 On May 23, 2024, girls on the Pink Titans attended a workshop titled "What is engineering? It is a good fit for me?" as part of the Women In Engineering - STEM Education Outreach Program by Bombardier. The Pink Titans met engineers and managers who shared information about the career pathway of an engineer at Bombardier. One of the managers, Andrew, is an alumnus of David & Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute! The students interacted with components from airplanes and learned about the aerospace-related engineering challenges. Thanks very much Manager Lee and Vice-Principal Lee for the opportunity!
0 Comments
 On May 21, 2024, the Pink Titans were featured on the homepage of [email protected]. Robots@CNE is one of the popular annual off-season competitions of the FIRST Robotics Competition in Ontario. The competition attracts thousands of spectators over the Labour Day weekend. The Pink Titans participated in every year of Robots@CNE event since the inaugural year of 2018. The Pink Titans felt very humbled to be a part in the efforts to advertise excitement for the Robots@CNE event. Thanks Jamie, Kate, Chuck, and FRC 1334 for the opportunity!
Pink Titans showcase FIRST Robotics as part of the Robotics Weekend at the Ontario Science Centre5/19/2024  On May 18 and 19, 2024, the Pink Titans showcased the FIRST Robotics Competition, along with FRC 1310 - Runnymede Robotics and FRC 7520 - Team Minekee. The showcase was a part of the Robotics Weekend at the Ontario Science Centre in North York, Ontario. Young attendees test-drove the Pink Titans' FRC robot to pick up the orange "cargo ball", then score it. The Pink Titans also showcased robots used in the FIRST LEGO League programs and answered questions about how to become involved for the upcoming season. Thanks very much, Mr. Yee-Ling and FIRST Robotics Canada, for the opportunity!
Pink Titans demonstrate at Family Coding & STEM Night at St. Brigid Catholic School in Toronto4/15/2024  On May 15, 2024, the Pink Titans demonstrated the 2019 robot at the Family Coding & STEM Night at St. Brigid Catholic School in Toronto. Young children test-drove the 2019 robot, controlling it to pick up the kickball, then score it into scoring areas. Thanks very much Mr. Toffoli and Ms. Washer for the opportunity!
 From January 6 to March 7, 2024, the Pink Titans designed, built, and programmed their robot for the 2024 season of the FIRST Robotics Competition, titled CRESCENDO. The team began at the season's kick-off in the ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel at the Ontario Tech University in Oshawa, Ontario. There, the team read the game rules carefully, then brainstormed strategies on how to play the game and design the robot accordingly.
Throughout January, the team constructed wooden field elements for the robot to practice scoring the "note", the ring-shaped, foam game piece. The students also applied computer-aided design (CAD), which were used in constructing wooden and plastic prototypes of shooting and ground-intake mechanisms by the computer numerical controlled (CNC) router. This was purchased for use this season to quickly produce prototypes in house. Throughout February and March, the team programmed the robot to score autonomously by picking up notes off the floor, then scoring up high in the "speaker". The team also used the carpet, obtained from the 2023 Robots@CNE off-season event, to practice driving, picking up field elements, then scoring into the wooden field elements. As the competitions approached in March, the team moved to more available space at Awan Auto & Tire, a local auto shop. The team replaced the structures with CNC-produced metals, outsourced from the following metal fabricators: Samco Machinery, Bearco, and Sable Metal. The team provided many students, many new to the FIRST Robotics experience, to learn, master, and apply learned skills in designing, building and programming, and data analysis in scouting. Furthermore, the experience provided opportunities for the teammates to foster skills in cooperation, time management, and empathy.  On February 1, 2024, the Pink Titans hosted and ran the Scarborough FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Explore Festival at David & Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute in Scarborough, Ontario. Four teams, all rookies, participated: FLL-E team 28893 - Norby-GO from Richmond Hill, FLL-E team 28894 - CHAPPiE-GO from Richmond Hill, FLL-E team 29004 - Golden Five from North York, and FLL-E team 29923 - Botz Master from Mississauga. Christine Bibic, the program manager for FLL Explore Ontario, attended and gave the opening remarks. Thanks very much volunteers and FIRST Robotics Canada for the opportunity!
