Girl Scouts-Columbia River Council, Inc.
Lego Robotics Day Camp for Girls
Dear Parents/Guardians: Welcome to Lego Robotics Day Camp for Girls. We look forward to having you with us. Camp is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Carefully read this letter. It contains information that you will need to make this a great week for all of you. If your plans have changed and you are unable to come to camp, please contact the registrar at the Girl Scout office immediately.
Details: What to bring daily (label everything):
Lunch with drink (no glass please). Morning and afternoon snacks. Water Bottle Sunscreen for outdoor adventures.

What to wear:

Summer clothes and comfortable shoes. Hair ties for long hair. Sneakers for outdoor play or gym time. Hat for going outside in the sun (optional).

Camp Rules:

1. Campers may not leave the camp area at any time. We will use the buddy system for trips to the restroom or other occasions it is necessary to leave the room. 2. All campers must agree to treat the Lego Robot kits and the laptop computers with respect. Misuse of the equipment can result in dismissal from the camp. 3. All campers will be given a nametag at the check-in desk each morning. Campers will turn in their nametag at the checkout desk each day. Campers must wear their nametag at all times. 4. Adult volunteers and visitors will wear identifying nametags at all times; campers should communicate only with adults wearing identifying nametags. 5. Parents/guardians should check-in and checkout their child each day. Any alternative plan must be stated in writing by the parent/guardian and approved by a camp director. If someone other than the parent or guardian picks up, a photo ID must be presented. 6. Medications must be in the original container with the camper's name. A signed note that indicates specific instructions for use must accompany medications. All medications will be turned into the check-in desk at the beginning of each day. It is the camper's responsibility to pick up any medications at the end of the day and/or at the end of camp. Campers who require inhalers and/or bee sting kits may carry them during the day if they are knowledgeable of how to administer these medicines and have written permission from their parents.
Program information: The purpose of the camp is to introduce campers to the basics of Lego
Robotics. Campers will work in small engineering teams. Campers will learn how to build and program the robot to pull, push and lift objects. We will spend time learning about gears and motors, light and touch sensors and effective teamwork strategies. Toward the end of the week, teams will modify their robots to accomplish one or two challenges from the FIRST Lego League 2001 and 2002 tournaments. The camp will include songs, games and skits with a technology twist to keep our learning experience fun. We will also be taking breaks to play outdoors. The camp will include an opportunity for campers to work and speak with women engineers from our community. Families and friends are invited to join us on Friday afternoon at 1:30 PM for presentations and demonstrations of our accomplishments.
Badges: At the present time, there is no badge for Lego Robotics. A certificate will be given to
each camper indicating which elements of various badges have been completed. Camper Absences: For the consideration of other campers and staff, please do not send your child to camp sick. If your daughter will not be in camp for whatever reason, contact Ruthe Farmer by 9:00 a.m. that day or notify us by note in advance. A note will also be needed to release your daughter early from camp. All campers are covered by a Girl Scout accident insurance policy. This policy does not cover sickness, poison oak, stinging nettle or mosquito bites etc. Emergency Contact Info: For emergencies during camp hours, please contact Ruthe Farmer at the Girl Scout office. Important Phone Numbers: Ruthe Farmer - 503-598-6519 (direct line), 503-679-9000 (emergency only) Girl Scout Office - 503-620-4567 or 800-338-5248

