Wisconsin Teacher looking for Demo

[ruckam]

I am a 7th grade Science teacher from Stoughton, Wisconsin (10 miles south of Madison). I have been using the Segway, aka "IT" and Dean Kamen's work to teach my students about the process of invention for the past four years. Since the Segway is officially up and running, I thought it would be extremely cool for my students to see one up close and personal. Hence the problem....there are no dealers in Wisconsin and I can not afford to purchase one on my own. I was hoping that there may be someone in my area who might have purchased a Segway and might be willing to visit my school and show off this awesome technology. If there is anyone out there, I know about 600 kids and 2 teachers who would be eternally grateful. Thanks Amy

[teekay]

"If you build it, they will come"

Keep the faith Amy.

Sorry, I live in California.

You are at the right place, just give it some time, and they will show up.

Glad to see your post. Teaching is one of the keys of life, nice to see you care.

:) Tim

[ruckam]

Thanks Tim...I will do what I can. Amy

[KSagal]

Ditto from Boston. Keep it live, some local will eventually see this...

Karl Ian Sagal

Each road you travel should be just a bit better for having had you pass.

[Brooster]

Amy,

Please shoot me an e-mail with a date and time (hopefully afternoon, as it's quite a drive from Chicago) that you'd like to do it. Sooner rather than later would be best for me. Please send along your day and evening contact information. I'd be happy to help if I can. I won't guarantee rides for kids (especially 600 kids), but I can show them a Dean Kamen autographed Segway, demonstrate it, and speak somewhat intelligently about its history, technology and everyday use.

Let me know.

Broo



Brooster

[teekay]

"Way to go Broo!!!!!!"

Maybe someone else will step up to the plate with you, I wish I was closer.

They will love it!

:) Tim

[X-man]

If Amy needs rwo, I've talked to Broo about tagging along.

Bob
Now - about those promised extended range batteries....

[Brooster]

Spoke with Amy today, she's a great gal ... we're gonna make this thing happen sometime in early September. Job done.

Brooster

[teekay]

Brooster. Hat's off to you!

You are what this board is all about, and I am proud to be part of it!

Thanks for being here for all of us!

:) Tim

[ruckam]

I can't believe what a great group of people you are. I will be talking to my higher ups on Monday about time and the specifics. Thanks for all the support!!!!! It is much appreciated. Amy

[scoghill]

Bruce,
As you know I have 3 units and would also be happy to throw all three in my SUV and head up with you to do the demo. You and I could be on ours and we could quick-teach the 2 teachers and have them roll in on the two other units. I know the kids always love seeing their teachers doing wacky stuff.

As I re-read it I see Bob made a similar offer to go with you.... if something falls apart with Bob's schedule count me in.

Skip

[Brooster]

Just an update ... We're doing this on Wednesday the 8th of September, and it looks like it'll be X-man, Skip and myself going up to talk to the kids and demonstate the Seg. My thanks to X-man and Skip for their willingness to help out!


Brooster

[IndyFIRSTengineer]

I'm sure you guys will love it! I wish I could join you. I have done this a couple of times for local schools around here, with tremendous support from my employer. No doubt you will draw a crowd!

Stuart Bloom - Rolls-Royce Corporation
FIRST Team 1018 - Pike High School "RoboDevils"

“Who goes out and says, ‘You have a better probability of winning the state lottery than making a nickel in professional sports. And by the way, last year two million exciting technical jobs went unfilled in this country because you weren't there to take that job. And it pays you 10 times as much as flipping burgers, and it's fun and it's exciting and you get to create things and build things and help make the world a better place and help make yourself a better living.’ Who tells them this?”
Dean Kamen, founder - FIRST Robotics

[Brooster]

Amy evidently knows someone who has an iBot, and said she might see if there's any chance the person might be willing to come as well. Now THAT would be a cool thing!

Brooster

[SegwayGuidedTours]

Also, just as an FYI, there is a rental / guided tour outfit right in Madison. If I remember right they're fairly new, so they may even be interested in being a sponsor of the event. Not sure exactly what they might be able to offer, if anything, but it never hurts to ask!

You can find them through the guided tour directory at SegwayGuidedTours.com (http://www.SegwayGuidedTours.com). Either scroll down to their listing (in state order), or select WISCONSIN from the drop-down list of states and click Update.

As an aside, you always hear how rough it is to be a kid these days. I agree completely, but on the other hand, the most interesting examples of science we ever saw were model rockets...

Have a blast guys!

