Exhibit promotes study of robotics
by Melissa Weinman - September 22, 2011

The Sandy Springs Education Force is hosting two events to get the community excited about robotics.

On Sept. 27, the organization will bring a robotics exhibit to North Springs Charter High School. It will be displayed at Riverwood International Charter High School on Oct. 4.

“The purpose of this entire event is to engage not only our students but our community to see how robotics can make a difference in the lives of these kids and their futures,” said Irene Schweiger, executive director of the Sandy Springs Education Force.

She hopes that the events will raise interest in the community to fund robotics clubs in the 11 public schools in Sandy Springs.

“It’s a lofty mission we have but we believe we can engage our community and bring them on board to make this happen for our kids,” Schwieger said.

Schwieger said this is the second event the organization has put together with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“These are the areas that will be the careers of the 21st century. These are the areas our students need to be proficient at to be successful,” Schwieger said.

Schwieger said robots are a way to get students involved in something that will help them in their careers later on.

“What it does is it’s a very fun, interactive, engaging way that inspires students to really embrace science and technology,” Schwieger said. “Our goal is to inspire and support Sandy Springs public school students so they will be able to pursue productive lives after high school.”

Robotics teams usually purchase kits to assemble their machines and then program computers to direct the robots to perform different tasks. Students pit their robots against robots from different teams, Schwieger said.

“That’s where you have teamwork and competition as well as understanding computers and technology,” Schwieger said.

The Sandy Springs Education would like to fund robotics teams or clubs at Sandy Springs’ 11 public schools – though it is a pricey extra-curricular activity.

Fielding a middle school team can cost about $3,500, the more advanced robot kits mean a high school team can cost about $7,000 to form.

But many believe the investment is worth it. Schwieger said the events are being sponsored by Northside Hospital.

“They see the value of robotics, of course with robotic surgery,” Schwieger said. “They see a connection with robotics in the schools and the careers of the future.”