Robotics: Opportunities for Building Outstanding Talent in the Sciences

北卡罗来纳大学（University of North Carolina）将实施一项全面的、全年的项目，重点关注6-8年级学生的物理和天文学。项目合作伙伴包括北卡罗来纳州数学和科学教育网络（NC-MSEN）、皮斯加天文研究所（PARI）、北卡罗来纳州技术协会教育基金会、泰科电子、IBM高级研究中心、北卡罗来纳州博物馆合作组织，以及以下七个学区：夏洛特-梅克伦堡、坎伯兰、福赛思、吉尔福德、奥兰治、帕斯科坦克和威克。在机器人、物理、工程设计的过程中，参加者可以使用4.6米遥控射电望远镜、机器人望远镜、光学太阳望远镜等电子设备。学生们将获得200小时的接触时间，因为他们将参加课后电子辅导课程、周六学院和为期15天的强化暑期课程。来自专业和教育界的电子导师为学生提供支持，帮助他们从初中升入高中。学生们还参加工作见习、大学参观、职业咨询、机器人设计竞赛、研讨会和会议。参与地区的教师将获得专业发展，以提高他们对科学内容的认识和参与教学实践，并获得使用射电望远镜的认证。家长们参加旨在提供物理学和天文学职业信息的讲习班。这个综合项目将为210名城市、农村和郊区的年轻人提供与学校课程相结合的令人兴奋的科学和技术体验。

The University of North Carolina will implement a comprehensive, year-round project focusing on physics and astronomy for youth in grades 6-8. Project partners include the North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network (NC-MSEN), Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI), North Carolina Technology Association Education Foundation, Tyco Electronics, IBM Center for Advanced Studies, the North Carolina Museum Collaborative, and the following seven school districts: Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Cumberland, Forsyth, Guilford, Orange, Pasquotank, and Wake. Participants will have electronic access to a 4.6 meter remote controlled radio telescope, robotic telescopes, and optical solar telescopes as they are immersed in robotics, physics, and engineering design. Students will receive 200 hours of contact time as they participate in after school e-mentoring sessions, Saturday academies, and a 15-day intensive summer program. E-mentors from the professional and educational community provide support for students as they advance through middle school and make the critical transition to high school. Students also participate in job shadowing, college tours, career counseling, robotics design competitions, seminars, and conferences. Teachers from participating districts receive professional development to enhance their knowledge of science content and engaging pedagogical practices and are also certified to use the radio telescope. Parents participate in workshops designed to provide information on careers in physics and astronomy. This comprehensive project will provide exciting science and technology experiences aligned with the school curriculum for 210 urban, rural, and suburban youth.