Lots of robot competitions out there

[RoboMom]

Calling all tech-savvy young women, coders, gamers, and web divas!
The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) is seeking applications from young women for the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing. Competition for the 2011 Award is open to any U.S. high school-level female (grades 9-12). Applications will be accepted beginning September 13, 2010, and must be submitted online at www.ncwit.org/award no later than 11:59 PM ET on October 15, 2010.

The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing acknowledges the computing aspirations of young women, introduces them to leadership opportunities in the field and generates visibility for women's participation in computing-related pursuits.
http://www.ncwit.org

[RoboDesigners]

I found this challenge while browsing the web. It uses the LEGO Mindstorms NXT, and is basically a line following challenge. Unfortuately, it is held from January through May, so it might interfere with FRC deadlines...

Mini Urban Challenge
[From their website]

The Institute of Navigation’s (ION) Mini-Urban Challenge is an annual high school competition sponsored by The Institute of Navigation (ION) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) created to challenge high school students to design and operate a robotic unmanned car built from a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® kit that can accurately navigate through a LEGO® city.

Click here for more information.

[RoboMom]

STUDENTS INNOVATE FOR A BETTER AMERICA – CHALLENGE APPEAL! Looking for ideas for student science projects from all scientists/engineers.

In September, 2010, Allegro Productions, Inc., in collaboration with our partner the National Museum of Education (NMOE), will launch STUDENTS INNOVATE FOR A BETTER AMERICA COMPETITION©: CONNECTING THE SCIENCE AND EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY THROUGH VIRTUAL OUTREACH, an interactive, internet-based program targeting students in communities traditionally under-represented in science.

The objective is to foster an understanding of the impact science has as a driving force in America’s economy, while encouraging students to consider a challenging career in science. The program is being funded through a grant from the Motorola Foundation and poses an interesting opportunity for scientists such as yourself.

At the core of this program is a competition that invites middle and senior high school science classes, in Motorola communities, to propose solutions to a variety of challenges posed by business leaders on NMOE’s web-based challenge list. We know you share our commitment to STEM education, and invite you to participate in this program by submitting an idea for a challenge or volunteering to serve as a Virtual Scientist Mentor as a part of the Virtual Scientist Guest Lecture Series™. Schools have the opportunity to win $1,000 in cash for their science program if their entry is selected for one of the three top prizes.

Some basic parameters for the challenge:
- Challenges have to be within the capacity of middle school (grades 6 -8) or high school (grades 9 – 12) students.
- Not require large purchases of equipment or materials.
- Encourage students to work in teams building on the strengths of the individual members.

Some basic parameters for Virtual Scientist Mentor:
- Volunteers should report to their assigned school for an initial orientation on Wednesday, October 13. This visit can be in person or virtually via Skype™.
- Thereafter, all visits will take place via Skype™ or videoconference.
- “Virtual mentor” estimated time commitment: two “virtual visits” to the assigned school per month; each approx 30 minutes in length.

The NMOE website has some challenges already listed to give you some ideas: http://www.nmoe.org/students/list.htm

Please submit ideas to:
National Museum of Education, Akron, OH
info@nmoe.org
Please insert: MOTOROLA CHALLENGE in the subject line
Or call: GAY EVANS at 330-376-8300

If you would like to volunteer in the Virtual Scientist Guest Lecture Series™, please respond with your contact information and we will send you information as to how you can sign up to be a Virtual Scientist Mentor.

Our deadline for submissions is Friday, September 24, 2010.

Thanks so much for your ideas and for sharing this information with those who might find it of interest.

All the best,

On behalf of Scott J. Forman, President,

[RoboMom]

The Contest
Are you a visionary? An innovator? Someone who has cool ideas once in awhile? We are working to develop a family of science-based educational apps for the Google Android smartphone, and we need YOUR help to come up with app ideas! Winning concepts from this contest will be professionally developed and distributed on the Google Android Marketplace.
The Rules
The mobile app must:

• Promote or teach science education in an innovative, effective manner.
• Impact many.
• Have the potential to be a competitive and viable mobile app on the Google Marketplace.
• Be your original idea!

Please submit app proposals by midnight, September 30, 2010, to: technovation.challenge@gmail.com with the following sections:

• Name/Address/ Age/Email/Phone/brief resume or linkedin profile/Past Technovation Challenge or Technovation Express Program Graduate (yes/no)?
• Concept: What does your app do? How will it help produce science education?
• Target Audience: Which populations will your app reach?
• Market Opportunity: Why and how is your app unique amongst the thousands already out there?
• Marketing Plan: How will your app be distributed?
• Sustainability: Will your app generate revenue? How?
• Impact: How will you demonstrate your app’s effectiveness?

Our panel of judges will screen the proposals. The best ideas and most well-thought-out proposals will be invited as finalists to promote their work. The public will be invited to choose the app concepts they like best. The winning app concepts will be professionally developed, distributed and marketed on the Google Marketplace.
Background
Through our Technovation Challenge (link) high-tech entrepreneurial programs, we teach under-served/represented students programming and entrepreneurial skills, give them access to professional mentors, and form them into teams where they create mobile app prototypes, business plans, and funding pitches for their virtual high-tech companies. The best mobile app concepts are professionally developed. The Technovation Challenge program has run successfully in the bay area, and will be growing to serve Los Angeles and New York in Spring 2011. Check us out on (link), become our fan on facebook, and help us launch our family of science-based educational apps by entering the Iridescent App Development Challenge!
More Info
Visit www.iridescentlearning.org, and www.technovationchallenge.org for more info!
Contest Rules & Guidelines
Eligibility

All are eligible to enter the contest.
Teams of between 1 and 5 are permitted to submit proposals.
Entries from outside the U.S. are permitted. All entries must be in English-language.

Entries must be submitted in standard Microsoft Office format via e-mail to technovation.challenge@gmail.com

Entries will be accepted through midnight (PST) September 30, 2010.
You may submit only 1 entry. Keep copies for your records. Iridescent assumes no responsibility for lost, misdirected, illegible or late entries or for failed computer transmissions or technical failures.

[RoboMom]

For high schools in Baltimore-Washington area.

Innovate Our World http://www.innovateourworld.org/projects.html

Want your high school involved in planning a cutting edge space mission? Innovate Our World is looking for two Baltimore-Washington area high schools who want to make plans to rediscover space history – the Apollo lunar landings - and potentially make new history. Nearly 40 years since the last time humans have walked on the Moon, the Apollo Rediscovery Mission project seeks to make these landing sites and their history more accessible to people on Earth. Working with lunar scientists, aerospace engineers, and other space professionals, teams will plan and design a mission to send a payload to an Apollo landing site with the goal of increasing public awareness of space history and exploration. Teams will work closely with a company planning its own lunar landing mission on aspects of payload intergation and operation

Teams will meet weekly during the school year. During Fall 2010, students will learn about the Moon, telescopes, and space history; form a project team; and perform mission conceptual planning to choose a specific mission to pursue. Optional learning activities will be held at the Glenelg Country School observatory in Ellicott City, MD. After the holiday break, student teams will perform mission planning and payload design/prototyping culminating with a presentation to a group of project sponsors, including space industry professionals with lunar mission experience. Schools interested in participating in this project for the 2010-11 academic year can make inquires to Ron McCandless, Director, STEM Programs at ron@innovateourworld.org.

