Stamford Robotics

The 4th Annual Stamford Robotics Expo was held in 2011 on February 13th!

31 Jr. FLL teams, 5 FLL teams, over 75 volunteers, as well as some very special guests, made for a fantastic event.  We celebrated our youth and their awesome LEGO creations and science knowledge. A fun time was had by all.

Over 200 young students representing teams from: Stamford Elementary Schools; Stamford community organizations like Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, and CTE; 8 Girl Scout sponsored teams from across Connecticut; a community team; and a team from Wolcott Connecticut were in attendance. Jr. FLL teams (age 6 to 9) explained the LEGO models they created to the event reviewers, talked about their "show me" poster, and told about all the cool things they learned researching this year's "Body Forward" biomedical engineering theme. Meanwhile FLL teams (age 9 to 14) had one more chance to run their FLL robots, competing in head-to-head competition with other FLL teams with the robots they built and programmed themselves.

Put Your Best BODY FORWARD Event Activity

After Jr. FLL reviews and FLL robot runs were complete, the Jr. FLL teams participated in this year's Expo Event Activity "Where Engineering Meets Medicine Put Your Best BODY FORWARD".  Event activity director Rachel Winsor kicked off the activity with Mayor Pavia and Bobby Valentine and high school event volunteers. During the activity the teams visited 8 hospital departments learning something new while doing a fun activity including a giant "Mr. Potato Head" game, jumping rope, and Simon says.

Then it was time for awards. All FLL teams were rewarded for their participation and completing their challenge season. Jr. FLL teams each received an award and LEGO trophy recognizing their team strengths and success.

Key Note Speaker and Award Presenter

A special thank you to Eileen Swerdlick for kicking our event off as keynote speaker, as well as Dudley Williams for acting as our official award presenter.  Their inspirational words and support for FIRST programs are much appreciated.

Special Visitors

In addition to those already mentioned we would like to thank Senator Richard Blumenthal for making time in his busy schedule to share some words of inspiration during our closing ceremony.  Senator Blumenthal was our awards presenter two year's ago and we haven't forgotten his support. The audience was very excited when Senator Blumenthal promised to highlight their achievements with Vice President Biden.

Stamford Robotics Club and Volunteers

Many volunteers of all ages helped make this event possible. Whether serving as reviewers, event activity volunteers, team coaches or mentors, or just helping out the day of the activity - this event would not be possible without their support.

We'd like to especially highlight the new Stamford Robotics club formed at Stamford High School by Dawn Winsor. We thank them and expect great things from them in the future! Want to form a Stamford Robotics club at your high school?  Contact us.

What's next for Connecticut FIRST

FIRST offers STEM programs featuring robotics and technology for all kids grades K to 12.  Want to see the "big kids" play?  Their robots are full size, and compete three-on-three on basketball size fields!  It's cool and has to be experienced to be believed. It's open to the public, and it's coming up soon! Check it out by attending the CT FIRST Regional.

Ready for the 2011/2012 Food Factor and Snack Attack season?

Stamford Robotics will be starting early this year. Make sure to sign up for our mailing list so you don't miss out.

All Jr. FLL teams will be invited some time in May to the Ferguson library for a "Let's Read Together" day featuring books on next year's topic! You won't want to miss it.

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Note: Electronic copies of the event program will be published to our website in the next few days.

We're in the press! Read stories posted to The Daily Stamford and The Stamford Advocate.