LEGO Robotics Workshop Initiative

                LEGO Robotics Workshop Initiative

·         I have a long history of public service in STEM fields as tutor, mentor, science fair judge, even some building re-hab projects. Sometimes with others, but mostly alone. At the moment I’m actively looking for new projects.

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          My recent experience with the Kalani High School Robotics program has served to make me aware of the potential value of the LEGO Mindstorms robot system.

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      This system provides scores of interesting projects at an elementary level where NO TOOLS or written instructions are required. And is, none-the-less, capable of breathtakingly complex and sophisticated projects.

·         The computer programs that direct the autonomous behavior of the robots are pictorial not literal. All the programming can be done by clicking on little graphic icons.

 ·         I am planning a month long workshop program, using LEGO robots, to bring STEM learning activities to student groups that would otherwise be culturally or economically excluded.

·         This is NOT a program for most of the kids we know, who are already ahead of their parents when they are in grade school.

 ·       One of the underserved communities is girls, another that I am especially aware of is students in the Pacific Islands, in particular those in the “US Affiliated Countries under the Compact of Free Association” such as Guam, Samoa, the Mariana Islands, Palau, the Marshall Islands, Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap.

Video link: http://bit.ly/1IgYXnf