Blog Posts

❤️s for robots and competition

Posted by Admin on July 11, 2018

They say to do what makes your heart beat faster.

I’m not sure who “they” are, but if you ask most of the participants of Urban Search & Rescue, THEY would definitely agree.

Twenty-two states (plus Puerto Rico!), eight middle school teams, 22 high school teams, and five postsecondary teams attended SkillsUSA® nationals in Louisville, KY, June 25-29, all doing what makes their hearts beat faster – robotics and competition. 

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Topics: Middle School, High School, Competitions, ROBOTICS, Technology, Engineering, USAR, Future Ready, TETRIX Robotics

Moving fore-ward with robotics

Posted by Preston Frazier on May 22, 2018

Here in Pittsburg, Kansas, this time of year means some stormy weather, the start of summer break, family vacations, and outdoor activities. Speaking of which, one popular summer activity is found on the fairway, the tee box, and the green.   

To celebrate National Golf Month (May), Women’s Golf Month (June), and summer in general, I designed and construct a simple robot that could help my game on the putting green. I was inspired to find some assistance because, not being an avid golfer, I need all the help I can get on the golf course!

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Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, ROBOTICS, Technology, STEM, Coding, Activities, TETRIX Robotics, 21st Century Skills

More is more: Getting the most from your middle school robotics program

Posted by Admin on May 09, 2018
Special thanks to today’s guest author, Matt Patterson. 

Matt is the education manager from Enable Education. Hes worked in education for the last seven years after starting a career programming solutions to STEM problems. He is a nanoengineering graduate from the University of Toronto, so he brings a technical background with some industry experience to STEM education. When hes not creating awesome educational resources, he enjoys playing video games and reading science fiction and fantasy novels.

Did you hear the news? We recently released our brand-new TETRIX® PRIME EV3 Module. The module, with the rest of the EV3 Component Set, means you can take the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 system you already have and use it with our TETRIX® PRIME building system. Yes, it’s time to do more with metal. We’re talking complete compatibility! Plus, we also offer 45+ hours of hands-on, minds-on curriculum designed just for the middle school classroom. It advances the possibilities of two singular systems. Talk about more for your time and money!

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Topics: Middle School, ROBOTICS, Engineering, Coding, TETRIX Robotics

FIRST® Championship renews hope for the next generation

Posted by Aaron Locke on May 03, 2018

When was the last time you were truly amazed at something? I don’t mean like, “yeah, that’s cool” amazed. I mean jaw-dropping, “I totally can’t believe what I’m seeing!” amazed. That was me during the third week of April as I attended the world FIRST® Championship in Houston.

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Topics: ROBOTICS, FIRST Tech Challenge, Technology, TETRIX Robotics, 21st Century Skills

Robots on parade! Inspiration for National Robotics Week

Posted by Melissa Karsten on April 10, 2018

Happy National Robotics Week! We  robots, so it is safe to say this is one of our favorite weeks of the year. Were celebrating with a giveaway and a parade. A robot parade, to be exact. Everyone needs a little inspiration and a smile from time to time, right?

Were fans of big bots and small ones, stationary and mobile ones, and basic and advanced ones. The creations and capabilities are endless. Robots can mimic movements and expressions. They can complete tasks. They can make processes more efficient. They can challenge us. They can even help us learn. 

Are you currently building a robot? Finalizing your competition build? Tinkering away on an idea? Check out some of our latest and greatest builds plus some from the Web. We know no matter the shape, size, or purpose of your robot,  sometimes a little inspiration can go a long way. 

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Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, ROBOTICS, FIRST Tech Challenge, Technology, Engineering, TETRIX Robotics