PULLMAN, Wash.–Ten Washington State University engineering students plan a sweep through Seattle May 10-16 to show school kids the fun side of engineering. They will showcase several of their creations, which have included a scuttle-bot robot Callivan, a six-legged competitor Titus Andronicus, a mini-micro-Baja remote-controlled dune buggy, a remote-controlled airplane, and various small hero robots, spinning gyroscopes and other scaled prototypes for submersible and biped robots.
In response to their road show offer to Seattle School District Science Coordinator Joan Abdellah, they have been deluged with inquiries. The techno-troupe begins its program with a skit, demonstrates their wares and answers kids’ questions about the world of technology and the pathways to engineering careers — which begin with inquiring minds.
WSU Robotics Team, now into its third year, has already visited Spokane, Pullman and Tri-Cities’ schools in other years. They were featured on the World of Wonder when their eight -legged robot Henry the 8th competed in the national Society of Automotive Engineers Walking Decathlon two years ago. Titus Andronicus was scheduled for battle at this same competition this April, but was accidently shipped to Miami instead of Mexico!
The team’s public relations manager, Paul Dailey, said the group also will be at the Seattle Science Center Saturday and Sunday, May 10-11, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., demonstrating the robots to the general public.
School visitations are:
Monday, May 12:
Bailey Gatzert Elementary, 1301 E Yesler Way, 200 kids grades 3-5, arrive 9:30 a.m., present 10-11 a.m.; Washington Middle School, 2101 S Jackson, 2-3 classes, arrive noon, present
12:25-2 p.m.
Tuesday, May 13:
Olympic View Elementary, 504 NE 95th St., 200 kids grades 3-5, arrive 9 a.m., present 9:30-10 a.m.; Mt. Baker Middle School, 620 37th Av. SE, Auburn, 230 6th graders, arrive 11:30 a.m., present 12-1 p.m.
Wednesday, May 14:
Auburn Riverside High School, 501 Oravetz Rd., 40-60 science students, arrive 8:30 a.m., present 8:45-10 a.m.; Auburn High School, arrive 12:30 p.m., present 1:20-2:35 p.m.
Thursday, May 15:
Lawton Elementary, 4000 27th Av. W, arrive 9 a.m., present 9:30-10:30 a.m.; American Indian Heritage High School, 1330 N 90th, 12:30-2 p.m.
Friday, May 16:
Bagley Elementary, 7821 Stone Av. N, arrive 8:30 a.m., present 9-10 a.m.; Madison Middle School, 3429 45th Av. SW, 100 kids, noon, present 12:30-2 p.m.
WSU’s College of Engineering and Architecture and its School of Mechanical and Materials Science is working with K-12 schools and Community Colleges to engage more youth in the fields of science and engineering. “The objective is to prepare the Workforce 2000 who will provide tomorrow’s technologies,” said Dailey. He can be contacted at 509/334-2513, or the Robotics Club Office at 509/335-3867.
nh127
