Zero Robotics Introduction
Zero Robotics Summer SPHERES Competition is a fun and flexible summer STEM program for middle school students. Over the five-week program, participants will work in teams to learn about computer programming, robotics and space engineering while gaining hands-on experience working with and coding SPHERES (Synchronized Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient Experimental Satellites). The program culminates in a tournament where each team’s SPHERE satellite will compete for spots to operate and race one another on the International Space Station. At the end of the summer program, participants will get to see SPHERES in space via a live feed and have a conversation with Space Station astronauts who “referee” the race. To download the flyer, click here.
Grant Awards
Successful grantees of Georgia’s Zero Robotics Summer Project are expected to implement the SPHERES curriculum at their summer middle school program. The Zero Robotics program is flexible and can be used to supplement an existing summer program, or as a standalone addition to a summer program. It is a five week, 15 hr/week minimum curriculum that can be adapted to a program’s schedule. Both community- and school-based organizations that work with middle school students are encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to programs that work with students of diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Applicants are strongly encouraged and priority will be given to those who identify capacity to engage STEM educators and/or mentors with broad experience in the STEM fields. Awardees will receive:
- March 13, 2018 ZR Invitation Released by Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network (GSAN)
- March 21, 2018 Bidder’s Conference Call (Optional): 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Call in number: 712-770-4010 ID: 422939#
- April 17, 2018 Applications due to GSAN
- April 25, 2018 Awardees notified by GSAN
- May 19, 2018 Zero Robotics Curriculum Coordinator Training (Mandatory)
- June 11, 2018 Zero Robotics Summer Program Launch
- June 18, 2018 Zero Robotics Field Day
- July 20, 2018 Zero Robotics Summer Program Final Week
- August 10, 2018 – tentative Zero Robotics Competition aboard the International Space Station*