Thanks to two generous Google Community Grants, the GTA has a program to loan LEGO Mindstorms NXT robotics kits and laptops to schools and youth groups around the Gorge! This program ties into the GTA’s goal to provide educational opportunities for the regional workforce.
The kits are a great way to teach introductory computer programming skills and get kids excited about science and engineering. Kits come with the robots ready to go and with laptops equipped with the software to run the robots. The classroom set (12 robots/ laptops) is available for one-month loans.
The GTA’s Youth Robotics Program activities also include:
- Management of the Columbia Gorge FIRST® LEGO® League Qualifying Tournaments, usually in December (watch a video about our 2011 Tournaments here)
- Teacher/ mentor workshops on the equipment,
- Organization of robotics exhibitions including a free one on May 12, 2012, 10am to 2pm, Hegewald Center (710 SW Rock Creek Dr., Stevenson, WA). and
- Management of GorgeRobotics.org – the online resource for youth robotics in the Columbia Gorge, including resources for students, parents, teachers and the community. Be sure to visit this website for even more information about youth robotics activities in the Gorge!
To borrow the robotics kits or otherwise get involved, contact Jessica or call her at 541-296-2266.