[RoboMom]

Call for ADULT volunteers


Please find information about the eCYBERMISSION program below. If you have any further questions please feel free to e-mail volunteerprogram@ecybermission.com

eCYBERMISSION is a free, web-based, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competition for students in grades six through nine. Now in its ninth year, eCYBERMISSION is able to continue to grow and be successful because of our dedicated volunteers.



To serve as an eCYBERMISSION volunteer, you must have a background or interest in STEM or education. We have three volunteer roles available; Ambassadors, CyberGuides and Virtual Judges.

Ambassadors:

* Serve as the "face of eCYBERMISSION" by promoting the competition and recruiting both students and volunteers in their community
* Registration opened on Aug. 1, 2010 and remains open through June 2011
* Ambassadors must have an active Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance or go through a federal background check

CyberGuides:

* Provide online assistance to eCYBERMISSION students through the use of Discussion Forums, Chat Rooms, Instant Messaging and interactive webinars
* Registration opened on Aug. 1, 2010 and remains open through Feb. 4, 2011, with CyberGuides' last day online being Feb. 25, 2011
* CyberGuides must have an active DoD security clearance

Virtual Judges:

* Evaluate and score Mission Folders via the eCYBERMISSION web site during the month of March 2011
* Each Virtual Judge is asked to score between 20 - 25 Mission Folders (the final project submitted by students) during the Regional Judging period, and if they choose, an additional amount of Mission Folders during the Alternate Judging period
* The Regional Judging period lasts from March 1, 2011 - March 22, 2011 and the Alternate Judging period lasts from March 23, 2011 - March 29, 2011
* Each Mission Folder is scored by multiple Virtual Judges and the score is determined by dropping the highest and lowest score and averaging the remaining scores
* Registration opened on Aug. 1, 2010 and remains open through Feb. 25, 2011
* Virtual Judges must have an interest or background in STEM or education, but do not need an active DoD security clearance or federal background check

[RoboMom]

Want to engage high school students using the current topic of infrastructure?
http://www.constructionchallenge.org/
Construction Challenge is back! Sponsored by Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and Volvo Construction Equipment through partnership with Destination ImagiNation, January 15th will hold Regional Rallies in 8 cities. Advancing teams will go to Finals at CONEXPO/CON-AGG in Las Vegas in March. If you have high school students, form a team of 5-7 students, do 6-8 hours of research on infrastructure (roads, bridges, drinking water and wastewater), and come to a Regional Rally for hands on activities where they will apply their knowledge in 3 fun Challenges. This is workforce development initiative that highlights careers that use math and science.

[RoboMom]

Open to college students at these institutions: http://www.grandchallengescholars.org/active-programs

What is the NAE Grand Challenge Scholars Program?

The National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenge Scholars program is a combined curricular and extra-curricular program with five components that are designed to prepare students to be the generation that solves the grand challenges facing society in this century.

In 2008, the NAE identified 14 Grand Challenges for Engineering in the 21st Century. The Grand Challenges are a call to action and serve as a focal point for society's attention to opportunities and challenges affecting our quality of life.

[b.morales99]

I wish I could be a part of this great event in the future, kudos for sharing!

[RoboMom]

More mail from Miss Mary at Northrop Grumman

Greetings! This a reference list of known Cybersecurity competitions for students. Please spread the word to students who might be interested in participating.
__________________________________________________ __________________________

CyberPatriot by the Air Force Association (AFA) –

Website: http://www.afa.org/CyberPatriotII.asp

Ages: High School

Challenges: http://www.saic.com/cybernexs/#media-downloads

Dates: Open thru winter

Format: Teams

Target: Network defense



Sponsored by Northrop Grumman. CyberPatriot is a High School Cyber Defense Competition conducted by the Air Force Association. It is a competition in computer system & network defense ‐ where the competitors attempt to analyze the security state of the competition network and then must secure the systems while maintaining services and responding to attacks by a hostile Red Team. This is a preparatory program that encourages students to continue their security training in college and to compete in the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. One of four CSIS / USCC Challenges.



CyberPatriot is a national high school cyber defense competition created to inspire high school students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines critical to our nation’s future. Three qualification rounds are designed to test each team’s ability to find and remediate vulnerabilities that are pre-configured into one or more VMware images (called Target Images). The SAIC CyberNEXS competition environment will be used for these competitions. The teams are assessed points by the CyberNEXS scoring system. Each team will start with a set of identically configured Targets.



The final competition of the 2010-2011 season will take place at AFA’s CyberFutures Conference at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center, National Harbor, Md. April 1-2, 2011.

__________________________________________________ __________________________

NETWARS – SANS Network Attack competition

Website: http://www.sans.org/netwars/

Ages: High School through post-graduate

Dates: Open registration

Format: Teams or Individuals

Target: Network and software vulnerabilities



The Network Attack Competition conducted by the SANS Institute: a competition in network vulnerability discovery and exploitation. This program will include substantial ethical and legal instruction. An essential tenet of the emerging US national strategy for cyber security is that offense must inform defense. Perhaps the single most important reason that America’s computers are so easily exploited is that the government and the companies in the critical infrastructure relied for security guidance on individuals who were not intimately familiar with how cyber attacks work. One of four CSIS / USCC Challenges.



NetWars - ng Competitions take place live at every National SANS Event.

· NetWars - ng at Cyber Defense Initiative (CDI) 2010: December 13th & 14th 2010

· NetWars - ng at SANS 2011: March 31st & April 1st 2011

__________________________________________________ __________________________

DC3 Forensics Challenge - Digital Forensics Security Treasure Hunt

Website: http://www.dc3.mil/challenge/

Ages: High School through post-graduate

Challenges: http://digitalforensics.securitytreasurehunt.com/

Dates: Open registration

Format: Teams or Individuals

Target: Digital forensics



The DC3 Challenge encourages innovation from a broad range of individuals, teams, and institutions to provide technical solutions for computer forensic examiners in the lab as well as in the field. Approximately 25 different challenges ranging from basic forensics to advanced tool development are provided to all participants. Each challenge is designed to be unique and separate from another. The DC3 Digital Forensics Challenges are conducted by the DoD Cyber Crime Center (DC3). They are a competition in digital forensics where, in increasingly challenging scenarios, contestants attempt to uncover evidence on digital media, just like you see on all of the crime scene investigative shows on TV. Whether it is an intrusion by a nation state, or a child pornography investigation, digital forensics is the key to answering the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions. One of four CSIS / USCC Challenges.

