This weekend, the Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) is hosting a For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology® (FIRST) Robotics Fest and Competition, with the museum’s upper level turning into a battling arena for student-designed and -built robots.
The robots, created by talented members of more than 20 local FIRST Robotics teams, will compete in a lively game of Ultimate Ascent. During Ultimate Ascent, two alliances made up of three robots each will compete to see which team can score the most points by shooting discs into goals. Each match lasts two minutes and 15 seconds, with teams achieving more points the higher the goal is positioned. The matches end with robots circling back toward the middle of the field to climb up pyramids. Points are awarded based on how high each robot climbs and are added to the teams overall score.
“Our mission at Mi-Sci is to engage both children and adults in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, otherwise known as STEM, which is something that FIRST Robotics is truly excelling at,” said Julie Johnson, director of education of the Michigan Science Center. “Partnering with community organizations with similar goals, like FIRST, allows us to propel our mission forward and show additional community members just how fun science can be.”
By attending this engaging STEM activity, Mi-Sci visitors and FIRST Robotics fans will have a chance to cheer on their home teams, control a real robot and learn the secrets behind how the savvy machines were developed.
Competitions run from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 1 and from noon – 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 2.
The following teams will be participating in the FIRST Robotics Fest and Competition: • Auburn Hills: Team 33, Notre Dame Preparatory School • Bloomfield Hills: Team 469, International Academy • Brandon: Team 68, Brandon High School • Brownstown: Team 3604, Woodhaven High School • Canton: Team 862, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools • Dexter: Team 3656, Dexter High School • Goodrich: Team 70, Goodrich High School • Grand Blanc: Team 2337, Grand Blanc High School • Grosse Pointe: Team 1189, Grosse Pointe North and Grosse Pointe South High Schools • Hopkins: Team 2054, Hopkins High School • Howell: Team 4776, Howell High School • Lake Fenton: Team 2145, Lake Fenton High School • Lapeer: Team 1684, Lapeer High School • Novi: Team 503, Novi High School • Rochester Hills: Team 245, Rochester Adams High School • South Lyon: Team 3641, South Lyon High School • Troy: Team 4384, International Academy Central • Utica: Teams 217 and 2851, Utica Community Schools • Waterford: Team 2612, Waterford Mott High School; Team 3098, Waterford Kettering
Watching the FIRST Robotics competition is free with paid general admission. Advance group reservations for parties of 12 or more can receive a special $6 general admission rate. For more information visit www.Mi-Sci.org.
About The Michigan Science Center
The Michigan Science Center is a hands-on museum that inspires children and their families to discover, explore and appreciate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in a creative, dynamic learning environment. The Science Center features five theaters, including Michigan’s largest screen at the Chrysler IMAX® Dome Theatre; the Dassault Systèmes Planetarium; the Toyota Engineering Theater; the DTE Energy Sparks Theater; the Chrysler Science Stage; a 9,800 square-foot Traveling Science Hall for special exhibits; hands-on exhibit galleries focusing on space, life and physical science; Kids Town just for pint-size scientists; along with, education and outreach programs.
For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, www.Mi-Sci.org.
