1997 Archive

NASA Press Release
February 13, 1997

EAST TECH HIGH SCHOOL AND LEWIS RESEARCH CENTER DESIGN ROBOT FOR NATIONAL COMPETITION

    FIRST (formerly known as U.S. FIRST) is a not-for-profit organiza-tion working to create a demand for science and math learning among today's youth. "The Competition - 1997" affords students the unique opportunity to learn and experience science and engineering in an exciting and competitive environment.

    East Tech and NASA Lewis have teamed up to design and build a "robo-athlete" for the radio-controlled robot competition every year since 1994. Their efforts last year resulted in their "robo-gladiator," named the Scarabian Knight, and the team placing ninth in a field of 78 teams from engineering high schools around the country.

    In January 1997, all the teams registered to participate in "The Competition" received identical kits of parts provided by FIRST. Also, the goal for "The Competition" was announced: To build a robot in six weeks that can place inner tube-type objects on a revolving goal for points while defending that goal against competing robots.

 Thirty students from East Tech, the thematic engineering high school in the Cleveland City School District and the only urban school in the competition, and ten engineers and technicians at Lewis are participating in the project. The students traveled after school twice a week with a school sponsor to NASA Lewis to work on the design, construction and testing of the robot.

    "The kids are counting on us not only to help them in the design and building of a robot but also to show them what it takes for engineers to accomplish a project like this," said Michael Krasowski, of the Instrumentation and Controls Division at NASA Lewis. "It is an interesting challenge and great fun working with the students.

    TRW, Inc., Battelle Memorial Institute and Centerior Energy are corporate partners providing financial assistance and personnel with expertise relative to various aspects of the competition.

    A representative from Batelle Memorial Institute, Julie Rehm, has worked with team member documenting the team's progress. Based on documentation submitted, the Chairman's Award will be presented to the team which achieves excellence by working well together. Ms. Rehm and her company are committed to K-12 science education programs, and she stated, "I am proud to be part of such a excellent team."