GEAR-Tech 21 Camp

June 18, 2009

Twenty-eight students from Lexington, Holdrege, Axtell and Wilcox attended the GEAR-Tech-21 Camp during the Middle School summer program. Nebraska 4-H hosted the camp to teach middle school youth about building and programming robotics, the fundamentals of GPS and GIS, and aerial photography.

The camp experience will include the use of Lego MindstormsTM NXT robotics, and activities to gain knowledge of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
Some of the activities included in the camp program were:
* Building and programming a robot using the Lego MindstormsTM NXT kit.
* Learning about the principles of GPS and their application to a variety of settings and careers.
* Operation of a handheld GPS receiver for “geo-tracking” and navigation.
* Learn about the use of aerial photography and its use as a tool for developing a "land surveillance system."
* Learn about the basics of GIS, digital cartography, and their application to agriculture and natural resource management.
* Synergize a NXT robot with a GPS receiver for geo-reference navigation.
* Explore career opportunities in the fields of robotics, GPS/GIS, natural resource management, and the use of technology in agriculture.

Students programmed robots according to a challenge by completing an obstacle course.

During the school year Lexington students will be involved in Robotics Club held after school. They meet once a week for two hours continuing to learn how to program robots, use the GPS units and GIS. They get the opportunity to compete in virtual competitions demonstrating what they have learned.

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