Singapore Science Center: FRC Demonstration

[JaneYoung]

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

[David55]

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

[Cai ZhongHan]

Originally Posted by David55

No chewing or possession of gum is allowed

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)

[OZ_341]

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.

[Rich Kressly]

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

[Billfred]

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!

[RoboMom]

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

[Aaron D.]

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

[MissDaisyGirl]

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?

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

[haroony341]

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!

[crazed_daisy]

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?

[AtruFLOWERchild]

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!

[haroony341]

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

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by haroony341

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

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

[OZ_341]

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.