Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

We are pleased to announce that Team 341 has been invited to hold a robot demonstration and sharing session at the Singapore Science Center on August 18th. The team will speak to an international audience of students, teachers, community members, government officials, and business leaders about the FIRST Robotics Program , as well as the growing relationship between Team 341 and the schools of Singapore.
While in Singapore, the students on the team will also attend classes, visit homes and sample life in Singapore. Our exchange team will include 7 students, 1 college mentor, 1 high school principal and 3 coaches from both Wissahickon High School and the North Montco Technical Career Center. The team will also ship their 2006 FRC robot, "Miss Daisy", for technical sharing and demonstrations.
The team is very excited about this opportunity to exchange ideas with our partner teams and introduce new students around the world to the FIRST Robotics experience.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions about this mission.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

WOW...good luck and have fun :)

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Thanks for the kind words and to everyone else that sent PMs to wish us well.

I guess I'll use this thread to keep everyone posted on our progress, since I will be able to access the site while in Singapore.

Good luck with those Summer projects!

Al

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Wow, are you doing an FRC demo or an FVC demo? I imagine international shipping costs would be wicked high to ship a full size robot halfway around the world!

Good luck, and help FIRST spread!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Congratulations on this outstanding opportunity. Please plan on representing FIRST in the best possible light, especially in your behavior outside the organized presentations - talk up FIRST. Oh, and have fun, you will literally never forget this trip.

The plane ride's wicked long, bring something to do for, uh, 12 or more hours.

Don

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Good Luck and Have Fun Team 341.

Hey Al, can you give us a day to day or every other day recap of activities you guys are doing.

I can't wait to hear what you guys are doing.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Greg, Don & Freddy:
We are doing an FRC demo with our 2006 Miss Daisy, while our Singapore partners FVC 46 will discuss FIRST VEX. Although the costs are scaring us a little bit, we just didn't feel right doing the presentation with just a video.
We also wanted to show our commitment to our partners, since they have been to the USA 3 times for competition and we had only sent one student, one time to Singapore to get things started.
We tried to get fully donated shipping but in the end we received a deep discount from DHL (Thank You!!) and we are also saving money by shipping a half size crate. This means we have to remove the 360 turret and then reassemble it in Singapore. Hey it wouldn't be a robotics trip without a little pit crew action, right?
As far as behavior goes.... We are going to have a long, long, long talk before we leave for this one. Not only are we representing FIRST but also our schools, our nation, etc. We also have a lot to research in terms of social decorum, especially since we will be doing home stays and attending classes at three different schools.
I will try my best to update this thread daily, starting August 16th. I will be staying at a place with INTERNET access so that should not be a problem.
Hopefully this will generate some interest among other FRC teams because if this exchange starts to grow, we won't be able to handle this alone.

Thanks again for your interest and we will keep you posted.

Al Ostrow

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

So I am extremely jealous right now. Talk about a great opportunity just culturally for your students, and to top it off they get to talk about FIRST while there. Congratulations Miss Daisy on this wonderful opportunity. I know you have been working heavily with at least one Singapore Vex team. Please keep us all informed and keep up the good work.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

One of the most exciting things for me personally is that my 11 yr. old daughter and 13 yr. old son will attend classes for 5 days there. They are so excited that they can hardly take it.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

It would be nice to follow the time leading up to your departure as well, such as the research the team is doing regarding the social decorum. Hope everyone will keep journals.
Congratulations, you put the 'I' in team effort, 'I' for Inspiration.
Jane

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

I think journaling is an excellent idea. I had my own little ones do journals for several summers. The goal was to improve their writing, but we ended up with a special book, that everyone in the family treasures.
I have done some research on cultural considerations, but need to learn so much more. One parent on our team has been in close correspondence with one of the Singapore families since their visit to our school last January. The family sent her a book on Singaporean etiquette, which she is going to share with the team.
I'll take your suggestion use this thread to track our progress prior to leaving as well.

Thanks so much for your interest!

Al

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

this site might help for Singaporean etiquette
http://www.a-zofetiquette.com/Singaporeetiquette765.htm

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Vince:

Thanks for the site link. It looks like good stuff. I will pass this along to the team.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Wow,
What a great opportunity. I hope you guys have a great time. Take lot's of pictures and let us know how everything went. I wish I were going!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

The website for the Airport
BBC News Country profile
Official website for tourist information
Lonely Planet Destination Guide

Oh yes, please tell all members to ensure that they have the original prescriptions for medications, if any. Drug trafficking carries the death penalty.

Embarkation/disembarkation form picture

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Thanks for these links as well. And yes I did know about the prescription issue. I informed the team to document all medications and to leave any OTC medicines at home. They can always buy OTC medicines in Singapore. There is clearly alot to learn in a short time.

We also learned that we have to make a new robot crate to meet International shipping standards. For anyone that does not know, your wood crate must have either ISPM 15, heat treated and fumigated wood or proof that it is certified free of wood boring pests. Apparently our current crate would have made it into Singapore and then would have not been allowed to return to the USA.