 On December 15, 2023, the Pink Titans mentored 53 girls in grades 4, 5, and 6 on coding, building the LEGO SPIKE Prime robots, and gender equity in STEM at Grenoble Public School. Each of the Pink Titans mentored two pairs of girls. The girls built the LEGO SPIKE Prime robot, then coded it to follow a line and try the gyro sensor. The pairs of the students programmed the robot to push as many cups out of the square arena as possible in the shortest amount of time. The day ended with the girls of the Pink Titans facilitating a reflection on how scientists are portrayed in society, and how we can change this to reflect more gender equity in science. Thanks so much, Principal Puglielli, for the opportunity!
Pink Titans showcase team in Grade 8 Open House at David & Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute12/7/2023  On December 7, 2023, the Pink Titans showcased the team to parents and prospective students to David & Mary Thomson C. I. at the school's open house. Twenty four prospective students test-drove the 2023 robot by having it pick up cones and cubes, then score them on the "node" scoring areas. The demonstration was led by four new members of the team. Thanks Principal Choudhry and Ms. Takas of student services for the opportunity!
Pink Titans participated in the Girls & Allies Youth Summit at Centennial College - Progress Campus11/18/2023  On November 18, 2023, 13 students of the Pink Titans participated in the Girls & Allies Youth Summit at Centennial College - Progress Campus. The day began at the Centennial College Event Centre with the students listening to a panel of female FIRST alumni who shared their experiences, wisdom, and advice to the younger students. The students then participated in activities that fostered collaboration, creative thinking, and leadership skills. General Motors Canada engaged students to think like entrepreneurs and inventors in designing new vehicles for future customers. The FIRST Canada's Youth Council led activities about constructing friendship bracelets and the tallest tower with the resources provided.
In the afternoon, students participated in two of many available workshops at the Centennial College's School of Engineering and Applies Science Information and Communication Engineering Technology. The Pink Titans participated in workshops exploring topics in coding, architectural technology, virtual reality, manufacturing design. Thanks very much to the staff and students at Centennial College for their hospitality, supportive staff, and delicious food. Thanks very much staff at FIRST Robotics Canada for providing the opportunity to build leadership skills and make new friendships!
On October 25, 2023, the Pink Titans received the news that they were one of three FIRST teams to receive product sponsorship from Actuonix Motion Devices:
Thanks very much, Actuonix Motion Devices, for your consideration! Actuonix Motion Devices is a robotics company, based in Saanichton, near Victoria, British Columbia. The company makes over 180 different models of micro linear actuators, linear servos, and track actuators. The products are innovative, affordable, and reliable. They can be custom-made as well. Actuonix Motion Devices supports many industries: robotics, aerospace, automotive, medical, radio control; and education, including products and supports for robotics teams and individuals who high goals in pursuit of careers in STEM. Actuonix Motion Devices prides itself on excellent customer service: friendly and knowledge staff, clear and understandable information about the products, and customer-focused shipping services.
Pink Titans mentor grades 4 & 5 girls on coding, building LEGO SPIKE Prime robots, and gender equity in STEM; in acknowledge of the United Nations' International Day of the Girl Child, at Grenoble Public School On October 12, 2023, the Pink Titans mentored 50 girls in grades 4 and 5 on coding, building the LEGO SPIKE Prime robots, and gender equity in STEM at Grenoble Public School. Each of the Pink Titans mentored two pairs of girls. The girls built the LEGO SPIKE Prime robot, then coded it to follow a line and try the gyro sensor. The pairs of the students programmed the robot to push as many cups out of the square arena as possible in the shortest amount of time. The day ended with the girls of the Pink Titans facilitating a reflection on how scientists are portrayed in society, and how we can change this to reflect more gender equity in science. Thanks so much Ms. Ty-Holland, Ms. Morton, Ms. Arao, Ms. Liu, Ms. Tran, and Principal Pouliot for the opportunity!
 From September 1 to 3, 2023, the Pink Titans competed at the Robots@CNE off-season event, as part of the Canadian National Exhibition at the Enercare Centre in Toronto. Twenty-six robots, including second robots from a few teams and robots from pre-rookie teams, participated. The Pink Titans received the help from students of other FRC teams, including 6135, 865, and 5406, to get the robot repaired and operational. The team finished the qualification rounds in 19th place. In the elimination rounds, the team was the second pick of the eighth alliance; thanks to the alliance captain FRC 7520 - Team MineKee and FRC 5834b - R3P2.
