting lines, borders, colors
– Creating “My Blocks”

July 17 (9a-12n): Chassis, Attachments, Programming
– Review common game challenges
– Intermediate robot building principles
– Techniques for more competitive robots
– Common attachment types and features
– Intermediate programming: My Blocks, loop and sensor blocks, gyro-based navigation

July 17 (1p-4p): Programming and Tournament Prep
– Programming: line following, testing
– Tournament overview
– Tips for improving success in Core Values, Project, and Robot Design judging

To sign up for these workshops, please visit the UTD FIRST Robotics storefront at https://ezpay.utdallas.edu/C20239_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=135, then select one of the available “FLL Coaches Training Workshops”.  Again, space is limited and registration will be generally first-come first-served.

For more information regarding the workshops, please email <patrick.michaud@utdallas.edu>.  We look forward to seeing you at the workshops!

2018-04-30 0 Comments

UTD FLL Coaches Training Workshop

2018-06-20 @ 9:00am - 2018-06-21 @ 4:00pm, University of Texas at Dallas / SEEC

Presentation Slides:
Session 1 – Intro and Robot Build
Session 2 – Beginning Programming
Session 3a – Strategy, Chassis, Attachments
Session 3b / 4 – Intermediate Programming

This workshop is for coaches/mentors (adults) ONLY.
Cost:  $30/session, register at UTD Marketplace.

Calling all FIRST LEGO League coaches, mentors, and educators! Come brush up on your knowledge & skills during the summer break and hear proven tips for improving team performance.

UT-Dallas is once again offering summer training workshops for coaches and teachers where attendees get hands-on experience building and programming LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robots.  Sessions are facilitated by Dr. Patrick Michaud, renowned FIRST coach with several world-ranked teams.

Workshops will consist of four half-day sessions on June 20-21; each session will cost $30 (thus $120 to attend all four sessions).  UTD will provide the robot materials, computers, and software to be used during the sessions.  (Lunch is not provided, but there are many on-campus options for lunch, and we have refrigerator/microwave for those who wish to bring lunch.)

Space is limited and registration is required — registrations will generally be taken on a first-come first-served basis.

Specific session topics for the FLL workshops include:

June 20 (9a-12n): Intro to FLL and Robot Build
– Introduction to FLL and season overview
– LEGO Mindstorms components
– Basic robot building concepts
– Assemble and test prototype robot

June 20 (1p-4p): Beginning FLL Programming
– Introduce Mindstorms EV3 software
– Robot navigation concepts
– Sensors for detecting lines, borders, colors
– Creating “My Blocks”

June 21 (9a-12n): Chassis, Attachments, Programming
– Review common game challenges
– Intermediate robot building principles
– Techniques for more competitive robots
– Common attachment types and features
– Intermediate programming: My Blocks, loop and sensor blocks, gyro-based navigation

June 21 (1p-4p): Programming and Tournament Prep
– Programming: line following, testing
– Tournament overview
– Tips for improving success in Core Values, Project, and Robot Design judging

To sign up for these workshops, please visit the UTD FIRST Robotics storefront at https://ezpay.utdallas.edu/C20239_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=135, then select one of the available “FLL Coaches Training Workshops”.  Again, space is limited and registration will be generally first-come first-served.

For more information regarding the workshops, please email <patrick.michaud@utdallas.edu>.  We look forward to seeing you at the workshops!

2018-04-30 0 Comments

BEST Robotics Teacher and Mentor Workshop (July 2018)

2018-07-23 @ 12:00pm - 2018-07-27 @ 1:00pm, University of Texas at Dallas / SEEC

  • WHAT’S INCLUDED: ​ Workshop tuition, lunches, snacks and drinks, and an evening mixer so you can get to know your fellow BEST coaches.​  Plus you get to play with a mini-BEST robot!
  • WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Teachers, coaches, and mentors of BEST Robotics teams​.  While geared towards new(er) BEST teachers, even veterans will gain tips and valuable experience.  You must be at least 18 years of age to attend this workshop.
  • WHEN: Choose your session — June 25-29 or July 23-27. Each workshop starts on Monday at lunch and runs through Friday at lunch, allowing travel time on Monday morning and Friday afternoon.  Workshop size limited to 26 participants per session.  We will maintain a waitlist in case a cancellation opens up a spot.
  • COST: Tuition $500 per person.

For more details and registration, see the Best of Texas Robotics site at https://www.bestoftexasrobotics.org/workshops.html .

2018-04-16 0 Comments

BEST Robotics Teacher and Mentor Workshop (June 2018)

2018-06-25 @ 12:00pm - 2018-06-29 @ 1:00pm, University of Texas at Dallas / SEEC

  • WHAT’S INCLUDED: ​ Workshop tuition, lunches, snacks and drinks, and an evening mixer so you can get to know your fellow BEST coaches.​  Plus you get to play with a mini-BEST robot!
  • WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Teachers, coaches, and mentors of BEST Robotics teams​.  While geared towards new(er) BEST teachers, even veterans will gain tips and valuable experience.  You must be at least 18 years of age to attend this workshop.
  • WHEN: Choose your session — June 25-29 or July 23-27. Each workshop starts on Monday at lunch and runs through Friday at lunch, allowing travel time on Monday morning and Friday afternoon.  Workshop size limited to 26 participants per session.  We will maintain a waitlist in case a cancellation opens up a spot.
  • COST: Tuition $500 per person.

For more details and registration, see the Best of Texas Robotics site at https://www.bestoftexasrobotics.org/workshops.html .