I think this information was in the 2006 FIRST manual but I did not read it because it did not apply to our team this year.

Thanks again for all of the support and advice!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

ah how I wish I could go Mr.O , how I wish I could go. But i am sure I will hear about it everyday for the rest of my high school career

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

We are now 2 weeks away from our departure date of 8/14/06. :ahh:
Our robot Miss Daisy leaves for Singapore on 8/1/06 via DHL.

I promised to update everyone about both our journey and our progress leading up to the trip. We are planning to use this thread as an online journal for our trip.
Hopefully more members of our travel team will relate their experiences here in the coming days. Here is a short description of happenings. Hopefully some of this will help other teams that try to do this in the future.

Parent Travel Meeting Topics
If you plan to do this here are some things we discussed:
*Goals and purpose of our mission
*Agenda of Activities
*Preparation and shipping of our FRC machine
*Travel Logisitics
*Proper travel documentation
*Immunizations
*Transport and documentation of Medicines
*Medical Insurance
*Customs, laws, and etiquette of our hosts
*History of the nation
*Appropriate attire
*Issues related to homestays
*General Behavioral Expectations
*Travel fatigue
*Appropriate thank you gifts for our hosts
*Amount and forms of money to carry
*Communications with home, both regular and emergency

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

:yikes: Wow! Congrats! That's awesome. Your robot was amazing. Your team was one of our neighbors at the Championship event :)

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Thanks for your kind words!

I just checked the DHL tracking.

Miss Daisy is sitting at the Airport in Seoul, South Korea, waiting for her flight to Singapore. We'll be joining her in a little over one week.
Can't Wait!!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Miss Daisy has made her way safely from Korea to Singapore. She landed about 3 hours ago. The crate probably won't be delivered to the Millennia Institute for a few days due to customs inspections and the Singapore National Day celebration.

But she will be there waiting for us. Just thought you might like to know.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Hi Al:
Is the team planning any meetings this week or are you guys good to go, just packing and hanging out?

It's a relief to know Miss Daisy is there and will be waiting for you.
Jane

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

We had a big meeting about two weeks ago which covered all of the major points mention previously. Honestly, we are doing so much to get ready that we don't have time for another meeting. Our presentation at the Science Center has turned into a 2.5 hour seminar. :ahh:

Also we figure that we can catch up on things while we travel together for 24 continuous hours. (ouch!)

Talk to you soon.

Al

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

There will be an article about Team 341's upcoming trip to Singapore in tomorrow's Philadelphia Inquirer.(Thursday 8/10/06) The Inquirer will also publish an online article with pictures and audio attachments.

As we prepare to leave for Singapore, the Philadelphia Inquirer is also setting up a Blog site to be used as an online trip journal, so that the kids and coaches can relay thier thoughts about the trip as they occur.

( We will still post on Delphi as well)

We will forward link information for the online article and Blog site when we recieve it.

So please check out the article and online content on Thursday.

Thank you as always for your support. It means so much to our team!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

What an awesome opportunity, please make sure you keep us all in the loop.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Hi all, looking forward to meeting you guys on the 18th :)
I'm from Singapore and only took part in FRS(Singapore) for 3 years starting in 2004.
Not sure when are you guys touching down here, but wish you guys a safe trip ahead!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

James:
FRS looks like a great competition. I would love to learn more about it.

We are leaving the US on the 14th and will be doing a variety of activities at each of our partner schools, Millennia Institute, Temasek Secondary, and CHIJ Secondary. We will also be touring your amazing country and meeting with business and community leaders.

Please introduce yourself to the group during our presentation at the Singapore Science Center. We would enjoy speaking with you.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

The article was delayed one day and should be out on Friday.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

The article was held, because world events required more paper space.

Anyway, according to the Editor of the Inquirer, the story will run on Monday. He also said that, "..... Monday is the day that most Robots read the newspaper anyway." (very funny) :D

Hopefully those going to Singapore can read the article on the way to JFK airport.

Talk to you soon.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

With all of the crazy events going on in the world we have been advised to leave early, early, early for our flight.
On strong recommendations from our airline and bus company, we are going to leave at 3:00 PM for our 11 PM flight. :ahh:

We just added another 3 hours onto our 24 hour journey! Then after 27 hours of travel we get to unpack our robot and chill for a few hours. Right the next morning we start the first of 6 presentations we will do while in Singapore.

We are doing 3 at area high schools, the big one at the Science Center and then one for the US Embassy and finally one more for the US Chamber of Commerce of Singapore.

Should be fun!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Al:
Are you expecting any 'delays' in the Singapore airport when you land as well?
Jane

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

You have probably reviewed the local laws with your students, but you should definitely keep on reminding them as the laws in Singapore are some of the strictest in the world. Their culture is very different, and some things that would seem OK in the US can be considered crimes in Singapore.