Among the highlights of the weekend was meeting Ms. Horner and Ms. Silke, executive members of the Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma. The organization has a major sponsor of the Pink Titans since 2016. Ms. Horner and Ms. Silke met the students and cheered on the team. Thanks FIRST Robotics Canada and the Canadian National Exhibition for the opportunity to compete!  From July 10 to 28, 2023, the Pink Titans hosted a pilot summer camp, using the robotics platform of the FIRST LEGO League - Challenge, at David & Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute (DMTCI). Over 85 students in grades 4 to 8 participated. The Pink Titans, along with students from FRC 6135 and FTC 19500, completed the summer camp curriculum by FIRST Robotics Canada. Students learned how to build a programmable robot using the LEGO SPIKE Prime, then program it to complete basic commands, including the use of sensors. Pairs of students completed missions challenges from the 2022-23 SUPERPOWERED season. Students competed on the last day, with the elimination-style playoffs and final matches on display for the parents. Thanks Principal Awara, the summer school staff at DMTCI, FIRST Robotics Canada, and McCall MacBain for the opportunity!
 From July 10 to 27, 2023, the Pink Titans mentored students in grades four and five on coding and robotics. The opportunity was a part of the summer school program for elementary-level students, at David & Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute (DMTCI). The Pink Titans, with students from FRC 6135 and FTC 19500, constructed and implemented programs for the young students, using the coding & robotics platforms. Students used the Phidgets platform with soil moisture sensors to determine the moisture content of the soil, growing certain crops in the Thomson Urban Farm. Students also used the Phidgets, plus the CyberPi platform, to code an avatar to make unique movements on the screen. Furthermore, students used the Codey Rocky platform to control a robot to navigate an obstacle course. Thanks Principal Awara and the summer school staff at DMTCI for the opportunity!
 On July 14 and 21, 2023, the Pink Titans coached students on coding and building hand-held robots, as part of the Grade 8 Reach Ahead program at David & Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute. The Pink Titans, with students from FRC 6135 and FTCV 19500, helped the grade eight students code the mBot to be controlled by the keyboard and avoid obstacles. Thanks Mr. Barrie and Mme. Clifford for the opportunity!
 On July 5 and 6, 2023, the Pink Titans participated in the training sessions for hosting 30-hour summer camps, using the platform of the FIRST LEGO League Challenge. Over the two days, the Pink Titans learned how to implement the 30-hour curriculum of the summer camp. The students walked through the curriculum by assuming the role of the camp participants; the students coded, built, and reiterated on the design of the LEGO SPIKE Prime robot to perform challenges from the 2022-2023 SUPERPOWERED season. The training prepared the Pink Titans for hosting the pilot summer camp in July, then the mandatory summer camp in late August. Thanks Holy Name of Mary College School for hosting the training sessions! Thanks FIRST Robotics Canada for the opportunity!
 On June 28, 2023, the Pink Titans demonstrated at the Charles Gordon Senior Public School's fun day. Young students test-drove the modified 2019 FRC robot by picking up the game ball, then scoring it. Thanks Principal Terminesi and Ms. McLaren for the opportunity!
 On June 23, 2023, the Pink Titans demonstrated at the General Crerar Public School's play day. Young students test-drove the modified 2019 FRC robot by picking up the game ball, then scoring it. Thanks Principal Lin and Mme Savoie for the opportunity!
 On June 22, 2023, the Pink Titans demonstrated at the St. Andrews Public School's fun day. Young students test-drove the modified 2019 FRC robot by picking up the game ball, then scoring it. Thanks Principal Sahib, Mr. Khan, Mr. Pears, and Mr. Park for the opportunity!
 On June 11, 2023, five member of the Pink Titans participated in the annual Girls & Allies Youth Summit at The Kingsbridge Centre, in King City, Ontario. The students met many other students in the FTC and FRC programs across Ontario. The students listened to Jamie McMillian, the inspiring keynote speaker who spoke about a career in the trades. The students participated in an exercise in collaboration, creativity, and design to construct an autonomous vehicle for a particular customer of General Motors. After a delicious lunch, the students asked many questions to mentors from the industrial sector. The students participated in the collaborative activity to program a LEGO SPIKE Prime robot, then played a trivia game. Thanks so much FIRST Canada for the opportunity!
