Ed Campion

Johnson Space Center

Release: J00-2

NOTE TO EDITORS:

LOCAL STUDENTS PREPARE FOR NASA SPONSORED ROBOTICS COMPETITION

Local high school students will gather this weekend preparing to
participate in a nation-wide robotics competition sponsored by the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Over the last five
years, NASA has been a major contributor to the annual For Inspiration
and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) robotic competition
program. The FIRST program is aimed at boosting kids interest in science
and engineering careers.

The NASA/Clear Creek Independent School District FIRST Team in
conjunction with the Reagan High School FIRST team have invited all of
the FIRST teams in the Houston area to a meeting this Sunday to look at
the newly built competition arena and talk about the FIRST 2000 game.
The meeting and demonstrations on January 9th will take place at Reagan
High School, 413 E. 13th St, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

News media wishing to cover the activities at Reagan High School should
contact Mrs. Carolyn Marshall at 713/861-5694 for directions and
additional information.

NASA-Johnson Space Center is sponsoring a number of ‘rookie’ teams who
have not previously competed in the FIRST competition. In addition to
sponsoring over 100 teams, this year NASA will also sponsor four
regional competitions.

The FIRST Lone Star Regional will be held in Houston at the AstroArena
on March 16 – 18th with over 30 teams competing.

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