2018-04-16 0 Comments

Robotics in the Classroom

2018-04-07 @ 8:30am - 3:30pm, SMU Junkins Building

Robotics in the Classroom:

Michael Calahan is presenting. Michael is the CEO of Rocket Science. He is also the Head Judge for the FIRST LEGO League in the North Texas Region. He has been working with a number of robots in his programs and camps. He writes curriculum for robots in the classroom as well. He will be sharing his expertise on robotics curriculum and robots in competition. This workshop is primarily for upper elementary up to ninth grade teachers.

Where:

8:30 AM at SMU in room 101 in the Junkins Building, 6251 Airline Road. This is where all of the Saturday workshops will be in April and May. Here is the interactive map https://sites.smu.edu/apps/campus-map/ . It is cattycorner to the Caruth Building where we have met in the past.

Parking:

The best parking garages are Binkley and Moody. They are B and C on the map. Information on how to get to SMU can be found at https://www.smu.edu/AboutSMU/Maps/ or you can put the address into Google or other map program: 6251 Airline, Dallas, TX 75205

1. Find Binkley or Moody Garage
2. Find the faculty and student entrance. One will have a big ticket dispenser that you will have to pay and the other will have a small keypad. You want the Keypad lane.
3. Punch 32459 into the keypad and then hit #. These are really sensitive keypads. It is very easy to accidentally hit a number twice. You may have to try a couple times.
4. The gate should open. Find a spot on the first floor Visitor parking.

When:

Saturday April 7, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

What:

The morning session will be a presentation on using robots in the classroom and the afternoon session will be about competitions and coaching a robotics team.

Bring:

Coffee to drink in the morning and money for lunch. We are not allowed to provide food or drink according to the rules of the grant. (Very disappointing)

Laptops to take notes or see the software.

If you would like to attend please email me at Ksberry@smu.edu and I will send you more information!

See you soon!

Ken

Kenneth S. Berry , Ed.D.
Research Professor
Associate Director of STEM Programs
Caruth Institute for Engineering Education the SMU Lyle School of Engineering

2018-04-04 0 Comments

Robot Rumble 2

2018-05-19 @ 9:30am - 5:00pm, Splash Kingdom Wild West Waterpark

Event flyer (2018.05.08)

Update 2018.04.16:

Robot Rumble has its own YouTube channel with newly posted videos on the line follow race and sumo contest.  There is also a video on the battle bots course for this year.  Check them out for information on this year’s contest.  Either search channels for “Robot Rumble” or go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-tDGKhUO_HqDpWot4AouZw

There is still plenty of time to prepare and sign up for Robot Rumble 2.  Enter as many contests as you want, plus enjoy games and waterpark attractions for one price that includes meal.   Full details can be found at:  http://wildwestrobotrumble2.eventzilla.net/

 

Robot Rumble 2 at Splash Kingdom Wild West is set and ready to go for Saturday, May 19. Contest includes sumo wrestling (always an exciting event), line follow races (a great way to teach light sensor programming for FLL), and the new super crazy battle bots for Lego (we promise not to destroy your expensive robots). Admission to the event includes entry into as many of the contests as you want, lunch, and entry to the waterpark to splash away after the contest concludes. We are looking to have some other games and prizes going as well. This is a great event to end the season, have kids practice some programming for next year, build some exciting attachments and bots, and just have a blast after a long year/season. Last year we had over a hundred come watch and participate. We hope to see more join us for this crazy fun event. Full details can be found at: http://wildwestrobotrumble2.eventzilla.net/

Contest rules

Sign up instructions and costs are also listed on the site.  I know Saturdays are busy at the end of the year, but I hope many of you can make it. Please email me directly at myoung@grandsalineisd.net or nasarocket5@yahoo.com for any questions. Thanks.

Michael Young
Grand Saline Middle School
6th grade Science
Middle School Robotics
High School Robotics
UIL Director
Football/Track Concession stand manager
Coach of FLL Teams:
19367 Tie-Dye Monkeys, 19368 Nimrod Squad, 19369 When Pigs Fly, 23224 Loose Screws, 23354 Bird Brains,and 23590 Space Unicorns
Coach of FTC Teams: 12688 Bass Noise, 12690 Lost Cause

2018-03-23 0 Comments

2018 TAPPS Robotics State Championship

2018-05-12 @ 8:00am - 5:00pm, Waco Convention Center

The TAPPS Robotics State Championship- FIRST Tech Challenge will be held May 12, 2018 at the Waco Convention Center.
Any TAPPS – FIRST® Tech Challenge teams are eligible to compete.

The TAPPS Robotics season will run in conjunction with the normal FIRST® season and shall correspond with all dates, official events, and guidelines outlined by FIRST® Tech Challenge.
Teams will participate in the 2017-2018 FIRST® Tech Challenge Game FIRST® RELIC RECOVERY.

For more information, see https://tapps.biz/robotics/ .

 

2018-03-14 0 Comments

2018 UIL State Robotics Championship (FTC)

2018-05-17 @ 8:00am - 2018-05-19 @ 5:00pm, Austin Convention Center

The UIL Robotics State Championship – FIRST Division for FIRST Tech Challenge will be held on Friday, May 18th and Saturday, May 19th (See Schedule page) at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX. Up to 64 UIL eligible FIRST Tech Challenge teams (32 from 1A to 4A schools and 32 from 5A and 6A schools) will qualify based on their performance at their FIRST Texas Regional Championship tournaments (See Qualification page) and compete in two separate tiers.

For more information, including scheduling, see http://firstintexas.org/uil/state-championship/.

 

2018-03-14 0 Comments