4Real Forums: robotics

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Exploring God's Creation in Nature and Science
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Topic: robotics

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Anne McD
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Joined: Dec 21 2006
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Posted: July 02 2010 at 7:31am \| IP Logged

I have a "where do I go from here?" question.

My ds(almost)9 is currently fascinated with robots/robotics. We've taken all sorts of books out of the library on robotics, and he's pining for a Lego NXT that he tinkers with at a friend's house. We have a little problem with the idea of purchashing something for over $200 for a child who continually loses the parts to things

.

Is anyone else exploring the world of robotics with thier children right now who could offer me some direction? Maybe another robotic set that is great to put together and work with that doesn't cost as much (we do have a bday coming in Sept!), or ideas on classes or field trips that would interest him. He mentioned a few weeks ago that he wants to be a robotics engineer for the military! Somehow, I think this would suit him perfectly!

TIA!!

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Anne
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Theresa H
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Posted: July 02 2010 at 8:35am \| IP Logged

Hi Anne,

I have gotten my boys involved with FLL (FIRST Lego League)Robotics for ages 9 to 14 (younger ages can also participate). FLL uses the NXT programming. This webpage will allow you to look up FLL and your state to find out who to contact for more information.
FIRST Lego League

I started a 4-H Robotics team and was able to receive several grants to pay for the registration and robot equipment. Let me know if you need more information, you're welcome to pm me if you like.

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cvbmom
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Posted: July 02 2010 at 8:38am \| IP Logged

My son is very similar. We ended up buying the NXT, which he LOVES and does take care of (or it disappears for a week or so). We also found a local Lego League...maybe you could find one in your area? It is robotics with the NXT, but you don't need to own one yourself.

God bless,
Christine

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imcatholic
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Posted: July 02 2010 at 12:50pm \| IP Logged

My 10 yo took to robotics from early on - we are at the same place - he traded a week at space camp(day camp) for his robotics set. Make sure he has a good case with compartments to sort and pick it up. He started using his flip video to make videos of his robots
here's another I wasn't going to buy him one because I do think it's to expensive.

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Beth
http://novoasark.blogspot.com

imcatholic
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Posted: July 02 2010 at 12:51pm \| IP Logged

Theresa H wrote:

I started a 4-H Robotics team and was able to receive several grants to pay for the registration and robot equipment. Let me know if you need more information, you're welcome to pm me if you like.

I would like this information - I was thinking of trying to start a team.

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Theresa H
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Posted: July 02 2010 at 2:36pm \| IP Logged

For basic information about FLL (9-14 year olds) go here: FLL Information You will find just about everything you need to know here.

Registration is open right now with the theme being "Body Forward". The kids will research bioengineering & technology. The FLL Season opens for this age in early September (you may receive your mat a little earlier) and ends in Nov/Dec depending on how your area does their Championship competition.

If starting a 4-H team (3-10 kids), I would start with your county agent. He/She may be able to receive scholarship/grant money from the State 4-H. Also, National 4-H is really pushing Science & Technology and may have some grants to apply for as well.

The cost is probably the biggest obstacle. Registration fees are about $210 and a mat and parts for the missions are about $70. Then you will need a robot Kit (close to $400) and computer to run the program. Competition table is nice, but not necessary since the mat can be placed on the floor. A surprise for us last year was that the national registration fee did not cover the Regional registration fee which was $75. We were lucky that the FLL regional organizational team found a sponsor for all the teams competing and this cost was paid for by the sponsor.

At our state competition we had teams made up of 4-Hers, girl scouts, boy scouts, school teams, and homeschoolers. So, really anyone can participate if you have the money/grants to purchase equipment.

I have our team meet once a week (3 hours) starting in mid-August and continue through the Championship in December. We then met once a month January through May and are taking June/July off.

Let me know if you need more information

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