TECH FLASH

Technology Education News Flash
Issue Number 148 Spring 2002
TECH NOL OG Y ED U CATIO N POSITIO NS The following position announcements are for the 2002-2003 school year, unless otherwise indicated: Brevard County Resource Tech Prep Coordinator, Viera Immediate opening. Description and qualifications are available at <http://hrweb.brevard.k12.fl.us/central.htm>. Contact: Margaret Lewis, Director at (321) 633-1000. Broward County William Dandy Middle School, Fort Lauderdale Technology Studies lab. Contact Joan Ash at (954) 765-6519.
Falcon Cove Middle School, Weston Technology Studies lab. Contact Joan Ash at (954) 765-6519. Silver Trail Middle School, Pembroke Pines Technology Studies lab. Contact Joan Ash at (954) 765-6519. Blanche Ely High School, Pompano Beach Technology Studies lab. Contact Joan Ash at (954) 765-6519. South Plantation High School, Plantation Technology Studies lab. Contact Joan Ash at (954) 765-6519. Miramar High School, Miramar Technology Studies lab. Contact Joan Ash at (954) 765-6519. Atlantic Technical High School, Coconut Creek Technology Studies lab. Contact Joan Ash at (954) 765-6519. Cypress Bay High School, Weston Communications Technology. Contact Joan Ash at (954) 765-6519.
Collier County Gulf Coast High School, Naples Drafting/Illustrative Design Technology. Contact: Ms. B.J. Lattanzi, County Supervisor at (239) 430-6900, ext. 2085 or by e-mail at <lattanbj@collier.k12.fl.us>.
Manatee Middle School Existing SMART lab, looking to upgrade. Contact: Ms. B.J. Lattanzi, County Supervisor at (239) 430-6900, ext. 2085 or by e-mail at <lattanbj@collier.k12.fl.us>.
Martin County Martin County High School, Stuart Contact Ms. Joan Hunt, Principal at (772) 219-1800, ext. 32413 or by e-mail at <huntj@martin.k12.fl.us>. Alternative Contact: Mr. Marshall Skinner, Director of Vocational, Adult, and Community Education at (772) 2191200, ext. 130258 or by e-mail at <skinnem@martin.k12.fl.us>. St. Lucie County St. Lucie West Middle School, Port St. Lucie Contact: Helen Roberts, Principal at (561) 785-6630.
Southport Middle School, Port St. Lucie Contact Kathie Schmidt at (772) 468-5240 or by e-mail at <schmidtk@stlucie.k12.fl.us>.
http://www.firn.edu/doe/programs/te_planet.htm

IMPORT ANT DAT ES

June 24-29, 2002 National TSA Leadership Conference and Competitions, Denver, Colorado. <http://www.tsaweb.org>. July 21, 2002 Florida Technology Education Council for Supervisors (FTECS) meeting, Hyatt Orlando, Kissimmee. July 21, 2002 Florida Technology Education Association (FTEA) Board of Directors and Conference Planning meeting, Hyatt Orlando, Kissimmee. July 21-24, 2002 Florida Association for Career & Technical Education (FACTE) Conference, Hyatt Orlando, Kissimmee. <http://www.facte.org>. July 25-26 International Technology Education Association (ITEA) Standards Interpretation Workshop, Riverdale High School, Atlanta, Georgia. October 16-17, 2002 Florida TSA New Advisor Training Workshop, Holiday Inn Harbourside Hotel, Indian Rocks Beach. <http://www.florida-tsa.net>. October 17, 2002 Florida Technology Education Council for Supervisors Meeting, Holiday Inn Harbourside Hotel, Indian Rocks Beach. October 17-19, 2002 Florida Technology Education Association Annual Conference, Holiday Inn Harbourside Hotel, Indian Rocks Beach. <http://www.ftea.com>. November 6-9, 2002 Florida Technology Student Association Leadership Conference, Delta Resort, Orlando. <http://www.florida-tsa.net>. FTEA UP DAT E

The Florida Technology Education Association (FTEA) proudly announces the grand opening of its new web site <http://www.ftea.com>. The address hasnt changed, but the look is totally new and improved! Dan Crumpler, FTEA Publications Editor, accepted the challenge to create and maintain a dynamic, user-friendly web site for the association and its members. The new site has conference information, an updated calendar, FTEA Board e-mail contacts, regional news, a library of important files, and much, much more! Check it out and check it often. Dan is doing an outstanding job in keeping the information updated weekly. If you would like to see information or links on there or have any suggestions or comments, please e-mail Dan Crumpler at <dcrumpl1@tampbay.rr.com>. In addition to the web site, the association would like to proudly welcome Ron Torres-Gatherer as the new Executive Director. Rons commitment to Technology Education excellence and his willingness to support the association on short notice are commendable qualities that will serve him well in his new position. Ron will be responsible for the membership database, along with the conference mailings and registration. The FTEA Journal will be forthcoming at the end of summer. Dan Crumpler, in addition to the web site, has been busy working on putting together an outstanding publication for the association members. If you have news or events that you would like to include, contact Dan at the e-mail address above. As we begin looking at a new fiscal year for FTEA, I would like to encourage all of you to consider participating on the Board of Directors. The tasks at hand are numerous as we strive to promote our activities and offer outstanding services to our members. Your help is needed and valued. The Board meets annually at the FTEA conference, in January, and in July at the FACTE conference. Committees meet as needed, and regions hold at least one meeting each spring. The Board of Directors is in need of a President-Elect at the upcoming conference. If you are interested or know of someone who would be an outstanding leader, please contact Dan Petrino, FTEA president at <dan_petrino@places.pcsb.org>. This position requires a three-year commitment to the Board, the first year as President-Elect, the second as President, and the third as Past President.
LAST C ALL FO R APPLI CATIO NS

