:2009-09-16 Parent Introduction to Downingtown Robotics

Parent Night 2009 Agenda

Entire Group

Overview of Robotics at Downingtown
Team history
- Started in 2004 by Paul Sabatino - First Robtotics Challenge Team 1640
- Vex team started in 2007 as First Vex Challenge team 3155
- Vex team grows to teams 81,82 in 2008 and to teams 81,82,89,1640 in 2009
Introduction to First Robotics Challenge
Introduction to VEX Robotics Challenge
- Standard set of components - like Erector Set
- Limited metal (cutting and bending, no welding)
- Robots limited to 18" cube, 10 motors and one battery
Introduction to First Lego League
Standard code of conduct/responsibility for roboteers

Schedule for the upcoming year
- FRC
  - FRC Fall Meetings
  - FRC Fall Events
    - Duel on the Delaware
    - Ramp Riot
  - FRC Build Season
  - FRC Regional Competitions
    - Travel event (ie Fingerlakes)
    - Local event (Drexel)
- VEX
  - VEX Build Season
  - Local Competitions
    - Penn State Abington - December 5, 2009
    - Christopher Dock High School (Lansdale) - January 23, 2010
    - Eastern Pennsylvania Regionals (Downingtown) - March 13 2010
      - We host this competition as a fund rasing event
  - Travel event
    - Mid Atlantic Championships - 26,27 February
      - Held in Westminster Maryland
      - Drive down Friday morning, return late Saturday night
      - Parents must attend with their roboteer
- FLL
  - FLL Build Season
  - FLL Events
Fundraising / Sponsors
- Money to sponsor the team comes from donations from sponsors and from Muffin sales.
Mentors
- VEX mentor training - can tell "left" from "right" and can button a shirt - we teach the rest
- Adult mentor training Tuesday nights 6:30-8:30