Philadelphia Youth Start a New Kind of Basketball Team

Jan. 16, 2012 - PRLog -- Atomic Robotics 4-H, a Masterman High School robotics club, is preparing unique offense and defense strategies to prepare for the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) “Rebound Rumble” robotics basketball competition.

Former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush announced the 2012 national competition theme, “Rebound Rumble,” on Saturday, January 7.  Over the next six-weeks, the 40-member Atomic Robotics 4-H team from Masterman High School will meet to brainstorm, design, and build a robot that can shoot a basketball.  

“Rebound Rumble” is a competition to encourage robotic development.  During the match, two alliances – each consisting of three independently controlled robots – compete to score as many baskets as possible during a 2-minute and 15-second match.  Upon completion, each robotics teams will compete in a tournament, similar to NCAA March Madness, and the winner advances to higher levels of competition.

Through this competition, high school youth not only learn how to build and operate robots, but also learn how to tackle real world technical problems and shape their futures.

“I want to become an engineer in the future, said Mikelanxhelo Novruzaj, a member of the Atomic Robotics 4-H club at Masterman High School.  “Hopefully I will build something that will improve the lives of future generations.”

Founded in 2011 in response to stringent budget cuts to extracurricular activities in the Philadelphia Public School system, Atomic Robotics 4-H aims to offer students from any Philadelphia school the opportunity to explore new technical areas and inspire students to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) related fields.

About Atomic Robotics
The Atomic Robotics 4-H club is an opportunity for students from any Philadelphia school to explore new technical areas and enjoy after school camaraderie.  Started in 2011, the goal of the robotics club is to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) related fields.  With some help from mentors in the field, teachers, and online resources, students engage in the production of robots.  This process not only ends with the creation of a robot, but also succeeds in increasing self-confidence, improving communication skills, improving leadership skills, and developing character.  Working with their peers and mentors, students gain valuable social and technical skills.

For More Information:
Contact:  Jacqui Seidel
Phone:  215.564.0711 x 16
Email:  jseidel@odmgrp.com

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To prepare the next generations of Philadelphia students to succeed academically in science, technology, engineering and mathematics via robotics, competition, teamwork and fun.