No littering. No chewing or possession of gum is allowed, no smoking in any public areas, and definitely no drug consuming or dealing (these offenses can result in big fines and imprisonment). Tell your students not to bring any knives/weapons in their luggage as it is illegal to bring any weapons into the country without permission.

some information about local laws in Singapore:

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-c...ore#Local_Laws

http://www.expatsingapore.com/general/law.htm

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

the whole gum issue was blown out of propotion.

The sale, import, or distribution of gum was banned, and that announcement came on the day a US president visited Singapore, so all the world media scurried to report that.

However, to bring a "reasonable amount for personal consumption" from other countries has always been allowed.

Since the US FTA, gum with therapeutic value has been allowed, ie nicotine gum (by prescription) or "gum that is intended for use in promoting dental health or oral hygiene"

Singapore statutes online
Medicines Act (Cap. 176)

Online Diary for the Philadelphia Inquirer
 

If you are interested, we will be doing an online diary for the Philadelphia Inquirer about our journey.

I put up an introductory post. I am sure the kids will have much more interesting things to say later. We will arrive in Singapore Tuesday around 11PM US time, so there won't be too many posts to start.

You can check out the diary here:

http://tripsing.blogspot.com/

Thanks to everyone that wished us luck.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

While 341 travels for more than a day, the Philadelphia Inquirer has published the article and supporting media about the trip:
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/l...n/15267600.htm
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/15226311.htm

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Awesome coverage! The article does a great job of explaining the trip, FIRST, the team, everything! (Did Singapore SMART win the FVC Pilot in 2005? I know they're the reigning world champions, saw it with my own two eyes, but I can't seem to find any information whatsoever about the pilot.)

I just hope the robot crate clears customs soon! :ahh:

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

What a great opportunity for all involved. Have fun, safe travels and bring back lots of memories!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

SMART won either the vex think award or the create award in the pilot. I forget which one it was though.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Well the Singapore group has been gone now for about a day and I must say that I feel a certain abscense in the Blue Bell/Ambler area. I can't wait to hear the first words from them from abroad and hope that everything lands safely. I especially hope that Miss Daisy V is cleared by customs and reunited with us!

For those of you in Singapore:
How was the trip/flight?
What did you do to amuse yourself on the plane?
Did you meet any interesting characters on your international flight?
How were the cities that you stopped in (I believe Vancouver and Hong Kong)?
How tired are you right now? :D

Well I hope all is well my fellow teammates and I hope you post here soon!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

another question:

what is your first demo? and how much time do you have till then to rest/get settle, and of course, put Miss Daisy back together?

enjoy the trip and make the best of it!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Hey everyone!

My name's Kate... I'm one of the students here in Singapore and I'm here to post about our stay so far.

So first of all, Singapore is BEAUTIFUL. Apparently it only takes 2 hours to get from one side of the country to the other, so they really use their space wisely. Our team is staying in Sentosa Island in a resort right next to the famous Merlion statue (it's huge!). Last night, our first night here, we met up with several students from the Vex team here to have dinner at the Harbour Front Mall. The food court's choices of food were like nothing I've ever heard of before, so you'd imagine that it was a tough decision on what to try. They taught me how to properly eat with chopsticks (although they use forks and spoons as much as chopsticks) and I even tried fried anchovies. We then were showed how their public transportation system works. It is SO much easier and efficient than in the states. Their cars all seem to be very nice and new... the technology level and architecture that I've seen so far has just been outstanding.

Today we're visiting with the students at the Millennia Institute, a secondary school for kids from 17-19 years old (kinda like a high school). They have palm trees and flowers located all over the campus... did I mention that the entire place seems like you're outdoors? It's very different than what I'm used to. Later tonight we'll be going to a steamboat dinner. I was told that we'll pick the food that we want to eat and then we get to cook it ourselves! That should be fun.

In general, I'm just loving the experience here so far. I get to learn all about their culture and make all kinds of new friends andseeing ones that I met when they came to nationals in Atlanta for Vex in the past two years and for the Vex regional in Delaware last January. It's definitely a trip that I won't forget in this lifetime.

Any questions? :D

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Hey everybody!

We're finally to S'pore (Singapore)!! After 36 hours of flight we are so glad to be back on solid ground (especially such beautiful solid ground!) Though we're exhausted we can't help but be excited about all that we are already doing. Right now I'm writing from a computer lab at the Millennia Institue, a junior college were we are shadowing students ages 17-19. The school and its kids are awesome! They are very welcoming and really know how to treat a guest (we had catered lunch). Later tonight they are treating us to dinner on a steamboat, and tomorrow we will again shadow them. Hopefully we will be able to get some pics up soon to let you see exactly what we're seeing.
Will post again soon!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Mr. Ostrow posted more details about the trip so far on the Philly Inquirer Blog at http://tripsing.blogspot.com

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

I love the quote about the students from both countries sitting together and how special the week will be. YaY
Jane

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

We had such a crazy, busy day that I hope I can remember everything we did. First of all, the thing I remember most about today is the warmth of the people of Singapore. Thier sincere hospitality is one of the reasons we felt so confident about making this trip. Even if you have just met someone from Singapore, it feels like you are visiting with old friends.

