Recognition to the Top School/Top 100 Student Winners
When inventor and First In Math creator Robert Sun first learned about the OpenROV project several weeks ago, his response was immediate and enthusiastic. “As a teenager, it would have been a dream come true for me to build something like an underwater robot from a kit and then use it to explore local waterways!”
In January, Sun’s dream is going to become a reality for a select group of students when they are presented with the first-ever STEM Inspiration Award. The number one First In Math school in the National Top 100 Students ranking category will receive an OpenROV kit—a submarine-like Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) that is controlled from a laptop—to assemble and launch as a group.
An OpenROV device can even explore ocean waters! The project involves a global community of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math explorers who are constantly improving the OpenROV design.
“This award provides the winning students with an ideal opportunity to develop their skills working as a team as they build something of value, and also provides a demonstrable link between their learning and a real-life application in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math field,” says Sun.
Much like First In Math, OpenROV is something tangible—and so much more. Physically, it is an open-source underwater robot, but it is also a community of people who work together to create more accessible, affordable and awesome tools for underwater exploration. FIM is an engaging and effective resource for math education, and a movement fueled by educators, students and parents all dedicated to the mastery of math.
As explained on the OpenROV website (http://openrov.com), the backbone of the project is the global community of do-it-yourself ocean explorers who are working, tinkering and improving the OpenROV design.
“If the ROV is having some sort of a problem and we can’t figure out how to handle it, I can go on the forums and post…and as I sleep…people who are experts are answering it because they find it interesting,” explains Eric Stackpole, co-creator of the project. Participants range from professional ocean engineers to hobbyists, software developers to students. And now, FIM winners will be joining this exciting group of innovative thinkers.
“At First In Math, we are passionate about opportunities that stimulate students awareness, curiosity and interest in STEM-related fields,” explains Sun. “I hope this award comes to represent and celebrate a demonstrable link between the mastery our students attain with FIM and how they can apply it to improve the world.”
Although building the OpenROV does not require a particular expertise in robotics or an engineering degree, the students will have a significant advantage as Sun, an accomplished electrical engineer who holds several patents, has graciously offered to serve as a consultant to the winning team. “I realize this is a very short window of competition, but we want to allow students plenty of time to work on the project before the end of the school year.”
The winner will be selected on January 31, 2014 at midnight (EST) and the school will be notified by phone. As of today, the two top contenders for the prize are Baldi Middle School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Manatee Bay Elementary in Weston, Florida. Indian Trace ES (FL), Wilson MS (PA) and Meadowside ES (CT) are also in the running.
To learn more about STEM and how Robert Sun believes we can inspire students read STEM: Four Letters for the Future published in FIM News, or read the full article Four Letters That Could Energize America, originally published in USA Today Magazine.