The Florida Technology Student Association Board of Directors Applications are due no later than June 1, 2002. Completed applications must be postmarked or faxed to Mellissa Morrow by that date. If you would like an application emailed to you, please contact Mellissa Morrow at (850) 488-1831 or by e-mail at <morrowm@mail.doe.state.fl.us>. The Board appointments are for one year beginning July 1, 2002 until June 30, 2003. Participants must be able to participate in at least three Board meetings and attend the two statewide conferences. The conferences will be in early November and in April. The Board meetings will be held in September, January, and May. There are also other related activities that may require your time, such as the State Fair in February, conference planning committee meetings, publications, etc.
SUMM ER END EAVO R A CA D EM Y Information about course registration and stipends is available online at <http://www.theendeavoracademy.com>. GPS II: APPLICATIONS Two-day Workshop Never be lost! After mastering the fundamentals of GPS, teachers can integrate GPS with the mapping software Street Atlas. Search by address, place name, and zip code. Street Atlas shows the shortest and the quickest route. We will review basic GPS principles and provide hands-on practice with the mapping software through a scavenger hunt. Your instructor will provide ideas for classroom projects including tracking travels with GPS and exploring the latest navigational technology used in luxury cars. Each teacher receives a GPS receiver. (Must attend both workshops to receive GPS.) Target Grades: 3-12 Date: June 7-8; June 21-22 Location: Research Park, Orlando Hours: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY WITH MULTIMEDIA TECHNIQUES Two-day Workshop Learn how to insert pictures, sound files, and video files into a presentation, word documents, and e-mails. You will learn how to download pictures and sound files from the Internet. Learn how to use a digital camera and download pictures to your PC. Activities include geometric shapes, plant identification, observation, and categorizing. Teachers will receive a digital camera. (Must attend both workshops to receive camera.) Target Grades: K-12 Date: September 7 & December 7 Location: Research Park, Orlando Hours: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. FLIGHT CHALLENGE How did the Wright Brothers do it? Find out the answer when we explore the mechanics of flight. We will learn basic flight dynamics including trim, longitudinal stability, lateral stability, static margin, and aerodynamic center. We build a balsa model airplane and experiment with moving the center of gravity and the aerodynamic center of your airplane. This is a hands-on experience in learning flight mechanics. Ideal for teachers new to airplane design and flight mechanics. Teachers will receive a class kit with eight airplanes and exciting student activities. Target Grades: 4-12 Date: October 5 Location: Research Park, Orlando Hours: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. ROBOTICS MOTION Two-day Workshop If only Dr. Frankenstein had LEGOs, creating a companion would have been so simple. Through this workshop, we explore the relationship between programming and robotic motion. Material addressed during this workshop will help teachers foster their students skills in math, creativity, inventiveness, mechanical construction, and programming logic. We will program the action of a robot on a PC, where a series of actions will be added together to create a motion. The software program developed during the workshop will be downloaded to the MIT/LEGO micro-controller, which can be interfaced to LEGO parts to create a robot. Concepts reviewed include logical programming, robotic manipulation sequence and decision-making based on external inputs. Teachers will receive a LEGO Mindstorm robot kit. Target Grades: 1-8 Date: October 26 & November 16 Location: Research Park, Orlando Hours: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

