This week we celebrate FreeBSD Day on June 19. This national day, unfortunately, doesn’t celebrate Biscuits, Sausage, and Donuts. While that sounds delicious, this day is a little lesser known but definitely appealing.

FreeBSD Day stems from the University of California-Berkeley in 1993. FreeBSD is an open-source operating system that is considered a pioneer in open-source technology and is seen through many different platforms that we recognize today. Better yet, it’s used by billions of people across the globe, and companies use FreeBSD in their products. (www.freebsdfoundation.org)

Topics: IN THE CLASSROOM, ROBOTICS, Technology, STEM, Coding, 21st Century Skills, Hands-on Learning, Workforce Development

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”
– John F. Kennedy

Close your eyes and imagine a world without a steering wheel. Would you consider that world chaotic, or would you consider it absolute paradise? Maybe a world without a steering wheel is something you believe you’d see only in a science fiction novel. Whatever you feel, a world without a steering wheel could be closer than you think.

Topics: ROBOTICS, Science, Technology, Future Ready, TETRIX Robotics, 21st Century Skills, innovate

Top 7 things you need for FIRST^® Champ

“Remember, if you fail to prepare you are preparing to fail.”
– H. K. Williams

Will you be traveling soon to the FIRST Championship in either Houston (April 17-20) or Detroit (April 24-27)? You might be a spectator watching from afar or a fan sitting in the stands supporting your favorite robotics team. But even more exciting, you might be on one of the competing FIRST Tech Challenge teams that has made it all this way. If so, congratulations! That’s something to celebrate.

Topics: BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, Competitions, ROBOTICS, Collaborations, FIRST Tech Challenge, Technology, Social and emotional learning, TETRIX Robotics

For much of the country, it feels like winter is still in the forecast. That can be discouraging and even disappointing for some. It even seems like the groundhog got it wrong this year. However, we know as calendar days tick by, spring and summer are right around the corner. And with more sunshine and better conditions in sight, that means outdoor activities and camps are on the horizon.

Topics: BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Camps, STEM, Coding, Activities, TETRIX Robotics, Hands-on Learning

Sunday’s big game is almost here! People have made their team picks of who will win the most prestigious trophy in professional football. Even if you’re not a football fan, this is the perfect time to look at some math and science connections that your students can relate to the big game on the gridiron.

Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Culture, STEM, Resources, Activities, Physics, innovate