__________________________________________________ __________________________

SANS Security Treasure Hunt & Web Vulnerability Assessment Security Treasure Hunt

Challenges: http://www.securitytreasurehunt.com/ & http://webvulnassessment.securitytreasurehunt.com/

Ages: **ALL**

Dates: Open registration

Format: Individuals only

Target: Network and software vulnerabilities



Designed to help identify people with information security interest and skills. Participants will be challenged to identify security flaws on a target system and answer questions based on those issues. Everyone is welcome to participate. If you live in one of three states currently hosting competitions, and are eligible, you will also compete for a free seat to cyber summer camp. One of four CSIS / USCC Challenges.



If you are interested in being a sponsor, please contact Karen S. Evans, Director, US Cyber Challenge at kevans@uscyberchallenge.org . If you would like to be a sponsor of the 2010 Summer Camps, please contact sponsorship@uscyberchallenge.org.

__________________________________________________ __________________________

US Cyber Challenge Cyber Camps –

Website: http://webvulnassessment.securitytreasurehunt.com/

Ages: 18 and over

Dates: Invitational only

Target: Network and software vulnerabilities



For the 2010 Summer Camps, please visit the Security Treasure Hunt Site. For this year, the competitors must be 18 years or older and reside in the participating state or be attending school in the state. Specific criteria are posted on the respective states' Web sites: In 2010, three camps were held in New York, California and Delaware (http://www.dti.delaware.gov/informat...hallenge.shtml ). Camps held in New York and California will be overnight camps beginning on a Monday and ending on a Friday. The Delaware Camp will be held during the days only, Monday through Friday.

__________________________________________________ __________________________



Summary on the above programs, issued by the White House:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/files/docu...%205-8-09).pdf

__________________________________________________ __________________________

National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) –

Website: http://www.nationalccdc.org/

Ages: Collegiate

Format: Teams

Target: Network and software vulnerabilities



What the students face: You have just been hired as the network and security administrators at a small company and will be taking administrative control of all information systems. You know very little about the network, what security level has been maintained, or what software has been installed. You have a limited time frame to familiarize yourself with the network and systems and to begin the security updates and patches before the red team starts actively attacking your company. In the midst of all the commotion, you have to keep up with the needs of the business and user demands while maintaining service level agreements for all critical Internet services. Welcome to the first day of the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC).



Mid-Atlantic / Maryland Regional Coordinator for CCDC participation: Dr. Casey O'Brien at CCBC; phone: Email: cobrien@ccbcmd.edu



National Competition, April 16-18th, University of Texas at San Antonio, TX -

CCDC is a three day event and the first competition that specifically focuses on the operational aspect of managing and protecting an existing “commercial” network infrastructure. Not only do tudents get a chance to test their knowledge in an operational environment, they will also get a chance to network with industry professionals who are always on the lookout for up and coming engineers

[RoboMom]

SeaPerch giving away free kits!!!:
http://www.seaperch.org/roboweek

[RoboMom]

Google Science Fair! - deadline for project submissions is 4 April 2011.

http://www.google.com/events/sciencefair/

Google is looking for the brightest, best young scientists from around the world to submit interesting, creative projects that are relevant to the world today.

Who can enter?

The competition is open to students aged 13 to 18 from around the world working on their own or in a team of two or three. For more details, visit the Science Fair Rules page.

How to enter

· If you don't already have one, create a Google Account. You will need a Google Account to complete the sign up form.

· Complete the Google Science Fair sign up form. After you submit the form, you will see an important link on the confirmation page. This link will create the Google project submission site where you will post your science fair project details. Signed up but can’t find the link? Click here to create your Google project submission site.

· Plan your science project, conduct your experiment, and write up your results.

· Complete all of the sections of your Google project submission site (see sample project submission site).

· Create either a two-minute video or 20-slide presentation giving an overview of your project and embed it on the Summary page of your project submission. A video or presentation is required to enter.

· When your project site is done, make sure to submit it via this form by 4 April 2011.

Detailed instructions and tips for building your project submission can be found in the Resources section of this website.

Creating your project submission

All entrants will use a Google Site to showcase their science fair project. A Google Site is an easy way to create a website without having to know any computer coding. To learn more about the how to get setup with your very own Google Science Fair project submission site, click here. Note for Group Projects: If you are submitting an entry as a team, it’s important that you only create one site for your project.

Your Google Science Fair project submission site

Your Google Science Fair site is broken into 10 sections that you will customize by including short summaries and supporting documents:

· Summary: Give a brief overview of your project and embed a summary video or presentation.

· About Me: Tell the judges a bit about yourself.

· The Question: Find a question that interests you about something that you have observed, noticed, or wondered about.

· Hypothesis: Make an educated guess about how your experiment will answer your project question.

· Research: Summarize the research that you completed to support and answer your question.

· Experiment: Design, execute, and summarize an experiment that tests your hypothesis.

· Data: Report on all of the data, numbers, outputs, or outcomes from your experiment.

· Observations: Show an understanding of what you saw happening during your experiment.

· Conclusions: Explain how your experiment supported or contradicted your original hypothesis.

· Works Cited: Document any sources used in the course of your research and work.

· For more details about the entry process, visit the Science Fair Rules page.

Judging Process

The deadline for project submissions is 4 April 2011. After this date all projects will be judged by a panel of teachers who will be following the judging criteria. In early May 60 global semi finalists will be announced and their projects will be posted online and open to public voting for a “People’s Choice Award”. The 60 global semi finalists will then be narrowed down by our judging panel to 15 global finalists who will be announced later in May.

The 15 global finalists will be flown to Google HQ in California, USA for our celebratory Science Fair event and finalist judging round will take place on 11 July 2011. These finalists will be expected to present their projects before a panel of acclaimed scientists including Nobel Laureates, tech visionaries and household names. A finalist winner will be selected from each of the age categories, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18. One of the finalist winners will be named the Grand Prize Winner.

Judging Criteria

The following criteria will be used to judge each of the 8 core steps of your project site:

1. About me
An excellent student will show a real passion for science and be able to present their ideas with confidence, clarity and enthusiasm, and explain what winning would mean to them.

2. The Question
An excellent question will be interesting, creative, worded scientifically and relevant to the world today.

3. Hypothesis
An excellent hypothesis will lead on from the question, be tightly focused and build on existing knowledge.

4. Research
Excellent students will undertake research to help them shape their question and hypothesis and to put their work into a relevant, real-world context.

5. Experiment
Excellent students will demonstrate that they have used good experimental techniques and describe their experiment clearly and in detail.

