High school
students demonstrate their remarkable robot inventions to the Minister
of Science
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Chiefs
of Ontario @ChiefsofOntario
@ChiefDay meets future engineers at @TbayAirport Good luck
to Pelican Falls Robotics Team 6339 These guys are @readyplayerone
to take over the world! @RoboticsTrends @SciRobotics @CANFIRST
@janephilpott @McMasterEng @AeconGroup
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HAMILTON, ON, April 7, 2018 /CNW/ - It's one thing for students
to learn about science and technology in their classrooms, but it's
another to give them the chance to take what they learn in textbooks
and work together to create something entirely new and inspiring.
That's the goal of the annual FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition
of Science and Technology) Robotics Canada District Competition,
which is taking place this weekend at McMaster University in Hamilton.
The competition brings together high school students from across
Ontario to put the robots they designed through a series of challenging
obstacles.
The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister
of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, welcomed teams from different
high schools to the competition and toured the students' robotic
creations. In particular, Minister Duncan spoke with the students
from Pelican Falls First Nations High School in Sioux Lookout, Ontario,
who were competing in their second event with their robot Blue Bot
x3.
During her remarks, Minister Duncan encouraged all students
to remain curious and creative and to continue to pursue their passion
for science. It is a message she is carrying on behalf of the Government
of Canada, which believes in engaging youth in science-related activities
so they can acquire the skills they need for the jobs of today and
tomorrow.
Quotes
"This event teaches us all an important lesson: if we give students
the opportunity to show their creativity and ambitions in science,
they will always surprise us. I am inspired by all of the students
who worked together to create these remarkable robots. I applaud
their efforts and commend their teachers and parents who helped
these students harness the power of science and technology."
The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister
of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
"FIRST - for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
- offers every child pathways to personal success. The FIRST Robotics
Competition experience is truly 21st century learning in a community-connected
experiential learning environmentthe only sport where every
high school kid gets to go pro!"
John Hobbins, FIRST Robotics Competition Director, FIRST
Robotics Canada
"The world needs engaged young minds to meet the global grand
challenges facing our world. Issues ranging from improving water
quality to eradicating disease to building the next-generation vehicle
must be addressed. The skills FIRST Canada helps youth develop will
foster future leaders with critical thinking skills, ingenuity,
compassion and ambition."
Ishwar K. Puri, Dean of Engineering, McMaster University
Quick facts
- Founded in 1989, FIRST is a not-for-profit public charity
that designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young
people to pursue education and career opportunities in science,
technology, engineering and math while building self-confidence,
knowledge and life skills.
- The district competition that took place today is one of
several in a series of successive events FIRST Robotics runs in
Ontario. The top 60 teams in Ontario will be invited to compete
at the District Championship in Mississauga later this year.
- FIRST participation is proven to inspire students to pursue
education and careers in STEM-related fields, become leaders and
innovators, and enhance their 21st century work and life skills.
Follow the department on Twitter: @ISED_CA
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
For further information: Ann Marie Paquet, Press Secretary, Office
of the Minister of Science, 613-404-2733, ann-marie.paquet@canada.ca;
Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada,
343-291-1777, ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.caic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca
Related Links
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/home
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