 On June 10, 2023, the Pink Titans hosted the Toronto FIRST LEGO League Explore Festival at David & Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute. Teams prepared their mission models and poster presentations for the 2022-23 SUPERPOWERED season. The Beaver Bot from Richmond Hill earned the Challenge Solution Award. The Electric Eagles from Toronto earned the Team Model Award. Thanks FIRST Robotics Canada for the opportunity!
 On June 1, 2023, the Pink Titans exhibited at David & Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute (DMTCI)'s spring carnival. The Pink Titans' tent was visited by young students from local elementary schools in the morning, DMTCI's students in the afternoon, and members of the local community in the evening. The attendees test-drove the 2019 FRC robot, examined the 2023 FRC robot, then inquired about the Pink Titans team, and the FIRST Robotics programs. Thanks Principal Choudhry, Ms. Saleem, and Ms. Sivalinkam for the opportunity!
 On April 26, 2023, the Pink Titans showcased their 2023 FRC robot to the parent council of David & Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute. Priyan, Hiruni, Nila, and Mr. Kim shared their experiences of the 2023 season to the parents and community members. The team conveyed the importance of the FIRST Robotics team for engaging high school students to learn and build skills in STEM and the global competencies. The hope was convincing the parent council to support the team for the 2023-24 season. Thanks Principal Choudhry and Vice-Principal Lee for the opportunity!
 From April 6 to 8, 2023, the Pink Titans competed at the FIRST Ontario Provincial District Championship, at the FIRSTOntario Centre in Hamilton. The team qualified after finish among the top 80 teams in the Ontario District rankings. The Pink Titans competed in the Technology Division.
Some of the team's best matches of the season were played in the qualification rounds: In match 16, the team autonomously scored a cube on the high node and balanced on the charge station, then scored in the teleoperated period four more cones and a cube - all on the upper node. In match 78, the team autonomously scored a cube on the high node and balanced on the charge station, scored in the teleoperated period three cones (two on the upper node and one on the middle node), two cubes (one on the middle node and one on the lower node), then balanced on the charge station. After the qualification rounds, the Pink Titans finished in 23rd place out of 40 teams. For the first time in the team's history, the team competed in the elimination rounds. The Pink Titans were the second pink of the fourth alliance, captained by FRC 7558 - ALT-F4 and with FRC 1241 - THEORY6. In the elimination rounds, the alliance won once in match two to stay in the upper bracket. (The Pink Titans autonomously scored a cube in the upper node and balanced on the charge station. In the tele-operated period, the team scored six cubes in the lower nodes.) At the end of the event, and thus the Pink Titans' official 2023 FRC season, the team finished in 54th place out of 127 in the Ontario District rankings. Thanks FIRST Canada for the opportunity to return to the FRC in 2023!  From March 17 to 19, 2023, the Pink Titans competed at the Ontario District Humber College Event, at the Fitness Centre of the Humber College - North Campus in Toronto. The event was the second for the team. Like at the Newmarket event two weeks prior, the robot was able to pick up cubes and cones off the floor. Since then, the robot had an improved elevator with the capability of scoring cones on the higher upper nodes. Thus, the robot scored cones and cubes on all the nodes. With the improved elevator, the robot was able to received cones and cubes from the single substation.
For the second time in the 2023 FRC season, the Pink Titans were selected by an alliance captain to compete in the elimination rounds. The Pink Titans were the first pick of FRC 5031 - Full Metal Mustangs on the seventh alliance. (The second pick was FRC 8729 - Sparkling H2O.) The alliance lost in the first round in the double-elimination playoffs. As a result, the alliance was sent to the lower bracket. However, the alliance won rounds two and three, with much thanks to the scoring of the Pink Titans. By advancing to the fourth playoff round, the Pink Titans was most successful in 2023 at the Ont. Distr. Humber College event. At the event, the Pink Titans also earned the Autonomous Award, sponsored by Ford. |