6. Data
Excellent data will be relevant, sufficient to support a conclusion and should be recorded accurately and precisely, and be presented clearly.

7. Observations
Excellent observations will describe patterns or trends supported by the data.

8. Conclusion
An excellent conclusion will explain how the experiment answers the question or why it fails to do so and whether or not it supports the hypothesis.

Judges will be looking for the following qualities in your Works Cited section:

Excellent students will acknowledge and provide clear references for sources of information that they have consulted and/or referenced and acknowledge any assistance received (e.g. to find equipment and materials, to stay safe or to use unfamiliar equipment or techniques).



Judging your video or presentation

Judges will be looking for the following qualities in your video or presentation, which should be embedded on the Summary page of your Google Science Fair Project site:

An excellent video or presentation will provide a clear, brief overview of the question you are investigating, the stages of your project, what you set out to achieve and how far you succeeded. The video should be no longer than two minutes, and the presentation should include 20 slides.

Hint: During the first round of judging, the judges will be concentrating on your film or presentation, the information that you give about yourself, your question, your hypothesis, and your conclusion, so make sure that these do your project justice.

[RoboMom]

I've parked a list that is somewhat organized here:

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...43&postcount=6

[RoboMom]

NOT robots but what a great opportunity!


from: http://www.northropgrumman.com/corpo...arthwatch.html
The Northrop Grumman Foundation Earthwatch Educator Program

Fellowship Overview
The Northrop Grumman Foundation has partnered with Earthwatch Institute to develop an innovative environmental education program for teachers. Educators from Northrop Grumman communities across the country will have the opportunity to participate in an Earthwatch expedition focused on climate change or oceans preservation. This is an invaluable experience intended to be transferred to the classroom and shared with students year after year.

There is a growing concern regarding the declining number of students in the United States entering science, technology, engineering and mathematic careers. One way to reverse that trend is to make science and math fascinating and applicable for students. To accomplish that goal, The Northrop Grumman Foundation is helping Earthwatch to provide educators with a hands-on professional development opportunity, which will ultimately impact students' math and science education and help create our next generation of environmental ambassadors.

2011 Fellowship Eligibility
All Middle School teachers (grades 6-8) from Northrop Grumman communities are eligible. The fellowship covers all costs associated with the research, food and accommodations. Travel to and from the site is covered by the fellow. Upon completing all fellowship requirements, fellows will be awarded a travel reimbursement of up to $850.00 for travel to and from the site. This stipend will cover the majority if not all of the travel costs to and from the research site. Details for the fellowship requirements can be found on Earthwatch’s Fellowship Obligations page. Educators from year-round schools will need to secure vacation and substitute teacher time before applying for the fellowship. Educators who have participated in Northrop Grumman Foundation’s Weightless Flight of Discovery program in either 2009 or 2010 or teachers who participated in the 2009 and 2010 Northrop Grumman Foundation Space Academy for Educators are not eligible to apply for the Earthwatch fellowship.

Expeditions
Excited yet? Here is an overview of the expeditions:

* Coastal Ecology of the Bahamas
Help save the beaches and reefs of the Bahamas
Dates: 6/27 – 7/8, 2011
* Climate Change at the Arctic’s Edge
Help monitor the Arctic's vast stores of greenhouse gasses
Dates: 6/19 – 6/29, 2011
* 2011 Earthwatch Fellowship overview flyer (PDF)

Application and Awards Process
Earthwatch awards Educator Fellowships through a competitive application process. The applicant's geographic region, potential contribution to the research, and follow-up curriculum plans are all taken into consideration. Criteria used to assign fellows to expeditions include interests, skills, and availability, along with project need. Contact us directly with any specific questions regarding our review process at: FellowshipAwards@earthwatch.org

Fellowship applications should be submitted by February 4, 2011. Those applications will be considered for expeditions fielding in the summer of 2011. Fellowship applicants will be considered for ALL opportunities for which they are eligible; there is no need to submit multiple applications to Earthwatch. Please keep in mind that you may receive a fellowship only twice, typically from a different funding source and it cannot be in consecutive years. You are not eligible for a fellowship if you have already reserved a seat on an expedition.

Apply!
Click here to complete an application form.

(http://www.northropgrumman.com/pdf/2...hwatch-app.pdf)

************************************************** ************************************************** *************
Teachers Embark on Northrop Grumman Foundation's
Second Annual Earthwatch Educator Program

James Locke
Location: Manhattan Beach, Calif.
School: Manhattan Beach Middle School
Grade: Seventh grade Life Science and Forensics
Expedition: Arctic, June 20 to 30, 2010

James Locke

"I use my own life experiences to connect with and enrich the curriculum. When I can talk about things I have done or seen,
I am more excited and that comes through in my teaching.

"I want to bring home to my students the beauty of the Arctic, and that climate change is affecting the world we live in. I also want them to understand the whole gamut of scientific research—data collection, organization, explanation and communication. Most of all, I want to show them that science is fun!"

Click here to read Locke's blog from
the Arctic.


Luann Hoyseth
Location: Herndon, Va.
School: Rachel Carson Middle School
Grade: Eighth grade Physical Science
Expedition: Arctic, June 20 to 30, 2010

Luann Hoyseth

"This was one of the most exciting things I have done professionally—this made me feel like a 'real scientist.' I felt like I was making a difference in the scientific world as well as the education world. I will be able to provide real information to my students and challenge them with my experiences from the field.

"I never dreamt I would stand in the middle of the Hudson Bay on an ice floe, or see pods of beluga whales surrounding me. I want my students to understand that climate change is something that they really need to think about. I want them to understand that they can make a difference and that they need to start now. Even one person can make a difference."












The Northrop Grumman Foundation teamed with the Earthwatch Institute for the 2010 Earthwatch Educator Program—an innovative environmental education program for teachers across the country. Twenty-two middle school science teachers from eight states in which the company operates were selected to participate in one of two expeditions: one focused on climate change, the other on ocean preservation. The goal is for teachers to transfer their experiences to their classrooms, and share them with students year after year to spark their interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related careers, and encourage them to become environmental stewards.

The Earthwatch Institute supports research that examines the increasing impact of climate change on natural habitats, species and human livelihoods. Earthwatch projects also monitor the health of our oceans, which are negatively impacted by overfishing, shipping, pollution, and coastal development. These areas of research are reflected in the two Earthwatch Educator Program expeditions that took place this summer.

Ten teachers embarked on an expedition to help preserve the coastal ecology of the Bahamas, while 12 others joined an expedition to monitor climate change at the edge of the Arctic. The Bahamas expedition team focused on research sites on the southern islands of Long Island, Great Exuma and Great Inagua. The Arctic project took teachers to Churchill, Canada, near the geographical center of the North American continent, on the coast of the Hudson Bay.