I will try my best to convey what we did today and how it felt.

We woke up at 5:45 AM on Thursday morning and traveled to the Millenia Institute.

We started our day in the school Quadrangle for the opening of school. In Singapore all 1000 students start thier day by meeting in the Quadrangle to sing the national anthem and school song. It was a moving experience to see all of these exuberant kids singing together with such emotion in thier voices.

The campus itself is open and airy. The grounds are filled with flowers and so is Singapore for that matter. There is also the occasional coconut tree. We often had to step around fallen coconuts on our way to class.

At the end of the opening ceremony the principal introduced our team to the school and we exchanged gifts. After this our students and teachers learned about the Millennia Institute and and went on a tour of the school. It was during our tour of the P.E. facilities that one of our great moments of the day occurred. We stepped into a group dance class, expecting to sit in the back and watch. But when the Millennia students saw us, the whole gym erupted into applause and cheering. They invited our students to join the class and they danced together for quite some time. The sight of our kids dancing on the stage with the students and instructor was something I won't forget. People from Singapore do not let you sit on the sidelines!

After the tour, our students went to different classes and the teachers met with representatives of the three Singapore Schools (Millennia Institute, Temasek Secondary and CHIJ Secondary) to map out a plan for our future exchanges. We also spent sometime working on "Miss Daisy" to get her ready for a full schedule of presentations.

Later, we all met for lunch and conversation in a conference room with our hosts and then attended a few more classes.
Then at 4:00 PM we went across the city to meet with a director of the US-ASEAN Business Council. (no that is not a misspelling, ASEAN is an Acronym). We are visiting with local business leaders in an effort to attract support for our program. We are particularly hoping that US companies that do business in Singapore will see the common interest and help fund future exchanges. I was feeling strangely tongue-tied today but the students picked up the slack and made an incredible presentation to the director. I was very proud.

After this presentation went to an awesome outdoor restaurant where you select your own dishes and cook then at your own table. The food and night air were both fabulous. After dinner we all went bowling and talked about our cultures in between the strikes, spares and gutter balls. It was a blast.

Finally, when hardly anyone could stand, we decided to return to our hotel for some much needed rest.

On Friday we have a robot demonstration for the students of MI and then the big presentation at the Singapore Science Center. I hope to write more details later.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Congrats! good luck, and have lots of fun!

make sure to take a lot of pictures so everyone on CD can see what you guys did!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

hey guys, hope everyone is having a blast over there! here's a few questions for ya: how different are classes over there than here? is the robot back together and working good now?

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Hello all,

Jared here (college mentor), it's day 3 here (Friday or Thursday, depending on which side of the international date line you are sitting at the moment), and I've finally been able to get online after a busy day and a half.

The flight was not NEARLY as bad as I thought it could have been. Even though I didn't sleep much, I didn't feel dead when we landed in Hong Kong and Singapore, and in fact I think the thought of getting off the plane gave me energy anew.

After seeing the US, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore in one 36 hour span, I have a newfound outlook on the world in some ways. Looking out into vast expanses of wilderness, or into giant cities on the other side of the earth, you realize how much there really is to this planet. But at the same time, you realize that you've just travelled about as far as you possibly can around the globe without starting to wrap back around in only a day and a half - having now been directly across the world, I only now get the realization that it is finite. What looked so big on paper as a little child is in fact a mere plane ride away.

The first thing I noticed after landing was that all of the horror stories regarding Singapore's laws and customs are greatly exaggerated. It was really no different than going back into the USA. We then checked into the Sijori Resort, a GORGEOUS hotel that used to be the British army headquarters on Sentosa Island. Everywhere you look you see palm trees, beaches, pristine buildings - this place is beautiful.

The rest of Wednesday was a bit of a jet-lagged blur. We walked around Sentosa for a bit, and saw some attractions we hope to do justice to in the coming days. Some of us napped. After dinner, I was about the most tired I have ever been in my life.

Thursday we went to the Millenia Institute, and I have to say that a school that was described to us as "run down" by Singapore standards is absolutely breathtaking. Much of the school is open - the cafeteria has no walls, for example. The reaction of the student body has been nothing short of jawdropping - we get applause wherever we go. This morning we went back and demonstrated Miss Daisy in front of 900 students, amidst laughter and no shortage of "oohs" and "ahhs". To be so appreciated 15,000 miles from home? Amazing.

Last night we had Singaporean "fondue", where you pick out raw meat and cook it over open flames. Then we walked through the town, and went bowling with our friends from SMART (the Singaporean robotics team). And when I say friends, I mean it - the interaction between our students and their peers from another hemisphere is as strong as anything you see in the halls of a high school.

