“SUMO Smackdown” Shows STEM Concepts To Adults

Marcy, NY (WIBX) - SUNYIT continues to promote active STEM involvement, this time promoting a robotics event for adults.

On September 21st, from 6-11 p.m., the college will host "SUMO Smackdown at the Pub," allowing adults to build and compete with LEGO Mindstorm robot kits.

For $20, participants can build and program their bots while enjoying pizza and drinks. Prizes will also be raffled off during the night.

Elizabeth Rossi, SUNYIT's K-12 Outreach Director, says the event is a great way to show parents the importance of science and technology.

"A lot of adults see from the outside how much fun kids have with it, but they don't have an opportunity themselves to join the fun," Rossi said. "You don't have to be an expert already. You don't even have to have experience. You just have to bring your curiosity and interest in learning about this."

Rossi says the competition also helps to provide a bridge for parents, their children and other interested and engaged community members.

"It's a community building event, as well as a fun STEM exploration," Rossi said. "And that's what we're always looking for. What are the connections to the community are."

Interested people may also donate money to help supply rookie teams with a LEGO Mindstorms competition kit. Rossi says the start up cost for a LEGO Mindstorms team reaches upwards of $400, a cost that's not always easily absorbed by new teams.

Space for the SUMO Smackdown is limited, so pre-registration is required. To register, click here.