Bots High: Smart Kids Building Combat Robots
Above is the teaser trailer for the Bots High feature documentary. Joey Daoud has spent the past year producing and directing the Bots High film so as to document high school robotics teams who are involved (obsessed) with building combat robots for the 2010 National BotsIQ Championship.
The robotic battle, described by one student as “a nerd’s version of going to a football game,” takes place in Miami in April. Following the Miami insanity is the National BattleBots Championship in San Francisco, which is open to anyone who can build a combat robot, including high school students.
Mr. Daoud had this to say about his film:
“My goal with the film is to be entertaining to all, yet motivational to students to get them involved in science and engineering (STEM) programs and for educators to see these alternate teaching methods. A lot of the teams featured are all girls teams…I think it’d be very interesting down the line to see what careers these girls go into. 3 were accepted into MIT, the first to do so from their school in 20 something years.”
Those who use their powers for good are rarely, if ever, compensated for their efforts–Superman, Spidey, Wonder Woman, John Muir, Leonardo DaVinci, the list goes on. To help fund this project, you can go here to donate any amount. And try to keep in mind that the donation of just one dollar is infinitely more helpful than just sitting on your I really do want to be a better person! ass and managing only to think about donating a hundred bucks and then not doing anything at all.
A $25 donation gets you a DVD of the completed documentary. For educators, Mr. Daoud has a special bit:
“For educators I have a special offer that anyone who pledges $25 or more (DVD level) and forwards their confirmation email to director@botshigh.com, I’ll make sure they get an educational licensed version to show in classrooms.
I’m also working on an educational video (that will be on the DVD) on getting students (especially girls) involved in STEM programs, which I’d love to get input on from teachers to shape it so it works best for their needs.”
How could anyone pass that up? Plus, what’s not cool about smart kids and robots? (The answer you’re looking for is not a damn thing. Encouraging the students who are interested in STEM (Science, Math, Engineering, and Technology) subjects is good stuff. Good for the boys and for the girls.
A complete list of pledge rewards can be found here. I donated here and the entire amount went to BotsHigh.com. It took me all of 4 seconds and was all safe, secure, and PayPal-y.
Further Reading:
Bots High: Documentary on High School Combat Robots
Why So Few Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math?
Excellent List of Robotics Competitions and Events
Posted by Alexa Harrington
Education Tips
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