R U VEXed by Robots?

Engaging students in math, science, and technology is one of the most important factors in creating tomorrow's workforce. This is of particular importance in America, where math and science education is lagging behind other countries, leaving our nation trailing in the number of engineers produced each year. At Seminole Ridge High School, the SECME club has undertaken several projects to combat this problem, along with other projects to promote excellence in engineering.

At the annual SECME (Science, Engineering, Communication and Math Excellence) Regional Competition, over 200 high school students square off in engineering contests to team design and test vehicles powered by mousetraps, bridges that withstand pressure testing, water bottle rockets that were launched and evaluated for distance, general knowledge games with the "Brain Bowl," and in literary and artistic competitions with essays, mission patches, banners, and posters.

For the 2008-2009, SECME is facilitating a low-cost, high impact robotics program that will encourage more students to continue their education beyond high school and ultimately to choose science-, technology-, engineering-, and mathematics-related careers. In this highly engaging after-school program, students collaborate with their teachers and industry leaders, using their skills and knowledge in science, math, engineering, and technology to configure high-tech robotics to meet a preset series of tasks.

This is the type of program that builds interest from the ground up. Students acquire a ‘can do spirit’ and they get an opportunity to learn from their mentors and motivators in ways that build confidence and pride in their accomplishments. The VEX Robotics Design System starter kit contains everything students need to design a robot, with vast creative possibilities. This valuable project requires significant funding—each kit costs $321 – and is entirely supported by student fundraising and your donations.

The SECME school coordinators would greatly appreciate any contribution you and your business can provide. All gifts are recognized. Please consider contributing $321 and help us reach our goal before November 30th by making a donation to: Seminole Ridge High School SECME

I hope very much that you will be able to say “yes” to our appeal, and will truly appreciate whatever you can give.

Engage: Blow Out! Puff Mobile

E-Week's Build an Air Powered Car (requires Adobe Acrobat)

Materials Needed:
- 3 drinking straws
- 4 Lifesavers candy
- 1 piece of copier paper
- 2 paper clips
- 50 centimeters of tape
- Pair of scissors

Instructions:
1. Make a jet-car out using only 3 plastic drinking straws, 4 wintergreen lifesavers, 1 piece of paper, 2 paper clips and 50 centimeters of tape.
2. Here's the catch: you can only use your breath to make them move! To power your jet-car, you blow on it. Can you get your jet-car to move 3 meters (10 feet)?
3. Race them. Have rival teams design and make their own jet-cars, then have a jet-car competition. See who can move their jet-car 3 meters (10 feet) with the fewest number of breaths, or the shortest amount of time.