Wisconsin State Fair Robotics Rally

       August 6th to August 8th, 2012

         Competitions and Education

          Registration by July 23rd.

Looking for a fun, science-minded activity at the Fair this year? Youth from throughout Wisconsin in grades 3-12 are invited to participate in the Wisconsin State Fair Robotics Rally August 6-8, during the 2012 Fair. The 2012 Fair will take place Thursday, August 2 through Sunday, August 12 at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis Wisconsin.

Challenges will be offered in two different robotics platforms, LEGO® Mindstorms® NXT for youth in grades 3-12 and VEX® Robotics System for youth in grades 7-12. The Wisconsin State Fair Robotics Rally is a collaborative partnership between Wisconsin State Fair and the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development.

The Wisconsin State Fair Robotics Rally is a competition specifically designed to increase accessibility and awareness of robotics programs while providing recognition to youth for their accomplishments.

Alumnae of the Waukesha County 4-H Robotics program created the LEGO® robotics challenge, and the VEX® competition was created by the National 4-H Engineering Challenge Committee.

In the LEGO® MINDSTORM® NXTcompetition, held on August 6, youth must build and program a LEGO® MINDSTORM® NXT robot to perform a series of interactions with commonly available objects. In the VEX competition, held on August 7, the robot will be operated in remote control mode. The robot will have to pick up and sort materials for recycling.

In addition to the competitions, the Wisconsin State Fair Robotics Rally will feature a Robotics Education Day on August 8 designed to introduce youth to three robotics platforms: LEGO® Mindstorms® NXT, VEX® Robotics System and Parallax Robotics. Throughout the day, youth will be actively working with their robots in each of the three areas and adult experts will encourage the audience to participate in hands-on demonstrations.

This Robotics Rally offers an opportunity for youth from around the state to showcase their robotics skills as well as the teamwork and creative problem-solving skills that are honed in robotics and other science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs. More information on the Wisconsin State Fair Robotics Rally, including registration materials and competition details, is available at www.wistatefair.com/fair_competitions/other_contest.html.  To learn more about Wisconsin 4-H Robotics and other STEM programs available in your area, contact your county 4-H educator at http://yourcountyextensionoffice.org.

The 161st Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, offers a one of a kind experience at an amazing value. With 30 FREE entertainment stages, thousands of animals, events, contests and culinary delights, there is something for everyone at the Fair. For the most up-to-date information visit WiStateFair.com or join the conversation on Facebook at facebook.com/wistatefair or Twitter at twitter.com/wistatefair

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