Upon completion of the Arctic journey, James Locke, seventh grade life science and forensics teacher, said, "I had the opportunity to work with a team of amazing, like-minded teachers from across the country. We spent 10 days sharing ideas, brainstorming lessons, and creating ways to stay in touch and maintain this environment of sharing our best." Locke continued, "I have so many new ideas for my students that will enrich the depth and complexity of my curriculum."

Like Locke, participating teachers are enthusiastic about the experiences they will bring back to their classrooms in the fall. Four of them were interviewed about their expeditions and what they plan to share with their students to help improve their understanding of math and science, and inspire the next generation of environmental advocates.

Melanie East
Location: Albuquerque, NM
School: Wilson Middle School
Grade: Eighth grade
Science
Expedition: Bahamas, July 12 to 23, 2010

Melanie East

"This experience made me more passionate about science—specifically, conservation. The more excited I am about what I’m teaching and the more I can relate science to the real world, the more interested my students will be in learning.

"I am already preparing lessons on trash and recycling, comparing the flora of Inagua to the flora of New Mexico, and looking into starting a pen pal exchange between my students and those in primary grades in Inagua. Having my own experiences to draw on, my blog to refer to, and tons of pictures will help make what I learned and the lessons I want to impart that much more personal and relevant to my students and colleagues."”


Tamarah Dishman
Location: Lexington Park, MD
School: Spring Ridge Middle School, STEM Academy
Grade: Eighth grade Geometry and Science
Expedition: Bahamas, July 12 to 23, 2010

Tamarah Dishman


"This was by far the best professional development program I have ever experienced. The opportunity to work alongside a veteran field scientist, Dr. Kathleen Sullivan Sealey from the University of Miami, her team and a group of educator volunteers on the remote salt mining island of Inagua, was second to none. Our team conducted fish surveys from the most beautiful reefs in the Bahamas; collected data for pre-oil impact reports in response to the BP oil spill; captured and analyzed non-native, poisonous lionfish specimens; collected information on algae and water quality at each of our research sites; and completed the construction of and placed 20 parrot boxes in response to the need for more nesting options for this potentially endangered species.

"The challenges that I plan to bring back to my class and community revolve around questions of lifestyle sustainability and our impact on the health of the environment. We can all make better choices and together, take better care of our planet."

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Nominate Teachers for the 2011 Northrop Grumman Foundation Earthwatch Educator Program

November 29, 2010

Since 2009, the Northrop Grumman Foundation has teamed with the Earthwatch Institute to offer an innovative environmental education program for teachers—the Northrop Grumman Foundation Earthwatch Educator Program. Each year, middle school teachers from across the country are selected to participate in one of two expeditions: one focused on climate change, the other on ocean preservation. The goal is for teachers to transfer their experiences to their classrooms and share them with students to spark their interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related careers.

This year, Northrop Grumman employees are invited to get involved by nominating middle school math and science teachers in their communities for a Northrop Grumman Foundation Earthwatch Educator Fellowship. Selected fellows will embark on the “Climate Change at the Arctic’s Edge” expedition or the “Coastal Ecology of the Bahamas” expedition for approximately two weeks during the summer of 2011. While on the expedition, fellows will work alongside researchers to gather data and address critical environmental issues. Teachers will receive hands-on professional development opportunities that will ultimately impact their students’ math and science education and encourage students to become environmental stewards.

The deadline for nominations, is January 7, 2011.

[RoboMom]

This a reference list. Please spread the word to students who might be interested in participating!


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Destination ImagiNation!

Websites: http://www.destinationimagination.org & http://www.marylanddi.org/

Ages: pre-K thru High School

Registration Dates: Open thru winter

Format: Teams

Cost: ~$135 / team + ~$50 / tournament



Destination ImagiNation, is an exhilarating after-school activity in which students work in teams to solve mind-bending Challenges and present their solutions at Tournaments. Each Team Challenge has a different educational and creative focus: (1) projectOUTREACH®: Community Service; (2) Challenge A: Technical/Mechanical Design; (3) Challenge B: Scientific Exploration and Theater Arts; (4) Challenge C: Theater, Literature, and Fine Arts; (5) Challenge D: Improvisation; (6) Challenge E: Structural/Architectural Design. There is also a non-competitive Rising Stars! Challenge designed for students in pre-school through 2nd grade that introduces students to teamwork and creative thinking. Instant Challenges require teams to engage in quick critical thinking. At a Tournament, a team will receive an Instant Challenge and the materials with which to solve it. The participants must think on their feet by applying appropriate skills to produce a solution in a period of just five to eight minutes. Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school students and those currently in post-secondary educational programs. Applicants must have participated in Destination ImagiNation (or other Destination ImagiNation, Inc. programs) as team members or volunteers.



DI Appraiser’s (Judges) are needed for all local and state competitions. Maryland’s Regional DI competitions take place from February-March. Dates and locations for the Regionals are listed at: http://www.imaginthis.org/Regions/ta...2/Default.aspx. The 2011 Maryland State Tournament for Destination ImagiNation will be held April 2, 2011 at UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Catonsville, MD 21250. To volunteer as a DI Appraiser, register at: http://www.marylanddi2.org/frmApp/appraiserReg.cfm or contact, Sally Gold, Affiliate (MCPSI) Director: sally@marylanddi.org. Training begins in January.



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Odyssey of the Mind

Websites: http://www.odysseyofthemind.com & http://www.mdodyssey.org

Ages: pre-K thru High School

Registration Dates: Open thru winter

Format: Teams

Cost: ~$135 / team



Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Team members apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. They then bring their solutions to competition on the local, state, and World level. Thousands of teams from throughout the U.S. and from about 25 other countries participate in the program. Odyssey of the Mind problems are designed for competition, with scoring components and limitations, or rules to be followed. The long-term problems change every year. They fall into five general categories. These are mechanical/vehicle, technical performance, classics, structure, and performance.



The 2011 Maryland State Odyssey of the Mind tournament will be March 26th, 2011 at the Harbour School, 11251 Dolfield Blvd., Owings Mills, MD 21117. To volunteer, please contact, Ben Raab-Long at ad@mdodyssey.org.



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Jr. FIRST LEGO League

Websites: http://www.USFIRST.org/roboticsprograms/JFLL/ & http://www.mdfirst.org/programs/juni...go-league.html

Ages: 6 - 9

Registration Dates: mid-August thru April

Format: Teams

Cost: ~$25 / team



JrFLL is a non-competitive introduction to building concepts, research, and teams for ages 6-9. Junior FIRST LEGO League (Jr.FLL) teams are comprised of two to six kids, aged 6 to 9 years old, an adult coach, mentors, and any other volunteers who want to help! Anybody can form a team – schools, home schools, churches, neighborhood groups, civic groups, and even families. With the guidance of their adult coach and mentors, children on Jr.FLL teams: (1) Research and learn about the real-world topic presented in the Jr.FLL Challenge; (2) Create a “Show Me” poster depicting their research journey and experiences; (3) They must also devise a solution to a related engineering problem, and render their solution in LEGOs. The models must have at least one moving or motorized part. The students bring their models and a display about the information they have learned, to a Jr.FLL Expo. The information is presented to adults, and the students receive participation medals.

