SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
The Davidson Academy of Nevada’s Robotics Team, of 11 to 14 year olds known as “The Test
Track Dummies,” will present their research project and a working robot at the Electric Auto Association
of Northern Nevada (EAANN) monthly meeting in preparation for the FIRST Lego League (FLL)
robotics competition in Las Vegas on Dec. 5. Following the Test Track Dummies will be a second
presentation on walkability and urban design by Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) Trip
Reduction Specialist, Carol Perry.
WHEN / WHERE: Thursday, November 19, 2009, meeting begins at 6:00 pm, presentation at 6:15 pm,
at the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility, 8500 Clean Water Way, Reno, NV.
CONTACTS: Bob Tregilus (EAANN), 775.826.4514 | Jody Cram (Parent & Team Advisor)
512.554.8842 | Julie Dudley (Davidson Academy) 775.852.3483 ext. 424 | Carol Perry (RTC),
775.335.1920.
WEBSITES: http://ElectricNevada.org | http://www.DavidsonAcademy.UNR.edu | http://USfirst.org |
http://rtcwashoe.com.
ADMISSION: FREE
The Test Track Dummies, a robotics team comprised of 11 to 14 year olds from the Davidson Academy of Nevada, in preparation for the FIRST Lego League (FLL) robotics competition in Las Vegas on Dec. 5, will present their team research project focusing on the problem of pedestrian and bicycle safety along the Virginia Street and Sierra Street corridors near the University of Nevada, Reno to the Electric Auto Association of Northern Nevada (EAANN) meeting attendees.
Members of the Test Track Dummies will also demonstrate the robot they built as a requirement for entry in the FLL competition. The five-minute presentation will be followed by an interactive discussion with EAANN members
regarding the team’s findings and proposed solution.
“I love robotics and FLL is a really exciting experience,” said Addison Cram (age 11), Test Track Dummies team member. “It also feels great to get out into the community and share what we’ve learned.”
The mission of the FLL is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
Dean Kamen, FLL founder, states his vision is “to transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes.”Team member Dylan Bowman (age 13) said, “First Lego League has taught me so much about robotics, along with working with people from diverse backgrounds.”
“The EAANN is happy to support the efforts of these young scientists and engineers,” said Bob Tregilus the group’s co-chair. “Each year the United States slides further behind the rest of the world in science and mathematics literacy, these students are certainly the exception to those alarming statistics and they deserve every encouragement from the community at large in the pursuit of their dreams.”
Following the Test Track Dummies will be a second presentation on walkability, pedestrian safety and urban design by Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) Trip Reduction Specialist, Carol Perry.
“I recently saw Carol’s excellent presentation which taught me a lot about smart-growth principles, urban policy, and how “smart-streets” should be designed,” said Tregilus. “Smart-street concepts are being deployed in the Reno/Sparks area and it’s important for everyone to understand the underlying principles as it will make us all safer drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians,” Tregilus added.
Please visit http://usfirst.org for more information about FLL robotics competitions. And learn about The Davidson Academy of Nevada, the first public school of its kind for profoundly gifted middle and high school students, at http://www.DavidsonAcademy.UNR.edu.
