topic Re: If Only Snooki Had Learned to Use Power Tools in PTC Education Forum

If Only Snooki Had Learned to Use Power Tools

NancyPardo — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:32:11 GMT

In today’s celebrity culture it’s easy to appreciate why the average teenager might believe their only options in life are MTV or the NBA. Introducing children to new experiences and perspectives can redefine how they perceive themselves and their role within society.FIRST Robotics

Re: If Only Snooki Had Learned to Use Power Tools

JoshH — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:58:14 GMT

Fantastic article Nancy!

I love the guy's comment about "algebra, trig and science"! We're actually getting our 6th team started here in Central California and it is going to be based on an integrated curriculum that trains instead of teaches (referring to "The New Cool...").

I also like that the cute little blonde girl talks about she likes the CNC machining! This program is awesome for breaking down barriers and stereotypes!

Re: If Only Snooki Had Learned to Use Power Tools

NancyPardo — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:27:42 GMT

Hey Josh, good to hear from you. How are the teams doing in Central California? I think I'll be covering the St. Louis finals at the end of next month. I had a blast at the WA playoffs - lots of inspirational characters. Deliberately focused the story around the young ladies who seemed to be running the show on many of the teams. Awesome!

Re: If Only Snooki Had Learned to Use Power Tools

JoshH — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 22:08:03 GMT

Team 1671 built their best robot yet and finished qualifying rounds ranked #5. They fought all the way to the second round of preliminaries with a burned out motor, but just couldn't defeat the eventual winners. They won the Autodesk engineering design award as well as the Animation award.

Team 3296 is another that I mentored. They had a rough time with getting the robot built and barely managed to get there. They ran well in the matches and stayed in the top 20 most of the time.

We'll be getting together up to 6 teams for Pro/E training and using Windchill to collaborate. The notion of "coopertition" is alive and well in Central California!

The next frontier for Team 1671 is utilizing Mathcad to build equations specific to robotics so that we can do quick analysis on gear ratios and motor sizing so we don't get any more burned out motors

Re: If Only Snooki Had Learned to Use Power Tools

NancyPardo — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 22:38:49 GMT

Wow! Well done Central California! Sounds like you have your hands full. Keep up the good work.

Re: If Only Snooki Had Learned to Use Power Tools

rnislick — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 23:15:07 GMT

Great story

Re: If Only Snooki Had Learned to Use Power Tools

rsaitz — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 23:27:50 GMT

Congratulations, josh, on a great season for your teams! I admire your commitment and passion.

Re: If Only Snooki Had Learned to Use Power Tools

TimMcLellan — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:00:34 GMT

What great stories. To see the excitment in the Kids is wonderful.

Re: If Only Snooki Had Learned to Use Power Tools

AdamHaas — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:11:42 GMT

Tim,

That is why you need to be a mentor on a team next year! You would be so good at it