NEW ORLEANS (April 30, 2014) — On May 10 The National WWII Museum will host its second annual Robotics Challenge, an exciting opportunity for middle school students to participate in active problem solving all based on real-life scenarios from WWII. This regional student robotics competition serves as a signature piece of the Museum’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) initiative aimed at encouraging young people to explore opportunities in science and math. The Museum’s robotics competition will give 40 teams from middle schools across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas and Georgia the opportunity to develop skills in engineering design, computer programming, teamwork, critical thinking and research.
“Chevron supports STEM education and believes in collaboratively working with partners on innovative STEM programs,” said Chevron’s General Manager of Public Affairs Sakari Morrison. “Supporting Robotics is part of Chevron’s on-going commitment to science, technology, engineering, and math education in the region. Initiatives like the Robotics Challenge excite students about STEM education, encourage them to pursue STEM courses and ultimately, STEM careers.”
“Our robotics program provides young people with a rigorous, cross-curricular program that puts science and technology in the context of World War II history,” said Annie Tête, STEM Education Coordinator for the Museum. “We seek to engage students in hands-on learning that emphasizes the 21st century skills necessary for the STEM careers of the future.”
The theme of the 2014 Robotics Challenge focuses on the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion with the propaganda poster inspired title, “Back the ‘Bot.” Robotics teams prepare for months, building an autonomous robot using LEGO® MINDSTORMS® and preparing a research project. The WWII-themed playing field includes robot missions of deciphering an enemy code, avoiding beach obstacles and unloading soldiers from a Higgins boat.
The Museum’s robotics program is sponsored by AT&T, Chevron and Entergy Corporation with additional support from the Bruce J. Heim Foundation and Crystal Clear Imaging.
The event will begin at 9:00 am. Robot matches will run from 10:45 am until 1:00 pm with the awards ceremony at 2:00 pm. All events are free and open to registered teams and competition volunteers. Registration is now closed, as the 2014 Challenge is full. For more information please click here or contact Annie Tête at annie.tete@nationalww2museum.org or 504-528-1944 x 315.
The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world — why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and the Home Front. For more information, call 877-813-3329 or 504-527-6012 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org. Follow us on Twitter at WWIImuseum or visit our Facebook fan page.