SUMM ER END EAVO R A CA D EM Y (co ntinue d)
ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABILITY: Alternative Energy Resources 2-Day Workshop Explore conventional and alternative energy resources and the impact their consumption has on the environment. This hands-on (and minds-on) experience will include a series of short and long-term inquiries, research and experimental activity focusing on aspects of solar energy and other clean energy resources. Covering conservation, heating and cooling, solar cooking and mobility, storage, water purification, and electric transportation, participants will critically analyze the intimate relationships between energy, ecology, economy, and politics. Teachers select location for workshop. Target Grades: 9-12 Date: June 19-20; August 15-16 Location: Based on demand Hours: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. SPACE TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM This workshop will assist classroom teachers with the integration of aerospace concepts into their curriculum by using the excitement of the space program to motivate their students as they teach their required subjects. The workshop includes hands-on, minds-on activities emphasizing the scientific inquiry, problem solving and group interaction. The workshop incorporates the Florida FCAT objectives and Florida Sunshine State Standards in science and geography as the subject of aerospace is introduced into the curriculum. Teachers will receive a take home kit, including a CD on Aerospace Educators curriculum and a virtual tour of NASA-KSC. Target Grades: K-8 Date: June 10; September 7 Location: Florida NASA Business Incubation Center Hours: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. ELECTRIC CIRCUITS FOR ELEMENTARY GRADES Learn about a unique way of introducing students to the study of electricity. Electrical concepts covered in this workshop include: components of an electric circuit; the difference between open and closed circuits; how electrons travel to make an electric circuit; conductors and insulators; and series and parallel circuits. Participants will receive an electrical supply set, which includes battery holders, batteries, bulbs and sockets, electrical clips and switches, insulated wire, and a wire stripper along with ideas and activities to get your students FCAT ready. Target Grades: 2-6 Date: October 5 Location: Research Park, Orlando Hours: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. ROCKET RACER: Observing Newtons Third Law of Motion Construct a rocket-propelled vehicle and conduct experiments to demonstrate methods of increasing the distance traveled by your rocket. The racer will be constructed of simple, household items including a Styrofoam tray, pins, tape, and a flexible straw. Upon course completion, you will be able to successfully demonstrate to your class how to conduct safe scientific investigations while unifying concepts and processes of science and math. Workshop encompasses two, 2-hour sessions. Target Grades: 7-12 Date: July 25 Location: Brevard Community College Hours: 5 p.m.-7 p.m. HANDS-ON UNIVERSE Offered a partnership with University of California- Berkeley, Hands-On Universe (HOU), uses high quality astronomical images to explore central concepts in science, math, and technology. By analyzing real astronomical images with HOU image processing software, similar to the software professional astronomers use, students become more engaged and more excited about math and science. You will receive a complete kit valued over $100, which integrates earth science (astronomy), mathematics, and technology. Your school will receive membership in HOU and school site license, for one year from 7/1/02 - 8/1/03, to use the HOU image-processing software on a classroom set of computers. You will also receive a CD-ROM valued at $250/year, which gives access to images from HOU telescopes on CD-ROM or from the large HOU celestial image database. For more information visit: http://hou.lbl.gov, but you must register with The Endeavor Academy. Registration Deadline: 7/8/02, 10/1/02, 10/27/02 Provider: University of California at Berkeley

GR ANT AN D F UN DIN G OPPOR TU NITIES USA TODAYS ALL-USA TEACHER TEAM
Program: USA Today seeks 20 excellent teachers (or teacher teams of no more than five) to make up this years AllUSA Teacher Team. Deadline: June 29, 2002. Funding: Each of the 20 winners schools receives $2,500 to use in instruction and will be featured in October in USA Today. Eligibility: K-12 teachers and instructional teams with at least four years of experience at a public or private school. A teacher or instructional team may be nominated by anyone, including students, former students, parents, colleagues, staff members or administrators. Self-nominations are not accepted. Contact: Carol Skalski, USA TODAY, 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, Virginia, 22108-9995; telephone: (703) 854-5890; e-mail: <allstars@usatoday.com>; Web site: <www.allstars.usatoday.com>. NFIE GRANTS Scope: The National Education Association (NEA) Foundation for the Improvement of Education (NFIE) makes grants to underwrite professional development or the implementation of innovative ideas that result in improved student achievement. Deadline: None. New this year, NFIE will accept applications on an ongoing basis. Notifications will be made within seven months of receipt of application. Funds: Grants range from $1,000 to $3,000 each. Eligibility: U.S. public school teachers of grades K-12; public school education support professionals; and higher education faculty and staff at U.S. public colleges and universities. Preference will be given to NEA members. Contact: NFIE web site: <http://www.nfie.org>. LAWRENCE FOUNDATION Program: The Lawrence Foundation focuses support on the areas of education, the environment and health. The foundation also notes its interests are fairly diverse. Deadline: August 1, 2002, and February 1, 2003, for letters of inquiry. If interested, the foundation will invite a full proposal. Funding: A total of 17 new grants were made in 2001, with grant amounts ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 each. Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, public schools and libraries. Contact: The Lawrence Foundation, PMB 481, 2118 Willshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, California, 90403-5784; telephone: (310) 828-0494; e-mail: <infor@thelawrencefoundation.org>; Web Site: <http://www.thelawrencefoundation.org>. JORDAN FUNDAMENTALS Program: The Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program, funded by Nikes Jordan brand and named in honor of basketball star Michael Jordan, recognizes and supports outstanding creative teaching in public secondary schools that serve economically disadvantaged students. Deadline: June 15, 2002. Funding: Each grant is $2,500, with up to 400 grants awarded per year. Funds will be used for costs required to implement and assess the proposed lesson plan. Eligibility: Teachers and paraprofessionals who work with students in grades 6-12 in a public secondary school. At least 40 percent of the schools student population must be eligible for the free or reduced-lunch program. Contact: Web site: <http://nikebiz.com/community/jordan_fund.shtml>. BRAITMAYER FOUNDATION EDUCATION INITIATIVES Program: The Braitmayer Foundation funds programs enhancing K-12 education. Preference will go to projects addressing curriculum and school reform, teacher professional development, community involvement activities, increasing opportunities for all students, and diversity education. Deadline: Requests of up to $35,000 letters of inquiry are due by June 30, 2002. Requests up to $10,000 full proposals due on June 30 or November 15, 2002. Funding: Up to $35,000. Grants may be used as seed money, challenge funds, or to match other grants the applicant may have received. Eligibility: Public and private schools, universities and colleges, nonprofits. Contact: Robert L. Kirkpatrick, Jr., Middlesex Corporate Center, 213 Court Street, Suite 1101, Middletown, Connecticut, 06457-3351; telephone: (860) 638-5026; fax: (860) 638-5069; Web site: <http://www.braitmayerfoundation.org/guid.htm>.