Well, it's back to work now - time to do some more demonstrations, see the countryside, and hang out with our buddies. I'll try to update daily now that I've figured out how to get online.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

I'm so glad you are all having such a great time. Its wonderful to read about all your experiences....please keep it up. I keep holding this as a carrot to our team......see....maybe someday WE can do this....

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Hi, glad that everyone is having a great time here! :cool:

I'm pretty enthralled being able to see such a large sized bot live in action and I kinda appreciate the level of complexity it portrays, such as the use of pneumatics, gearshifting, closed loop feedback with encoders and especially the high velocity wheel. Looking at our own FRS competition for the past 3 years I've seen little variance in drive systems (most of the time its the standard 4WD) and other components used.. I guess during the actual FRC competition there'll be more exotic ideas and creative designs? :yikes:

Anyway, wish you guys have a good and safe stay over here :D

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Thanks for attending our demonstration. We were very impressed with the wonderful questions from the audience and the hospitality that we received form everyone in attendance. Its also an amazing science center.
I'll write more details later.
Thanks for writing!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Jared here again, on Monday morning. Currently we are at Temasek secondary school in eastern Singapore, and we're in the process of picking our jaws up off the floor. Let me just say that in the US, we are in trouble when the students we've been seeing all week enter the workforce: the educational system here is in many ways vastly superior to anything we have. The classes here have interested students, dedicated teachers, a LOT of technology, and you can really tell that the government/ministry of education care a lot about the kids. In the US, I think the government sometimes says it does, all the while diverting educational funding to other endeavors.

Now for some quick thoughts about this gorgeous, gorgeous place:

-Yesterday I was on the beach for most of the day, and it looked like I was in a postcard. Clear water, palm trees, resorts - just amazing. The kids we met earlier in the week came with us to the beach, and we had a great day together. However, despite twice re-applying SPF30, I'm a toasty red today. I guess that's what you get for being 70 miles from the equator...

-People drive very aggressively, but they don't seem to get angry when they get cut off or tailgated, for example. Very interesting.

-At the Science Center presentation, we got asked a LOT of technical questions - more than I can ever remember in dozens of demonstrations. Things like what kind of PID algorithms we used, the pros and cons of omniwheels, and a lot of questions that just reinforce that idea that those who think we in the US are the indisputed leaders in technology are in for a rude awakening.

-The tropical fruit here is delicious, but if anyone ever offers you something called a "durian", RUN FAR AWAY! I've never tasted a fruit that reminded me of gasoline before, and I never plan on doing it again. And the smell... Things like the local starfruit, jackfruit, and papayas are, however, amazing.

I hope to post again soon!

Millennia Institute Demonstration
 

On Friday morning we took part in the opening of school at the Millennia Institute. After the flag raising ceremony, our team was introduced. The crowd of 1000 students made an aisle up the center of the outdoor quadrangle and our team put Miss Daisy to work.

We drove back and forth, spun the turret and fired balls into the crowd, while one of our mentors narrated the demonstration. The Millennia students had a blast shooting balls back into the top of the machine as we drove around. It was pure fun.

Our goal with this demonstration was to inspire kids to join the Singapore Vex team and to educate kids in general, about FIRST.

If the reaction of the crowd was any indication, there are going to be alot of new faces on the Singapore VEX team this year.

Later that day we went to the Singapore Science Center which I'll discuss in my next post. Also we are hoping to start posting some pictures later today.

Talk to you soon.

Al Ostrow

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Later on Friday we packed up Miss Daisy, put all of our equipment in a "Lorry" (truck), our team in a bus, and made our way to the Singapore Science Center. This presentation was definitely one of the focal points of the trip.

Our audience was made up of students, teachers, professors, and community members from across the nation of Singapore. We had an audience of over 60 people for the 2 hour seminar.

Our Singapore partners started with an introduction to the VEX competition and a discussion of how Physics can be applied to the FIRST Robotics competition.

Then Team 341 explained the inner workings of the FIRST Robotics Competition through videos, robot demonstrations and discussions with the audience. The talk lasted the full two hours and the audience participation was tremendous.
One of the best moments came during the machine demonstration. The turret drive chain came off and the team went into action. Both students and mentors jumped in to work on the machine. We fixed the machine on the spot, while discussing what happens in the pit during a FIRST competition. The audience had the chance to see what really happens and everyone cheered after Miss Daisy started working again.
People stayed for over an hour after the seminar just to talk to team members and look inside the machine. Our kids did a great job of representing our team, FIRST and our Nation.

We were very proud!

More later!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Hey Al, I have a question.

Its stupid, but is your team traveling with interpreters?

I am really impressive at what you and your students are doing over the other side of the world. Hope to hear more.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

http://wikitravel.org/en/Singapore
English is one of the official languages in Singapore.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

We still have lots of major events left on the calendar. Here are just a few.

1) Demonstration for the students of Temasek Secondary
2) Interview with Singapore Press
3) Presentation at the US Embassy for the US Commercial Service
4) Demonstration at CHIJ Secondary
5) Presentation at the US Chamber of Commerce in Singapore

One of the secondary goals of this exchange trip is to convince US companies to support this exchange. We are seeking government help in identifying US companies that do regular business in Singapore.