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National Engineers Week Future City Competition

Websites: http://www.futurecity.org

Ages: 6th – 8th grades

Registration Dates: August thru October

Format: Teams

Cost: ~$25 / team?



The National Engineers Week Future City Competition is a program developed for sixth, seventh and eighth grade students to help them discover and foster interests in math, science and engineering. The program asks 6th, 7th and 8th grade students from around the nation to team with engineer-volunteer mentors to create — first on computer and then in large, three-dimensional models — their visions of the city of tomorrow.



Engineers and architects are needed to mentor teams, and judge designs at Regional and National tournaments. The regional competitions are scheduled during January. The Future City Competition national finals will be held in February, during Engineer’s Week at the Hyatt Regency, 400 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., USA 20001. To volunteer, please register here: http://www.futurecity.org/register/engineer.asp .



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Science Olympiad

Websites: http://soinc.org/ & http://marylandscienceolympiad.org/

Grades: K thru 12

Registration Dates: Open thru winter

Format: Teams

Cost: ~$225 + / team



Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events, which are performed by a small group, usually two team members.. Each year, the selected subset of events is rotated to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, astronomy, mechanical engineering and technology. Each team of 15 will prepare throughout the school year to compete in Science Olympiad tournaments held on local, state and national levels. Unlike some science competitions, Science Olympiad requires that students DO science during the competition rather than just report about a science project. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of students to get involved. Emphasis is placed on active, hands-on, group participation.



Volunteers should register at http://marylandscienceolympiad.org/volunteer.php , or email info@marylandscienceolympiad.org .

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West Point Bridge Design Competition

Websites: http://bridgecontest.usma.edu

Ages: Middle & High School

Registration Dates: December thru mid-February

Format: Teams of 1 or 2 students

Cost: free!



The purpose of the West Point Bridge Design contest is to provide middle school and high school students with a realistic, engaging introduction to engineering. The contest will provide students with an opportunity to: (1) Learn about engineering through a realistic, hands-on problem-solving experience; (2) Learn about the engineering design process--the application of math, science, and technology to create devices and systems that meet human needs; (3) Learn about truss bridges and how they work; and (4) Learn how engineers use the computer as a problem-solving tool. The Qualifying Round of the contest runs from January thru February. Anyone may participate in the West Point Bridge Design Contest; however, only eligible contestants may advance beyond the Qualifying Round and compete for prizes. Eligible contestants include the following: (1) Students, age 13 through grade 12, who are currently enrolled in middle schools, junior high schools, and high schools in the United States; (2) Students, age 13 through grade 12, who are legally home schooled in the United States.



Each member of the first place team will receive a $10,000 scholarship. Each member of the second place team will receive a $5,000 scholarship. Each member of the six finalist teams will win a Notebook Computer.



In 2011, the first Qualifying Round of the West Point Bridge Design contest runs from January 10 to February 25, 2011.

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Design Squad’s Trash to Treasure Design Competition

Websites: http://pbskids.org/designsquad/contest/index.html

Ages: 5 thru High School

Registration Dates: April thru September

Format: Individuals or Teams

Cost: free!



An entry must either be a new, original idea or a measurable improvement (as solely determined by Sponsor) to an existing product/design which can be successfully implemented and / or brought to market (hereafter "the Idea/Entry" or sometimes "entry"). The Idea/Entry must have been conceived by the entrant and be the sole and original work of the entrant. The Idea/Entry must: (1) be within one of the following defined Competition categories: (A) mobility – a product that moves things or people; (B) play – a new, fresh device/product for outdoor or indoor use; or (C) environmental – a new product that helps protect the environment; and (2) be created from no less than 2 discarded items and re-engineered / recycled into a completely different and unique product and/or use. Examples of discarded items include (but are not limited to): fabric, paper, plastic, small electronics, wheels, clamps, springs, batteries, hardware, wood, bike parts, string, rubber bands, cardboard, kitchen gadgets, etc.



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eCYBERMISSION by US ARMY

Website: https://www.ecybermission.com/

Ages: Middle School (grades 6-9)

Dates: online Registration open from Aug through mid Dec.

Format: Teams

Cost: free!



eCYBERMISSION is a free, web-based science, technology, engineering and math competition for students in grades six through nine. Compete for regional and national awards while working to solve problems in your community. Teams first select one of these Mission Challenges: Alternative Sources of Energy; Ecosystems; Environment; Food, Health & Fitness; Nanotechnology; National Security & Safety; Robots & Robotics; Speed, Velocity, Acceleration, Vectors & Scalars; Sports & Recreation. Then, teams use identify a specific community problem related to the topic, that your team can address. Finally, apply science, math and technology to come up with a solution. Teams submit their entries using a Mission Folder which contains info about: the Mission Challenge selected; the specific problem identified and what you learned. The Judges will read and score the answers to determine winners of the competition. Although not required, teams can upload other files such as graphics, photos, documents and HTML (web) pages to support their answers.



To serve as an eCYBERMISSION volunteer, you must have a background or interest in STEM or education. There are three volunteer roles available; Ambassadors, CyberGuides and Virtual Judges.

To volunteer, please e-mail volunteerprogram@ecybermission.com or call 1-866-462-9237.



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JETS (Junior Engineering & Technical Society) TEAMS Competition

Websites: http://www.jets.org/teams/ & http://nsbefac.yolasite.com/

Ages: High School

Registration Dates: Open thru winter

Format: Teams of 4 – 8 students

Cost: ~$150 / team



The JETS TEAMS program is an annual high school competition challenging students to work collaboratively and apply their math and science knowledge in practical, creative ways to solve real everyday engineering challenges. Focused on a theme each year, original academic and innovative concepts are developed for the competition based on the National Academy of Engineering’s Grand Challenges. Tackling these challenges requires critical job-readiness skills such as collaboration, analytical thinking, and multidimensional problem-solving. Working in a written competition format, teams of four to eight students to face off during two ninety-minute parts: Part 1: Eight scenarios with 10 multiple choice questions each, requiring team members to apply math and science knowledge to novel situations; Part 2: Eight tasks to be answered in a short essay format, expanding students' ideas as they explain their ideas for engineering solutions. The one-day competitions take place at over 100 locations between February and March through a partnership with high school educators, universities, corporations, and professional organizations. Involving more than 10,000 students, schools and groups will compete just one day during the four-week period. Teams vie for competition day, state, and national rankings and awards. 'Best Overall' national awards are given to the 1st - 3rd place teams in each level as determined by the team's national score (Part 1 plus Part 2). The two 1st place 'Best Overall' teams (one per level) receive a $2,500 cash prize, team trophy, student medals and certificates.