GR ANT AN D F UN DIN G OPPOR TU NITIES ( continu ed) MERRILL LYNCH
Program: Merrill Lynch awards funds through a corporate giving program and the Merrill Lynch & Co. Foundation with focus on programs that meet the educational needs and interests of under-served children and youths. Deadline: None. Send a letter of inquiry before sending a proposal. Funding: $34.9 million in 2001, including direct gifts, matching gifts and scholarships from both the corporation and the foundation, with more than a third of that for education. Grants range from $1,000 to more than $100,000 and include multi-year awards. Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations, including K-12 schools. th Contact: Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc., Global Philanthropy and Community Relations, 2 World Financial Center, 6 Floor, New York, New York, 10281; telephone: (212) 614-5277; Web site: <http://philanthropy.ml.com>. SMARTer KIDS FOUNDATION -- TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARDS Program: The SMARTer Kids Foundation will award grants of SMART products to outstanding teacher recognition programs. Eligible programs should assess teacher contributions to students, educational institutions, the greater community, and the profession overall; be administered on an annual basis; have a formal competitive process in place for nominations, applications, and evaluations; and involve an independent panel of experts. Preference will go to programs evaluating and rewarding teachers with high technological proficiency or those who have effectively integrated technology into the classroom, in addition to programs using state or national experts on their panels. Deadline: June 30, 2002. Funding: Up to $2.3 million in products. SMART Boards. Other products may be available throughout the grant period. Eligibility: Teacher recognition programs worldwide (e.g., Teacher of the Year, teaching excellence awards at the state/provincial, national, and international levels). th Contact: SMARTer Kids Foundation, Teaching Excellence Awards Program Manager, Suite 600, Avenue Southwest, Calgary AB, CANADA T2R 1K9; telephone: (403) 228-2500; e-mail: <info@smarterkids.org>; Web site: <http://www.smarterkids.org/k12/excellence/details.asp>. WASHINGTON MUTUAL FOUNDATION TEACHER CERTIFICATION SCHOLARSHIPS Program: Washington Mutual Foundation, supported by the financial services company, provides scholarships through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) to assist teachers in pursuing National Board certification. Deadline: Scholarships will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding: $1 million. Scholarships will cover up to 50 percent of the NBPTS $2,300 certification fee. Funds can also be used to cover retake fees. Recipients may also be eligible to apply for zero-interest loans from Washington Mutual for the remainder of the fee. Eligibility: K-12 public school teachers. Contact: Telephone, (888) 908-3337 or (888) 908-FEES; Web site: <www.nbpts.org>.

Issue Number 148

Spring 2002
TECH FLASH is a monthly electronic newsletter. Registration is available on the Internet at
Mellissa Morrow State Supervisor, Technology Education Florida Department of Education Division of Workforce Development 325 West Gaines Street, Room 714 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400 Phone/Voice Mail (850) 488-1831 Fax (850) 487-1735 E-mail <morrowm@mail.doe.state.fl.us>
http://www.firn.edu/doe/ programs/te_planet.htm