Alma Heights Christian Academy

Lego Robotics and First Tech Challenge

AHCA Robotics News:

The first robotics meeting for the 2007-08 school year will be September 5th, 2007 @ 2:45PM in the Robotics Room next to the Music Room in the Gym building.

What is it, and how do I get involved?

Lego and First Tech Challenge were started by Dean Kamen; innovator of Segways, stent for arteries, and mobile infusion systems, to name a few of his accomplishments. He started the Lego and Vex programs as well as the FIRST robotics program to get 7th graders through High School students excited about science and technology. In the first year of the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) program there were less than 1000 students participating, last year there were 70,000 students from all over the world participating. The great thing about these programs is that they cover not only robotics but all fields of study including Biology, electronics, computers, design, engineering, mathematics, English, and for fun, cheerleading. Another great thing about these programs are the stories: like the boy that did not want to do anything, did not want to get involved, did not want to go to college and then was introduced to the FIRST program, which he excelled at. When he graduated from High school he went to college and graduated as an engineer in robotics. He now holds a position at a high tech robotics company.

At Alma Heights we have participated in the Lego Robotics program for the past three years. The first year we came in 4th at the regional event and then went to the State finals. Quite an accomplishment for the first year! The Lego robotics uses Lego pieces and a programmable controller RCX or "brick" to run the robot. Every year there is a different challenge to over come.

Last year the Alma Heights Robotics team won the Northern California VEX Competion and was the first team from Alma Heights to go to a World Championship.

This year we are starting the new program, First Tech Challenge. First Tech Challenge is a mid-level robotics program between the Lego and the FIRST (the big robots) programs. The robots are radio controlled as well as computer controlled robots. Four robots at a time do a timed challenge in an arena 10 feet x 13 feet. The challenge has not yet been announced, but you can get more information at www.usfirst.org/ about previous challenges.

What we need at Alma Heights is student participation, male or female, and adult volunteers. Knowledge of robotics is not necessary; mentoring is the key.

The Vex program has about six or seven students committed to the program, but more are welcome. The Lego program needs new students as the old ones have moved onto the VEX program. The Robotics clubs will meet two to three times a week after school for 1 ½ to 2 hours and every day just before the tournament. Students do not have to come every day, but they are encouraged to do so as this is a "team". The VEX program is new so a lot of preparation and learning will be required by all students and volunteers.

The Alma Heights First Tech Challenge program has been blessed by a $3000 donation by three individuals. Some of this money has been used to buy and construct an arena which is in the robotics lab in the Gym building. 

If you or your children are interested or just curious about these programs then come on by during the "Back to School" nights to see for yourself or ask questions.

If you would like to participate or volunteer contact: 

• Craig Knight (415) 334-5097 karousel@pacbell.net
• Blake Anderberg (650) 738-8702 iteechyu@yahoo.com