The Maryland State JETS TEAMS Competition is hosted in late March or early April by the NSBE – Frederick Alumni Chapter, 5275 Westview Dr., Frederick MD 21703. Phone: 301-228-6167. Email: Ms. Sherry Grayson, slgrayso@bechtel.com. The 2011 registration deadline is 3/15/11. There are multiple competitions in VA and DC.



JETS TEAMS Coaches are needed! To volunteer, please contact, teams@jets.org .



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TSA (Technology Student Association) Middle School Student Challenges

Website: http://www.tsaweb.org/Middle-School-Competitions

Ages: Middle School

Registration Dates: Open thru winter

Format: Teams

Cost: ~$90 membership fee +



The Technology Student Association (TSA) is the only student organization devoted exclusively to the needs of students interested in technology. Open to students enrolled in or who have completed technology education courses, TSA’s membership includes over 150,000 middle and high school students in 2,000 schools spanning 48 states. Only TSA members have the opportunity to compete at exciting state conferences and then at the annual National Conference. Expert judging by technology educators and industry representatives inspires the best from participants. Judges & Volunteers are needed to support competitions at the State (http://www.tsaweb.org/State-Conferences) and National level. Volunteers should contact general@tsaweb.org. The 2011 National TSA Conference will take place June 21 - June 25th, 2011 at the Gaylord Texan Resort, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, Texas 76051.



Middle school students participate in the following TSA challenges:



1. Agriculture and Biotechnology Issues: Participants (three teams per state) conduct research on a contemporary agriculture or biotechnology issue of their choosing, document their research, and create a display. The information gathered may be student-performed research or a re-creation or simulation of research performed by the scientific community. If appropriate, a model or prototype depicting some aspect of the issue may be included in the display.



2. Career Prep: Participants (one individual per chapter) conduct research on a selected technology-related career and use the knowledge gained to prepare a resume and cover letter, complete a job application, and participate in a mock interview.



3. Challenging Technology Issues: Participants (three teams of two members per state) prepare and deliver an extemporaneous debate style presentation, with team members explaining opposing views of a current technology issue that has been selected on site from a choice of three options.



4. Chapter Team: Participants (one team of six members per chapter) demonstrate their understanding of parliamentary procedure relative to business meetings. Participants must successfully complete a written parliamentary procedures test in order to proceed to the semifinals, where they perform an opening ceremony, dispose of three items of business, and perform a closing ceremony within a specified time period.



5. Communication Challenge: Participants (one individual per chapter, one entry per individual) write, design and produce 1) a newsletter that promotes the chapter’s activities, 2) an effective sponsor support request on chapter letterhead, and 3) a business card. Semifinalists work creatively under constraints to design a solution to an on-site problem.



6. Construction Challenge: Participants (one team per chapter) submit a display that documents the use of their leadership and technical skills to fulfull a community need related to construction. Semifinalists discuss their projects in a presentation and an interview.



7. Digital Photography: Participants (three individuals per state) produce and submit an album of digital photographs consisting of color or black and white digital photographs that present a theme in journalistic style. Semifinalists produce three digital photographs taken at the conference site that have been edited appropriately for the on-site task.



8. Dragster: Participants (two individuals per chapter, one entry per individual) design, produce working drawings for, and build a CO2-powered dragster according to stated specifications and using only certain specified materials.



9. Electronic Gaming: Participants [one team (of at least two participants) per chapter, one entry per team] develop an E-rated game that focuses on the subject of their choice. The game should be interesting, exciting, visually appealing and intellectually challenging. A working, interactive game is submitted for evaluation.



10. Engineering Structure: Participants (one team of two members per chapter) work to determine superior engineering as they conduct research and then model and test a structure that is designed to hold the greatest load. Teams submit their models for destructive testing.



11. Environmental Focus: Participants (one team per chapter, one entry per team) identify and research a specific environmental problem or issue that has been influenced by advancements in technology. Students present their findings in the form of a multimedia presentation.



12. Flight: Participants (two individuals per chapter, one entry each) study the principles of flight and design in order to fabricate (using materials provided) and test-fly gliders. Gliders must be designed to be launched from a catapult that is provided on site. Flight duration of the gliders and documentation of the design process are the primary elements of the evaluation.



13. Global Manufacturing: Participants [one team (of no more than six students) formed from the three TSA chapters involved] design, manufacture and package a marketable mass-produced product through a collaborative effort. Two completed products will be included in the display for this event.



14. Go Green Manufacturing: Participants (one team of at least three individuals per chapter, one entry per team) design and manufacture a product using recycled material that has been donated from business or industry. The chapter submits documentation of chapter activities and two product samples made during the manufacturing experience.



15. Graphic Design: Participants (two individuals per chapter, one entry per individual) create and produce a graphic design that is appropriate for national TSA conference publications and other small promotional items. In a given year the design must promote the theme for the next year’s national TSA conference.



16. Inventions and Innovations: Participants [one team (with a minimum of three individuals) per chapter, one entry per team] investigate and determine the need for the invention or innovation of a device, system or process. Team members will 1) create a prototype or model, 2) develop a stand-alone multimedia presentation and 3) document work completed as they prepare to promote and demonstrate their idea for the invention or innovation. Semifinalists make an oral presentation to a panel of judges who will act as a group of venture capitalists interested in providing funding for the development of the idea.



17. Leadership Strategies: Participants (one team of three individuals per chapter) work in teams to develop a plan of action that addresses a specific challenging situation provided on site. Under time constraints, semifinalists develop a plan for a second situation and then make a team presentation.



18. Lights, Camera, Action: Participants [three teams (a team may be an individual or a group) per state] develop and submit a detailed storyboard, production plan and finished video that depicts the chapter’s involvement in TSA, technology education, or community service.



19. Medical Technology Issues: Participants [three teams per state (two or more participants per team), one entry per team] conduct research on a contemporary medical technology issue of their choosing, document their research, and create a display. The information gathered may include student-performed research or a re-creation or simulation of research performed by the scientific community. If appropriate, a model or prototype depicting some aspect of the issue may be included in the display.



20. Multimedia Production: Participants (one individual per chapter, one entry per individual) create and design a stand-alone multimedia presentation to promote TSA.



21. Prepared Speech: Participants (one individual per chapter) develop and deliver an oral presentation that reflects the theme of the current year’s national conference



22. Problem Solving: Participants (one team of two individuals per chapter) use problem solving skills to develop a finite solution to a stated problem given on site. Participants work as a team to provide the best solution, which is measured objectively.



23. Robot TOBOR: Participants(one team of two members per chapter, one entry per team) design, fabricate, test, record the design and work efforts for, and demonstrate the use of a remote-controlled robot that can complete a course and perform a designated task.