There will also be many more gatherings with Singapore students, classroom exchanges, and tours around the country.
I think we are having that "hard fun" that Woody Flowers keeps talking about. :ahh:

P.S.
Freddy:
The English language has helped to make us feel right at home and eased our movement around the country.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Wow, I wish I was there guys. Sounds Amazing!!!!! keep up the super awesome work!!!

p.s.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE!!! what a present to be in singapore for your bday!!!!!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

So today, 22/08/06 in S'pore, consisted of another day of shadowing at Temasek Secondary School. After a breakfast of yummy chicken burgers provided by the school we followed our students to class. The two girls I was following today, Peirong and Sandy, brought me to math class, Chinese class, biology, and english. We had break where we visited the school store and bought the chinese version of a hackey sack. We then gave a presentation to their equivilant to 8th and 9th graders. They really seemed to enjoy the robot! We were then invited to stay and enjoy a short musical put on by a local group, Act 3, about harmony amoung the races of S'pore. It was really funny!

We are having a blast here and I hate to think I'll have to leave soon. Anyone who is anyone has to make it to S'pore atleast once in their life time, it is not to be missed.

Love from S'pore!

P.S.
Check out Kate's post about some of the foods we've been eating! It's delicious!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Hey again!

So we're in Temasek Secondary School now for the second day. I'm just going to go a bit into detail about last night's dinner.

After shopping in a mall for several hours, the group was taken to the East Coast Food Court in Bedok, which was more like maybe 50 mini "food huts" serving ALL KINDS of foods. I personally tried the following:

-BBQ STINGRAY (my favorite of the night :p )
-BBQ SQUID
-OYSTER OMLETS

but other people in the group also tried duck, satay (meat on a stick), mango ice kechong, sugar cane juice, crayfish, and FRESH coconut (like they chop the top off right in front of you and you drink the milk with a straw and eat the meaty stuff afterwards). I really believe that I'm finally used to Singaporean cuisine and will actually miss it... but don't get me wrong, I'll be happy enough with cheesesteaks and pizza :D That was definitely the most interesting birthday dinner I've ever had (shout out to Aaron for wishing me happy birthday!).

Our plans for the rest of the trip now are to visit CHIJ, an all-girls school who had students on the VEX team 46. Andrea and myself will get to have a homestay with girls on the team (so excited!).

Keep checking the posts! New and incredibly interesting things are happening to us every day!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

What a great way to spend the summer !! You guys are truly FIRST ambassadors.

Sounds like you are having a great time and spreading the infection of FIRST abroad!!

Best wishes for continued success in your endeavors.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

What I've heard (I'm a State-side graduated Daisy) sounds amazing; I'm not a huge squid fan, but the stingray sounds oddly appetizing.
In any case, I've heard of the unbelievable enthusiasm that students in Singapore have not just for FIRST, but also for learning as a whole. From what you've experienced so far, why is this? Is there something we can learn from them to apply over here in our Science and Technology programs?

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

well for starters, their government pays an INCREDIBLE amount of money to their "public" schools, so their facilities, technology, number of computers, etc etc are all top-notch. the government here really seems to value education and i don't blame them. i think the students also have a great respect for their education and teachers. I'm actually in a homestay right now with a girl named Tiara from CHIG secondary school... let me ask her.

ok well this girl is an exception... she doesn't particularally like school :eek: but she suggested that some reasons are hands-on learning experiences and having the facilities and equipment that they have (good guess kate!).

In detail about my homestay... Tiara's parents, Joan and Patrick, took us to the Shore Restaurant, a place on the east coast of Singapore (where they live... it takes her 30 minutes to get to school! by car!) which was RIGHT NEXT to the sea. The meal was amazing... I had beef curry, baby kai lan, fried chicken wings, and for dessert a "tennis ball"... fried ice cream and the fried stuff was green. YUMMY! They took me back to their apartment afterwards to watch SINGAPORE IDOL!!!! apparently the people who are still on the show are terrible but it was very similar to the one back in the states.

Now we're getting ready for bed and I need a lot of sleep for tomorrow... school visits again!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Tuesday was a very important day. Its also very descriptive of how our days have been. We have had so much fun, excitement, action, meaningful exchange, and intense cultural immersion that we don't have much time to reflect.

