Posted in: SERVO Blog (03/09 at 03:02 PM)
Robotics Championship of the Americas
Omaha) Teams from North and South America have been invited to meet in robot-to-robot competition March 19 – March 20th at Omaha’s Salvation Army Kroc Center for the second annual Robotics Championship of the Americas.
Approximately 100 teams are expected to compete in divisions for 4th & 5th grades, middle schools and high schools. Each team brings a robot that they have created for the games. The teams are paired in alliances that test not only their technical skills and understanding of technology, but also the ability to collaborate. There will be an opening ceremony Friday morning followed by the qualifying rounds. On Saturday, the competition continues with exciting playoffs culminating in the final head-to-head competition deciding the tournament champion in each division. The event closes with an awards ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of these young innovators, followed by a team celebration..
For a complete schedule of events visit the Robotics Championship of the Americas event page at: [url=http://www.create-found.org/RoboticChampionship.php]http://www.create-found.org/RoboticChampionship.php[/url]
The CREATE Foundation, an Omaha based non-profit organization dedicated to advancing and enhancing science, technology, engineering and math education, sponsors the games. The CREATE Foundation was formed from a group that started in 2002. Founded with the belief that compelling and engaging technology education for our youth is critical to our future. The Foundation supports robotic competitions that offer a unique, fun and challenging year-round activity. Borrowing a page from sporting events, these head-to-head competitions stretch not only the students’ knowledge of technology but also stretches their teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
Jim Schulte, CREATE Foundation’s founder and president said, “This is an exciting time for technology education in Nebraska. Four years ago there were no robotics teams in the state. This year we have nearly 100 teams in the state and are home to one of the largest middle and high school robotics tournaments in the world. It is a great testimony to the vision and support of our educational and business community as well as to Omaha’s great volunteer spirit.”
Many area high schools and middle schools are eligible to compete. Area high schools with returning teams are: Omaha North Magnet, Omaha South Magnet, Benson Magnet, Omaha Bryan, Burke, Omaha Northwest, Brownell Talbot, Mercy High School, Crete High School, Grand Island Public, Papillion LaVista High School, Papillion LaVista South High School and Mount Michael Benedictine. Schools with teams new to the competition this year include Gross High School, Lexington, McCook, Elm Creek and Columbus Lakeview. There is also a team made up of Millard North/Millard South students that competes as a club team sponsored by Mount Michael, a home schooled team and a team from the Omaha Home for Boys. Area middle schools with teams are: Beveridge Magnet, Bryan Middle, Alice Buffett Magnet, Nathan Hale, King Science Magnet, Mary Our Queen, McMillan Magnet, Monroe Middle, Morton Magnet, Norris Middle, Marrs, Lewis and Clark, St Mary’s of Bellevue, St. Patricks of Elkhorn and St. Cecelia.
In addition to the Robotics Championship of the Americas the CREATE Foundation also works with local universities, colleges and schools to put on workshops for teachers, as well as scrimmages and exhibitions for teams. CREATE has partnered with Benson High School, Papillion La Vista, St Cecilia and Mount Michael Benedictine to host a number of regional competitions this year.
All competitions are open to the public and admission is free. To find out about volunteer and sponsorship opportunities or to get more information about CREATE please visit [url=http://www.create-found.org]http://www.create-found.org[/url].