Robot Conflict 09-20-07

October 20, 2007…….

Robot Conflict arrives @ the Franklin Institute Science Museum.

After years of working with smaller robots, and helping to grow the museum’s participation in the region’s amateur robotics community, the BIG contest is FINALLY here! PACTS has partnered with the Northeast Robotics Club (NERC), to present the latest contest in the Robot Conflict series. Already, 15 ‘bots from around the East Coast have entered to compete in the event that is among the premier robotics events in the nation.

 Here’s where you can keep up with the latest information: www.fi.edu/robots

-AND-

Want to build your own ‘battling bot? Check out www.nerc.us

 

King Tut London Pyramid Painting

On Saturday, June 9th, sixty students from The Science Leadership Academy and The Franklin Institute’s PACTS (Partnership for Achieving Careers in Technology and Science) program joined internationally renowned pop artist, Romero Britto in a historic project celebrating King Tut and the opening of “Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs” in London slated for opening this November. Students put brush to canvases and created proportional replicas of the Pyramids of Giza. These canvases will be scanned, and then sent to London, where they will be incorporated into an actual 25 foot pyramid to be installed there.

Internationally renowned pop artist, Romero Britto leads students from the The Science Leadership Academy and The Franklin Institute’s PACTS program as they put brush to canvas to create proportional replicas of the Pyramids of Giza.

Approximately 60 students from the The Science Leadership Academy and The Franklin Institute’s PACTS program participated in the Saturday event. Students enjoyed a lesson on Modern Egypt, complimentary lunch and each went home with a gift bag and photos.

The final four canvases will be scanned, and then sent to London, where they will be incorporated into an actual 25 foot pyramid to be installed there. This to mark the The London opening of the “Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs” coming this November.

***content courtesy: TFI Marketing/Public Relations Department

PACTS is Everywhere…..

Here, There, PACTS is everywhere….and now we’re even on Myspace.com.

Explainers Jackie and Lance have opened a home for PACTS on the world’s largest online community. Current and Former PACTS Students, Staff, and Mentors are welcome to join…or just take a peek at “our space”.

 http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=169356804

Installing the King

from TFI News:

Been to the Franklin lately? Then you already know what a success that the King Tut exhibit is turning out to be. Before the fun however, what did it take to get there?

*23 50-foot Tractor Trailers delivered the exhibit to the museum.

*25 workers from the museum and Arts & Exhibitions International worked nearly 24 hours a day to prepare the exhibit for opening day.

*200 reporters attended the media preview

*9:00 am-9:00 pm, 7 days a week. That’s how long the museum needs to be open to accomodate all of the crowds!

Science Alive!

Every year, PACTS Program observes Black History Month in a most unusual way. We bring back African American science leaders from the dead.   OK, not literally….but on weekends during the month of February, the PACTS Explainers are helping the legacy of the world’s first doctor, the world’s first African American Female Astronaut, and other greats stay alive by recreating their presence for visitors of the museum.

For 2007, the characters you’ll be able to see, meet, and greet include: Benjamin Banneker, Dr. Rebecca Crumpler, Elijah McCoy, Merit Ptah, Bessie Coleman, andMae Jemison. You can learn more about each science leader by clicking on their names.

Thanks to Explainers: Jackie, Kyle, DeJanaya, Drew, Helena, Tashira, Leon, Jasime, & Tashira for helping these greats come back to life.For your chance to meet these greats in person….visit The Franklin Institute on weekend afternoons through the end of the month.

The Champs are Here!

Yet again, the PACTS Robotics team dominates competition at the Philadelphia Regional FIRST LEGO competition. After bringing home three trophies last year, Area 51 moved in 2007 to fill their trophy case on the museum’s 4th Floor, bringing home “2nd overall prize for project” and “3rd overall prize for teamwork”.

The roster of champions include: Alex, Asaid, David, Jazara, K’triqa, Marcus, Myles, Samuel, and Yuri.

The good work that the team continues to accomplish is also the result of hard work from Head Coach & PACTS Robotics Coord. Jackie Calloway, Volunteers Maryanne Lowery & Delores Gossett…..and Explainers Dejanaya & Ben.

Old & New

PACTS Alumni can be found near and far around The Franklin Institute. Hold any event at the museum, and you’re likely to find an former member there. One of our newest Explainers Jasmine Ingram found that out first hand when she met one of the first PACTS Explainers, Tori Brown during Decembers’ Community Night!

Doing our part….

Mike Cunningham is leading the 2007 Explainer March of Dimes drive. He has big goals, and big plans to help the smallest ones who need help the most, babies.

The money we raise every year goes directly medical research, parent education, community services, and health care….programs that give babies with birth defects a fighting chance to live. You can learn more about the important work of the March of Dimes at their website.

Mike has set a record goal for the staff and Explainers $1,000. See Mike (or any other Explainer you know) about doing your part to help us reach  our goal, there’s a few ways to do it…our deadline is April 29th!  Somewhere, there’s a baby depending on our help.

Teachers Night Out

A record amount of teachers attended this year’s Teachers’ Night Out, and most of them likely stopped by the PACTS Table to learn about the programs that PACTS offers, and how their students can become involved.

Explainers on the Move

PACTS Explainer Kyle Funchess ruminates over the schedule of activities for this week…will there be enough time for homework??

October 1- Participation in TFI’s celebration of World Space Week

October 2- Explainer Rap Session/Field Trip to Independence Mall

October 4- Hosting PACTS table at Educators’ Night Out