24. System Control Technology: Participants (one team of three members per state, one entry per team) develop a computer-controlled model solution to a problem provided on site. Typically, the problem is a scenario of a situation in an industrial setting that requires a solution. Teams analyze the problem, build a computer controlled mechanical model, program the model, explain the program and mechanical features of the model-solution, and leave instructions for operating the device.



25. Tech Bowl: Participants (one team of three individuals per chapter) are required to complete a written objective examination to qualify for the oral question/response, head-to-head team competition phase of the event.



26. Technical Drawing: Participants (two individuals per chapter) demonstrate the ability to read and interpret technical sketches, drawings, and the use of materials when they complete a technical design and illustration test. Semifinalists demonstrate their ability to solve an on-site technical design problem using standard sketching, drafting, and problem-solving techniques.



27. Techno Talk: Participants (two teams of two members each per state) demonstrate the ability to work together in teams of randomly paired students in order to build and replicate a structure using limited communication.



28. Transportation Challenge: Participants (two individuals per chapter, one entry per individual) design, engineer, and fabricate a battery-powered vehicle that covers a course in the shortest amount of time.



29. TSA Cup: Marine Design Participants (one team of at least two individuals per chapter, one entry per team) develop a model of a propeller-driven race boat (that has an affiliation with a country) that is tested and raced in a water tank. Participants construct a display that features the team’s chosen country and its boat.



30. TSA VEX Robotics Competition: Participants (teams of three to six students) engage in a signature head-to-head robotics competition that promotes student understanding and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) areas.



31. Website Design: Participants (one team of three to five members per chapter, one entry per team) are required to design, build and launch a World Wide Web site that features the team’s research about a cutting edge science, technology, engineering or mathematics-related topic. Pre-conference semifinalists participate in an on-site interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise gained during the development of the website.



32. Write Now! Technical Writing: Participants (three individuals per state) conduct research on two or three specified subtopics of a broader technological area and, using the knowledge and resources gained through that research, write a comprehensive report on the one subtopic that is designated on site.



33. ZAP IT! Electrical Applications: Participants (two individuals per chapter) demonstrate knowledge of basic electrical and electronic theory through a written test. Semifinalists assemble a specific circuit from a schematic diagram (using a kit provided), make required electrical measurements and explain their solution during an interview.

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TSA (Technology Student Association) High School Student Challenges

Website: http://www.tsaweb.org/High-School-Competitions

Ages: High School

Registration Dates: Open thru winter

Format: Teams

Cost: ~$90 membership fee +



The Technology Student Association (TSA) is the only student organization devoted exclusively to the needs of students interested in technology. Open to students enrolled in or who have completed technology education courses, TSA’s membership includes over 150,000 middle and high school students in 2,000 schools spanning 48 states. Only TSA members have the opportunity to compete at exciting state conferences and then at the annual National Conference. Expert judging by technology educators and industry representatives inspires the best from participants. Judges & Volunteers are needed to support competitions at the State (http://www.tsaweb.org/State-Conferences) and National level. Volunteers should contact general@tsaweb.org. The 2011 National TSA Conference will take place June 21 - June 25th, 2011 at the Gaylord Texan Resort, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, Texas 76051.



High School students participate in the following TSA challenges:



1. Animatronics: Participants (one team per chapter, one entry per team) demonstrate knowledge of mechanical and control systems by designing, fabricating and controlling an animatronics device that will communicate, entertain, inform, demonstrate and/or illustrate a topic, idea, subject or concept. Sound, lights and a surrounding environment must accompany the device.



2. Architectural Model: Participants (one individual or team per chapter, one entry per individual or team) develop a set of architectural plans and related materials for an annual architectural design challenge and construct an architectural model to accurately depict the design.



3. Biotechnology Design: Participants (three teams per state) select a contemporary biotechnology problem that relates to the current year’s published area of focus and demonstrate understanding of it through documented research, the development of a solution, a display, and an effective multimedia presentation. If appropriate, a model or prototype of the solution may be included in the display. Participants may choose to recreate or simulate research that previously has been performed within the scientific community. The biotechnology area of focus for 2011 is Genetic Engineering. The biotechnology area of focus for 2012 is Pharmaceutical/Agricultural Chemicals.



4. Career Comparisons: Participants (one individual per chapter) thoroughly research various technology-related careers that are associated with one of the following technology areas: Biotechnology, Communications, Energy and Power, Engineering, Manufacturing, Medical Technology, Technology Education Teaching, Transportation, or Construction. After documenting the research, each student submits a cover letter and resume for the selected career and completes a formal job application. Semifinalists participate in an on-site mock interview.



5. Chapter Team (Written and Oral): Participants (one team of six members per chapter) take a written parliamentary procedures test in order to proceed to the semifinals. Semifinalist teams perform an opening ceremony, dispose of three items of business, and perform a closing ceremony within a specified time period. Click here for a video description of this event.



6. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) 2D, Architecture: Participants (two individuals per state) create representations, such as foundation and/or floor plans, and/or elevation drawings, and/or details of architectural ornamentation or cabinetry. Students may be expected to animate a presentation of their entry.



7. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) 3D, Engineering: Participants (two individuals per state) create 3D computer model(s) of an engineering or machine object, such as a machine part, tool, device, or manufactured product. Students may be expected to animate a portion of their model.



8. Construction Renovation: Participants (three teams per state) develop a set of presentation boards to include plans, illustrations and finishes for a specified space. The solution must include all applicable construction systems. Click here for the design brief.



9. Debating Technological Issues: Participants (three teams of two members per state) debate against a team/s from another chapter in order to advance to the semifinals. The teams are instructed on site to take either the pro or con side of a topic that is designated annually.



10. Desktop Publishing: Participants (one individual per state, one entry per individual) develop a notebook that includes a tri-fold pamphlet, a three-column newsletter, and a poster. All participants (not just semifinalists) then work to solve an on-site problem that demonstrates their abilities to use the computer to design, edit, and print materials for publication.



11. Digital Video Production: Participants (three teams per state, one entry per team) develop a digital video/film that focuses on the given year’s theme. Sound may accompany the film.



12. Dragster Design: Participants (two individuals per chapter, one entry per individual) design, produce working drawings for, and build a CO2-powered dragster.



13. Engineering Design: Participants (one team of three to five members per chapter, one entry per team) work as part of a team to solve a design problem. Through use of a model/prototype, display, and design notebook, the team explains in detail how it has solved the problem and the solution’s impact on society and the environment. Semifinalists demonstrate the problem and solution in a timed presentation.



14. Essays on Technology: Participants (three individuals per state) conduct research in an announced technological area and, using the knowledge and personal insights gained from this research, write a persuasive essay on one subtopic selected from two or three related subtopics designated on site.



15.