Tuesday Morning:
6:45 Bus to Temasek Secondary
7:20 Opening Ceremony for School Day
7:00 - 8:30 Reception for US and Singaporean Students
8:30 - 11:30 Classroom Exchange
11:30 - 12:45 Lunch and Demonstration Setup
1:15 - 1:45 Robot Demonstration, Robotics Recruitment Drive and gift exchange
1:45 - 2:15 Interview with Singapore Newspaper
2:15 - 2:45 Pack Robot and Equipment for Shipment to ChIJ Secondary
2:45 - 3:00 Quick Group Picture and then Taxi Cabs to the US Embassy
3:15- 4:45 Presentation and Discussion with US Commercial Service at Embassy
5:30 Meet Temasek and Milennia Students in Chinatown
6:00 - 10:00 Dinner, shopping and sightseeing in Chinatown with Temasek and Millennia Students
11:00 Back to the Hotel for a few hours sleep before doing this all over again

Almost every day has been this intense, but I would not trade a single moment. However, I am looking forward to relaxing and reflecting on the whole experience. There is so much we haven't told you. I truly hope to write down our experiences on the plane ride home

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

This will be the last time we can write before leaving Singapore.

Today our girls returned from homestays and went to classes at an all girls Catholic School called Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ). This school has been in Singapore since it was a British trading post.

Our boys went to a Robotics lab at the Nanyang Polytechnic Institute. They saw a wide range of innovative robot design laboratories.

Later, we met back at CHIJ to crate up our robot for shipment home. Some of the students and teachers were saying their goodbyes, while others reonstructed the crate and disassembled Miss Daisy for the long flight back to Ambler.

My daughter made many great friends at this school because the girls were a little younger. She spent her last few moments writing down email addresses, giving out hugs and playing in the yard. She was very sad to leave.

Later in the day, we gave a presentation at the American Chamber of Commerce of Singapore. We also finished our trip with a visit to the section of town known as Little India.

Well its 2:00 AM here and I must get some sleep. We are leaving for the airport at 7:00 AM for the 36 hour trek back to Ambler. I am hoping that I can organize my thoughts on the plane ride and provide a good summary of our trip. But no matter how we try, there will be no way we can convey the impact that this trip has had on the lives of 13 people that lived here for 11 days in Southeast Asia, in this paradise known as Singapore.

See you back home in Philly!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Here's Blog Posting from Jared, one of our College-age Mentors:

Sitting in Changi Airport

Jared here again, logging on one last time before I hop on the plane back to the Western world.

Last night at the hotel we had an unexpected visit from all of the teachers and students that we saw here in Singapore, and it was with many a wet eye that we said our farewells. They gave us one last basket of fruit, a myriad of gifts for all of the students, and final hugs.

I've been international several times now, and each time the trip is never quite what I was expecting. In this case, it was orders of magnitude better than my wildest predictions. Yes, we showed our robot to "oohs" and "ahhs", and in the process inspired hundreds of Singaporean school children to look into robotics and engineering, but two other things I wasn't expecting happened.

First, our team's own passion was ignited. The students who went with us don't want to leave; they were so impressed by the level of technology taught here that even those who haven't been on the technical crew in the past have voiced a desire to pursure build this season, and later engineering. The teachers were re-inspired by what they saw in the classroom, and will take those lessons home.

Second, and more importantly, we became friends with the students here. E-mail addresses, screennames, and phone numbers changed hands - my one lasting memory above all else will be when we were leaving one of the schools and Gina, a Singaporean students, shouted to our student Kate, "I love you Kate!"

We flew around the world, inspired the locals and ourselves, and left with friendships and love. How cool is that?

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Well, Team 341 made it home early this morning - I just woke up at 6:00PM. I guess it's going to take a few days before I'm back on Western hemisphere time.

New posts are trickling onto our blog, as are brand new pictures. For now I'll just link to it until I can get some choice photos up on CD.

Check it out at http://tripsing.blogspot.com/

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Our team has just arrived home from our 11 day mission to Singapore and we just wanted to thank everyone that made it possible.

We started this mission with many objectives:

Strengthen our friendship with the Singapore Community, Engage in a technical/cultural exchange, Plan the future of our partnership, Inspire the students of Singapore to join FIRST Robotics in their schools and Find corporate support to continue this exchange.

Although this was a lofty set of goals for a bunch of high school kids, this trip far exceeded our wildest expectations.

While in Singapore, our students visited classrooms in three different schools, participated in homestays, held four public robot demonstrations, conducted a 2 hour seminar at the Singapore Science Center, learned about the culture of Singapore, and made countless friends . We also made sponsorship presentations at the US Embassy (US Commercial Service), US-ASEAN Business Council, and The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore.

Beyond the mere achievement of goals, I think we will most remember the warmth of the people of Singapore. Thier kindness, sincerity and gracious hospitality made us feel as if we were visiting with old friends. We look forward to a bright future together and want to thank everyone that made this trip possible. Below are some very special organizations and individuals that we would like to thank for giving our students this tremendous opportunity.

