Outreach

Since the year 2000, Chantilly Robotics has been reaching out to help the community. The group’s efforts have evolved into a non-profit organization called FIRST STEP (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology - Students in Technology Expanding Possibilities). FIRST STEP not only helps children with emotional, physical, and learning disabilities, but it has blossomed into a resource for physical and occupational therapists throughout the area. FIRST STEP’s mission is to supply an outlet for students to apply knowledge of engineering ideas and concepts to support the community. Starting with a custom baby walker for an infant, Chantilly Robotics has since been working to help more people and are now working on a voice-activated wheelchair.

In 2004, occupational and physical therapists contacted the Chantilly Robotics Team to help some of their patients with limited mobility. Chantilly Academy students were excited by the opportunity and team’s mentor, Jerry Skene, asked, “How can we help?” Students responded with the initial project building a robotic baby walker for a young child with partially formed arms and legs within three weeks. Young Rahim Ullah gained safe, independent movement because of the baby walker’s sensors that detect stairs and walls. Ullah is now safe and is reaching “normal age-appropriate milestones,” as stated by occupational therapists.

Following the baby walker, the team was contacted again to build a voice activated wheelchair for a young boy with cerebral palsy. Without the new wheelchair, an assistant would need to be with him at all times. The team plans to build the wheelchair and enhance it with Internet and phone services for his safety and convenience.

The team is also involved in Chantilly High School’s activities. Working to interest students in science and technology, the team has appeared in the annual Homecoming Parade and Spirit Rally. In past years, the team has built robots to interact with sports teams. In 2005, a robot was built to race the principal during football half-time festivities. In 2006, the team built a robotic basketball launcher to shoot basketballs from half-court during basketball games. More recently, the team has done presentations on the FIRST program in science classes and worked to expand awareness of opportunities for students in science and technology.

Also part of Chantilly Academy, a magnet school for specialty classes comprised of students from all over the county, the team works to create more opportunities for these students. As the team has progressed, class sizes have grown and are now recognized for George Mason University college credit. In a growing women’s initiative, Chantilly Academy was the first school to offer introductory all-girls engineering classes starting in 2007. This program, GE² (Girls Exploring Engineering), creates opportunities for young females to expand their horizons into engineering through mentorship and field experiences.

In a growing partnership with the community, Chantilly Robotics actively participates with multiple popular organizations. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center has allowed the team to come to many events, including the annual Space Day and Air n’ Scare. Many students of the team also volunteer, working with the Discovery Station Mars Rover Exhibit. In a Girl Scout Gold Award project, the team ran a booth working with middle school girls in the discovery of robotics and engineering. This Technology Fair included exploration of careers, aviation speakers, and interactive science exhibits. The team also built a Boxbot which was used at Moon Base One Camp as a Mars Rover simulation.