First Tech Challenge (usfirst.org) is a robotics program designed to expose teenagers to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through challenging robotic games that requires them to design, prototype, build, test, and program autonomous and driver-operated robots to perform a series of tasks. The program encourages young students to engage in activities that foster well-rounded life capabilities and promote teamwork, creativity, hard work and “gracious-professionalism”.
Polar Vortex Robotics team (9132) started in September 2014 as six eighth graders from Eagan, Lakeville North and Rosemont, Minnesota in the basement of Darren and Nichole Hester’s home. In four months, they built a competition robot, created a team name and logo and started their engineering notebook to document their development journey. The team focuses on building a robust robot, drafting an engineering notebook (documents design ideas, programming details, pictures of their CAD), constructing sensors, outreach with the engineering community and branding with a team site at polarvortex9132.com. Darren Hester says, “The FTC motto, ‘It’s the hardest fun you’ll ever have’, has really resonated with the students.”
The team at Travel Tags, Inc. offer a variety of 1:1 mentorship opportunities, from explanation of lenticular, to development of a business card that applied this science, to individual financial support. The team did a group presentation prior to the Minnesota FTC Stratasys State Championship on February 21st where Polar Vortex placed seventh. Minnesota has 108 registered teams competing in the 2014/15 season, with the top six continuing to the FTC North Super Regional contest from March 26-28th in Des Moines, Iowa. The team has been invited to help organize the Regional Championships and is working to attend the FIRST World Championships in St. Louis, Missouri in April. This team is currently raising funds via gofundme (gofundme.com/polarvortex9132), selling candy and bagging groceries to support these events.
Looking to elevate the incentive experience with a customizable B2B solution? Be sure to read our latest article in the Gift Card Network's 2015 Challenge Guide, highlighting the successful partnership between Travel Tags and Cabela's for their B2B gift card program. Flip to page 38.
Sponsored by Travel Tags and the Gift Card Network
PRESENTERS: Martha Weaver, of the Gift Card Network, and Katy LaSee, of Travel Tags
DATE: Wednesday, April 29, 2015
TIME: 1pm CST / 2pm EST
TOPIC: In December of 2014, the Gift Card Network, with the support of Travel Tags, set out to evaluate All Things Gift Card that were happening in-store. The team visited over 185 brands and recorded its findings. We documented card construction, number of unique images, fixtures, packaging options and signage. This webinar will showcase our findings and industry trends.
Click HERE to register!
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