HELP! WE STILL NEED VOLUNTEERS!

Just a week until the 7 & 8 December DENVER BEST Regional Championship at the NEW LOCATION - Crowne Plaza Denver Airport Convention Center. near I70 and Chambers Road. .

We will have 40 winning teams from BEST Robotics hubs in these states: Colorado (4), Kansas (1), Pennsylvania (2), Ohio (1), Oklahoma (1), and South Dakota. (1).

COLORADO SCIENCE CONFERENCE (CSC)

November 8, RM BEST and FR BEST were exhibitors at this conference that provides professional development regarding science content, education strategy, and research to anyone interested in science education. We met with teachers who already participate in BEST and who told us that their students are enthusiastic for next year and really enjoyed their experience this year. We also met new teachers and encouraged them to join the FREE robotics competition. New teachers from Wyoming, Limon, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Cherry Creek, and Denver took information about starting a team. BEST gives students an opportunity to problem solve, design, program, develop team building and communication skills—and use more work place skills. STEM skills are vital skills to develop!

BEST is gaining in name recognition, and this conference helps us to reach more teachers in the state and beyond. One teacher approached us and said that his team did not participate this year. So he switched the hat he wore and came as a spectator to Game Day. He commented that the game for this year was AWESOME. We agree!

Supporting the BEST booth were: Tami Kirkland, Judith Schlesinger, Lois Walton and Lori Lazuk.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN DIVISION LUTHERAN EDUCATORS' CONFERENCE

October 10, RM BEST volunteers traveled to Breckenridge to present a session about BEST Robotics to Lutheran Educators. We demonstrated Illuminati, the Outreach Robot from the Pay Dirt game from the DSST Byers team. Schools expressed interest, and we hope to see them in 2020. Thanks to Linda & Mike King in volunteering for this event (and dealing with the snow storm!).

We encouraged conference attendees to attend Denver BEST Regional Championship or even volunteer at the event. We want YOU to attend as well.

September 28, Rocky Mountain BEST (RMB) had a booth at the 2019 Energy Day Colorado. Energy Day is a free family festival consisting of nearly 70 interactive demonstrations and exhibits that teach students and their families about the various forms of energy and science, technology, engineering and mathematics that go into energy and STEM careers. The festival also focuses on efficiency and conservation while providing opportunities for students to interact with energy and STEM experts to help spark an interest in these careers.

he RMB booth was in front of the main entrance to East HS so we were able to interact with FIRST teams, supporters of robotics, and youngsters who were being introduced to STEM.   

FIRST had teams competing in the first annual Kendrick Castillo Memorial Tournament. Several BEST teams were present with their FIRST teams. (The BEST competition is in the fall; FIRST begins their new game in January. We encourage teams to do both!) A former BEST team, DSST Montview HS, placed first in the Tournament and received a $1000 check! Congratulations to the DSST Montview HS team!! Joel Noble of East HS was a key organizer of the FIRST competition as well as key in getting BEST to participate in Energy Day Colorado. Thanks to Joel for his efforts and dedication.

The RMB robot Illuminati from the 2015 Pay Dirt game (dealing with mining and economics) was driven by young and old alike. The robot continues to amaze people that it was built by a middle school team (DSST Byers). Simon Crine, a member of the DSST Montview MS robotics club, helped to demonstrate to our visitors how to drive the robot. RMB appreciates all volunteer efforts!

As a result of talking with another exhibitor, BEST high school students and volunteers may be able to help Engineering For Kids at one of their summer camps and get paid for their time. Email info@rmbest.org if you would like more information.

CBS4 did a great job covering the event and promoting the importance of STEM education. In fact, from 16 September 2019, through 17 April 2020, one student each month will be selected as a Future Leader in a STEM-based career which includes a $1,000 award and a televised interview. Since we have many qualified Colorado high school students in BEST doing amazing things, check out the website www.CBSDenver.com/FutureLeaders to nominate a student you know!!

Special thanks go to our BEST volunteers who made the day: Simon Crine, Lois Walton, and Lori Lazuk.