ACS News

July 3, 2011 - Istanbul, Turkey RoboCup

June 11, 2010 - Singapore, Here We Come!
On Wednesday, June 16, 2010 graduates and two chaperons leave Minneapolis for Singapore to compete in the 2010 International RoboCup Urban Search and Rescue Robotics Competition.  This year's team will be competing with multiple robots, including the machine shown below.  Be sure to follow the trip blog for regular updates:  http://acsatbsm.wordpress.com/

December 18, 2009 - RoboCup Update
As we head towards the end of Semester 1 all three levels of engineering students are hard at work on their RoboCup Urban Search & Rescue robots.  The juniors and seniors have been hard at work designing unique components and the fabrication lab has been running over time to keep up with the demand.  The sophomores are making great strides in executing robust chassis designs and beginning to implement independent steering mechanisms.

September 1, 2009 - Continued Growth!
7 periods of students in Engineering 1, 4 periods in Engineering 2 and 2 periods in Engineering 3.  This year sees us start with an almost full room every period of the day!  Plans are underway to expand the ACS lab space anticipating that we will continue to grow over the next few years.

December 1, 2008 - Mobile Machines for Engineering 1
After weeks of perfecting their arm structures, the Engineering 1 students are making the transition into Dynamics from Statics.  Over the next several weeks they will be finalizing their mobile machine platforms getting ready for full-fledged robots.  "It is great to see the students excited about their machines," said Jon Hickman, ACS Teacher.  "They are starting to get the idea that the arms they struggled over are really the basis for a stable chassis for their robots.  This is the point in the class where you can really see the "Eureka" moments on the faces of the students!"

December 1, 2008 - New Sensors and Microcontroller for Engineering 2 & 3
Timothy Jump, ACS Director, announced several new sensors and a new microcontroller platform for the Advanced Competitive Science Program.  "This is a major breakthrough," Jump stated, "the Blackfin microcontroller has the ability to provide all three years of the program with a stable and powerful controller.  They've really thought this through - and with Backfin's willingness and ability to customize their solutions, we've got a potential winner for years to come!"

September, 2008 - Record Enrollment for Engineering 1
The 2008-2009 is off to a great start with the largest 1st year enrollment in the history of the program.  Roughly 35% of all BSM's sophomore class is currently enrolled in Engineering 1.  Timothy Jump, ACS Director, is encouraged to see the numbers continue to rise.  "I believe we have a great balance of engineering and life skills to provide a solid foundation for our students in whatever career path they eventually pursue" Jump was quoted as saying.  "Our students are excited about the program and the process and they let other students know that."

August 31, 2008 - Focused on a Single Goal
This year sees the launch of an all-RoboCup Urban Search & Rescue engineering curriculum.  ACS Director Timothy Jump stated: "This marks the culmination of years of iterations to the process of teaching engineering at the high school level.  We are now focused on a single goal through all 3 years of the curriculum."  Third year students will continue to compete in the Senior Division of the competition, and at least for now, remain the only high school students in the world to do so.  1st and 2nd year students will compete in the Junior Division of the competition.  First year students will continue to focus on robots designed and constructed solely of LEGO MindStorm robotic kits.  Second year students will have to work with a hybrid of LEGO robotics and custom designed and fabricated parts.  Plus, we've added a few twists of our own to take the competition up a notch or two - including debris fields and other fun obstacles!

August 28, 2007 - New Laser Engraver/Cutter Enhances Prototyping Capabilities
A new laser engraver will significantly improve the prototyping capabilities and speed for the students this year.  Timothy Jump, ACS Director, states: "This new laser will enable our students to quickly prototype the various surfaces of their designs to see how the finished product will fit together."

August 27, 2007 - New Faculty Member Joins ACS Department
After a career spanning more than 20 years with Banner Engineering, Jon Hickman has joined the ACS Department full-time.  During his tenure at Banner, Mr. Hickman was a frequent visitor to the ACS program, providing engineering support especially in the field of sensor technology and control logic.

August 28, 2006 - Engineering Lab Renovation Nearly Complete
An extensive overhaul of the engineering facilities has nearly been completed. Updates include partitions to create dual classrooms and a conference area, rubber flooring, new tables, new computers with dual monitor support arms, new lockers, and new lighting. 
 
December 16, 2005 - RoboCup Update
The Engineering III students have begun designing their entry for the 2006 RoboCup Urban Search & Rescue Competition.  In the search and rescue competition, robots navigate a simulated urban disaster environment while identifying victims and creating building maps.  The competition is intended to foster the research and development of these life-saving robots.

November 10, 2005 -  "Timothy Jump Wins the Tekne Award for Innovation in Teaching"
Timothy Jump, the founder and teacher of the Advanced Competitive Science program, received the award for Innovation in Teaching at the Tekne Awards. The award is given to recognize an educator who "cultivates experiences in the classroom not possible without technology, promotes the use and sharing of technology in classrooms to benefit learning, and expands opportunities for students to be successful in technology-related careers."

July 26, 2005 - "Robotics Team Finishes 10th in World"
The ACS robotics team placed 10th in the Urban Search and Rescue competition at the RoboCup World Championships in Osaka, Japan.

March 25, 2005 - "Timothy Jump to Present at Tufts University"
Timothy Jump, the director of ACS, will be presenting "High School Engineering: A Sample Model" at the Tufts University CEEO Engineering Education Seminar Series.  The seminar is intended to "highlight innovative engineering education in an effort to increase collaboration between universities and organizations dedicated to improving the way students learn."

March 24, 2005 - "ACS Prepares for Lab Expansion"
The ACS program is expanding its laboratory space once again in order to accomodate the increased student enrollment.  The new space will have a dedicated presentation room and separate lab areas so that two classes can operate simultaneously.