Robots invade Tehachapi
Robots invade Tehachapi
By: Carrine Greason, Contributing writer
Topics: JMS, Jacobsen, Students, school, lego, robotics
Anonymous user Thu Oct 4, 2007 12:55:45 PDT
Viewed 607 times
0 responses 0 comments Location: Tehachapi, CA 93561
Kids love robots. This year more students than ever are learning about them at Jacobsen Middle School.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) seeks to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology through teamwork and problem solving. This year’s “Power Puzzle” Challenge calls for the middle school teams to use robotics and research skills to understand and create solutions for one of today’s most critical environmental issues: energy management and conservation.
With missions exploring solar panels on houses, hydro-dams, wind turbines and planting trees, teams will have to program their robots to find sustainable options to meet our planet’s growing energy needs in environmentally sound ways. In their research project, they will learn about how these and other energy options can be applied in their own community.
Jacobsen Middle School’s FIRST Lego League robotics program has expanded four-fold since last year – with the school hosting four volunteer-led after school teams this fall. As a result, the students, coaches and JMS teacher Janice Tietz have scrambled for the additional funds needed to support the growing program – including laptop computers, next-generation NXT Lego robotic kits, tournament registrations, and team shirts.
Several area groups and businesses helped fund this robotic expansion. The Jacobsen Parent Teacher Organization jumpstarted the JMS teams with a generous $1,000 from the proceeds of last year’s Bulldog Discount Card fundraiser.
In addition, the new Sail Thru Car Wash on Tucker Road donated $750 of their September 17 revenues after students and parents encouraged friends, family, and passersby to get their cars washed that day.
Other corporate contributors include American Carriage, Chemtool, Kieffe & Sons Ford, Lehigh Cement and XCOR Aerospace. The group also received contributions from parents and other individuals.
Our windy city is a great place to explore environmentally-friendly energy production. The JMS FLL teams are looking for local speakers on alternative energy topics. They’d also appreciate donated laptop computers, as well as additional funds for travel to a regional championship tournament. If you can help, please email bulldog@greason.com or call Jacobsen Middle School at 822-2150.
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