The robot extended a hook that can be attached to a fixed horizontal pipe. Then the robot can pull itself off the floor.
Also in attendance was Scott Whitlock of ETBO Tool and Die in St Thomas who has been providing materials and technical support for the robotics team. Amy Savoy,a teacher who mentors the students also attended. The total number of participants in the student group has ballooned to 50 from 35 students last year. The ThunderStamps4907 robotics student group acts like a business with a budget ($50000) and designated jobs. The robot has been taught to throw a yellow 9-inch diameter ball.
They have participated in FIRST (For Inspiration in Recognition of Science and Technology) student competitions. FIRST is a program recognized worldwide with objective of propagating the integrated branches of study to help students solve problems.
ThunderStamps4907 is organized under the branches of Build, Programming computers/robots, Communications, Media, and Sponsorship. Sam programmed the robot using Java programming language and helped with the build. Other students present today are involved in communication, sponsorship and media. The group recognises the disparity in job assignments and is seeking to have both genders involved more equally in all aspects. The students would like our club to sponsor them to help pay travel and accomodation costs which cannot be fully covered by the Thames Valley District School Board. Fundraisers have been organized with Boston Pizza, Foodtopia and bottle drives. Last year’s outreach activities were with elementary schools and at the Optimist park.
ThundersStamp4907 success has been evidenced at numerous competitions, most notably the quarter finals at the world level. They won a creativity award at Durham College and 7th at McMaster U. Within the last week, they were 12th at the provincial level and were given an innovation in controls award.
The 50/50 draw was won by the ThunderStamps4907.
Volunteer Hours
Adriana Balderas, our diligent volunteer hours recorder, reported that over 2000 hours have been reported for the last year. However, those of us who are delinquent at doing our reports realize that the number is likely much higher. Kudos go to Trudy, Gerry, Ron and Adriana for being in the top 4 with their contribution of time!
Happy Finns
Bill 2- Maggie’s consult in US re back problems and the Thunderstamps4907
Ron4- Thunderstamps4907, his trip to Florida, cruise, Joy’s birthday
Connie 1- Thunderstamps4907
Mary 1 - Thunderstamps4907
Trudy 5- Music Festival, anniversary, trip to Mass. US, Thunderstamps4907, Interactors
Adriana 2 – Music Festival, Andrew accepted at Western
Stew -2 - Thunderstamps4907, Music Festival
Pat 3 – Music Festival, Thunderstamps4907, robotics team involving more girls
Total Finns – 19
Date | SAA | Greeter | Fine Master |
Mar 11 | Ron Somerville | Barbara Warnock | Bill Horn |
Mar 18 | Ron Somerville | Trish Shouldice | Trudy Kanellis |
Mar 25 | No meeting following event | ------- | ------- |
April 1 | Ron Somerville | Malcolm Rust | Connie Davidson |
