(
[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"40010","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"250","height":"168","title":"Robots from The Children","alt":"Robots from The Children"}}]]I think I was in junior high when I had the opportunity to build a robot. I don’t remember exactly why I built it, other than it was part of a special class for brainy kids. The robot wasn’t anything spectacular. I think it just drove around bounced off of things. To put things in context, this was back in the late 80’s when computer class consisted of hours of writing lines of code in order to get a green ball to bounce across the screen.
At the time that robotics project was just a fun thing to do with my classmates. Now I’m struck by how often I think back about that experience and the influence it had on my decision to get into technology. Of course, technology wasn’t my first career choice. That’s not really what pre-teen girls did in the late 80s (I wanted to be an MTV VJ). It wasn’t until about 10 years later that I even started thinking about technology as a career. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate having had that opportunity in junior high. I didn’t get much more exposure to technology until I got into college.
One of the many reasons I love working at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is because we deal in informal, hands on learning – like that robotics project. It was an informal learning opportunity. It was a chance to get away from Math and English classes, and get my hands on something that I’d never done before. I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say it was one of the singular most influential educational experiences I had when I was younger.
[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"40011","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"250","height":"164","title":"Robot kits at The Children","alt":"Robot kits at The Children"}}]]I still love robots, which is why I’m really excited about Robotics Day on Saturday. My son is at the age where he is developing interests, and he loves robots too. Every once in a while I’ll grab a robot kit from the Museum Store and take it home for a weekend project that we do together. He now has several of our little robots proudly displayed on his “science shelf” in his room.
My family will be here Saturday to play with some robots and to do some informal learning. I encourage you to bring your boys—and especially your girls—and join us! You never know what one little unexpected learning experience might lead to later in life.
Robotics Day Activities
Transformers Challenge (10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30) in the Sunburst Atrium. Sign-up to compete against other visitors and see who can “transform” their Transformers figure the fastest! Each competition session will last 15 minutes. Fun prizes will be given to the winners, including preview tickets to Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon.*
[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"40012","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"200","height":"187","title":"Robot and Son from The Children","alt":"Robot and Son from The Children"}}]]Robo Challenge (techZone) (10 a.m. -1 p.m.) infoZone
Can you conquer the crazy robot obstacle course? Pilot a real robot, then try programming one!
Design A Robot Drawing Activity (10 a.m. -3 p.m.) in the Sunburst Atrium. Have fun designing and drawing your one of a kind robot. What kind of robot will you create?
Live Robot Demonstrations (10 a.m. -3 p.m.) in the Sunburst Atrium. Come see the K.N.E.R.D.s -- Knightstown New Engineering Robot Design and enjoy live robotics demonstrations.
Robot Petting Zoo (10 a.m. -3 p.m.) in the Sunburst Atrium
Join us for a fun hands-on exploration of robots at our Robot Petting Zoo! Learn how different robots move. All robots on display are available in the museum store.
Transformers: More than Meets the Eye (2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.) in the Welcome Center
Meet our mechanic character who will share interesting facts and background on the Bumblebee movie prop and other characters from the Tranformers films.