THANK YOU:
The Millennia Institute
Temasek Secondary School
CHIJ Secondary School
The Singapore Ministry of Education
Singapore Science Center
Nanyang Polytechnic Institute
The Singapore Embassy in Washington DC
Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
Senator Rick Santorum
Senator Arlen Specter
Congressman Curt Weldon
Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz
Governor Ed Rendell
US Commercial Service
US-ASEAN Business Council
The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore
DHL Global Forwarding
Rohm & Haas Company
MDS Pharma Services
FIRST Robotics Competition
The Philadelphia Inquirer
SpringHouse Travel
BAE Systems
Johnson & Johnson
Siemens SEA
DeVry University
Wissahickon Educational Opportunities Foundation
North Montco Technical Career Center
Wissahickon School District

You can learn more about the trip at these Philadelphia Inquirer links :
http://tripsing.blogspot.com/

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/15267600.htm

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/15226311.htm

Home Again
 

Ok, this is the third (and hopefully final) time that I am trying to post this. The first time, Friday night, the power went out before I finished the last paragraph. The second time, 5 minutes ago, Internet Explorer quit because there was an error (yet again right as I was finishing up). Third time's a charm, right?

I honestly feel as if I can't do justice to my experience in Singapore with words. The people's values, to me, are ideal. They keep the country clean, are resourceful, outstandingly hospitable, respectful, and hold a high value for education. Because the government fully supports most schools and the students wear uniforms, the students have a lot of inspiration, focus, and room to learn. Even the country's public transportation amazed me! It was so easy that I had hope for some of the subway systems here in the states... although I shouldn't.

Our group was insanely lucky to have the type of experience that we had. Instead of being typical tourists, with a hired tour guide, visits to museums, and changing hotels every few nights, we had a much more personal experience. The team took us to places that tourists would never be able to find on their own, had us try local delicacies, and let us have a FIRST HAND experience of their culture, instead of learning it from a distance in historical museums and brochures. I even got to stay with a Singaporean family for a night!

Visiting the three schools strenghtened my inspiration to go into an engineering field for college and a career, moreso than i had wanted before the trip (I wanted to go to college for Architecture or Industrial Design). The level of technology available to all students in the school, similar to the technology used to be a part of a FIRST team, was outstanding. I don't mean to get all sappy and cliche here, but being in a country on the other side of the world (quite literally) provided me with a new opinion and knowledge of myself and of America by recognizing the similarities and differences in the cultures. I know now how to be more resourceful and respectful. Even driving to work today, a 15 minute drive, showed me how much land America has! It takes two hours to get from one side of Singapore to the other... that's how long it takes me to get to the nearest beach back home!

I would say that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the group, but I know that it isn't. Not only does our team hope to send another group in the future to further continue our partnership and friendship, but I, personally, plan to either study abroad there in college, travel with the team again, or at least travel to Singapore on my own when possible to visit with my friends! :D And I'm not the only one.

Ok, third time was a charm. Finally! Thanks for keeping up with this thread throughout our time there. Any questions? Feel free to ask!

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Welcome home!

Does the team plan on doing any presentations of your trip/experiences here at home?

Jane

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

We are discussing the possibility of doing a sharing session with our community. I know that the whole travel team hasn't had a chance to process what has happened to us and it would be a great way to reflect on the experience.
We arrived home on friday at 2 AM (EST) and we had 2 days to recover before starting the school year. We have not even seen each others pictures yet. Between our team and the 3 Singapore Schools there must be thousands of pictures, reams of journal pages, and hours of video. I think sharing with others is an essential phase in mentally processing this journey.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

Al,
I must tell you that this has been one of the high points of being invovled with this program. Your team's efforts and daily reports and all the pictures made me feel like I was part of your team. What a wonderful experience. Please pass my thanks along to your team for allowing us all to tag along.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

My sentiments exactly. This has been fun to witness. Hopefully, other teams will follow Miss Daisy's example of reaching out and spreading the word of FIRST in other cultures and locations.

Andy B.

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

is there any word from any of the Singapore schools after your demos to start FRC teams or will they be sticking with vex for now?

Re: Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration
 

It's too early to say whether or not they will have an FRC team this year. There is definately no shortage of interest, but there are a lot of challenges to overcome between now and kickoff for it to happen this season.

FRV46 is the reigning Vex world champ, so obviously they will maintain involvement with that program regardless of whether or not they move to FRC this year or next.

Inspiring companies to help
 

Andy & Al,
Thanks for the comments. It really means alot coming from you two guys.
One hope we have in relating this experience is to perhaps provide some insight into what it takes to pursue this goal. There seems to be a great deal of interest among individual teams to expand globally. Despite our success and satisfaction, it is a daunting task with an uncertain future.
Everything we have done so far should be considered an experiment.This exchange can't really be considered a complete success unless it turns from an experiment into a PROGRAM.
For this to turn into a program will require tremendous support. Our coaches and students dug deep into thier own pockets to put this trip together. We also risked competition funds to discount student tickets and ship the robot. We did this because we see the value and I certainly don't regret this decision.
However the reality is clear. For this work to continue, teams will have to find corporations with a common interest in that country.
We are now desparately trying to find support for this project. That was our purpose in going to the the US Embassy and other US trade organizations in Singapore. We are seeking US companies that do business in Singapore, that want to strengthen ties with the country. This is not an easy task to perform from across the ocean. The search continues.