--JoeB

Joe Brown
SegwayGuidedTours.com (http://www.SegwayGuidedTours.com)

[panderso]

Where was Amy when I was in school? The coolest thing any of my teachers ever did was bring in a juggler. Way to go Amy!

[ruckam]

Hi Guys....now if that isn't a stroke to the ego, I don't know what is. I did contact Zippy scooters in Madison and he didn't think he would be able to help out this year. Not that he didn't want to or think it was a good idea, but cash flow is a little low at the moment. I also felt Bruce was much more knowledgable about the technology involved in the Segway which is what I really wanted. I am trying to get some press down and thought I'd give Zippy a plug, if possible, to jumpstart the local business. My administrators are extremely supportive and are very excited to have Bruce, X-man and Skip come. I'm sure the kids will get a kick out of them riding on the Segways in their suits. Can't wait for the 8th. Thanks again for all the help. Amy

[X-man]

quote:Originally posted by panderso

Where was Amy when I was in school? The coolest thing any of my teachers ever did was bring in a juggler. Way to go Amy!


All I saw was 3-cornered rulers and those nuns weren't juggling them. Deserved them though...but it didn't stop me! [}:)]
Count your blessings!


Bob
Now - about those promised extended range batteries....

[SegwayGuidedTours]

Hey Amy,

I don't know anything about Zippy scooters, but the tour company I have listed is Wonders On Wheels, LLC. Far as I know they only do Segway, so if they're not the same place you may want to give them a call too!

Here is a snippet from their tour listing:
quote:We are located in Madison, WI. just below the State Capital on beautiful Lake Monona at Machinery Row. We currently offer 10 minute sample rides and one hour guided tours of Monona Terrace, Capital Square, and State Street.
Good luck!
--JoeB

Joe Brown
SegwayGuidedTours.com (http://www.SegwayGuidedTours.com)

[Florida Ever-Glides]

I like it that the Segway seems to bring out the best in us. LLC should feel lucky having a great bunch of ambassadors working all over the world on their behalf.

Tom Jacobson
http://www.floridaever-glides.com

[Brooster]

quote:Originally posted by ruckam

I'm sure the kids will get a kick out of them riding on the Segways in their suits.

There won't be any suits ... but we'll be there!

[8][:P]

Brooster

[Brooster]

Very abbreviated outline:

1. Introduction
2. Dean Kamen
-Personal History
-DEKA
-FIRST
3. Why The Segway?
4. A Brief History of the Segway and its Development
5. The Legal Landscape
6. Good Ambassadorship and Public Reactions
7. What's the Segway Used For?
8. How Does the Segway Work?
9. A Few Comments on Product Development and the Process of Invention
-The Five Foundations of Segway's Design Philosophy
-Man Max, Machine Min
-Simplicity
-Honesty
-Depth
-Inspiration
-Creating a Culture that Fosters Innovation
10. Suggested Reading and Sources of Information
11. Recommended Local Dealers
12. Summary and Conclusion
-A Technology in its Infancy
-The Importance of Early Adopters
-The Importance of Doing Well in School
-Another Plug for FIRST Robotics
13. Close Inspection of the HT and Q&A




Brooster

[X-man]

He's not kidding on "abbreviated".
I just printed out my copy - a five page outline!
If you need anyone to give a talk and thorough coverage on the Segway and Dean isn't available, call the Brooster.

Bob
Now - about those promised extended range batteries....

[ruckam]

Today was the day.....and what a day it was. Everyone from the Superintendent of Schools to the students were in awe!!!! Booster, Bob and Skip also dumbfounded much of Stoughton with their glinding the night before. Bruce's excellent information fit exactly into our curriculum and he did hit everything in his "abbreviated" agenda. He spoke from 8a to 3p with a 45 minute break. He was awesome!!!! Skip and Bob trained willing (and some not so willing until they go on one) Segway riders all day while Bruce spoke. They were definitely patient trainers!!!! I have never seen our staff smile so much in one day (and we're a pretty happy group). I'm hoping this won't be my last experience on a Segway because it was one of the coolest things I've had the opportunity to participate in. I can't express our genuine gratitude for everything Bruce, Bob and Skip did for us today....IT WAS UNBELIEVABLE!!!! There really are everyday, ordinary people who can make a real difference in the lives of those they touch. We will be forever in your debt!!! Segway should thank their lucky stars that they have ambassadors like you. Thank you, thank you, thank you..... Amy Ruck, Kendra Larmour, Kris Joannes, Tom Palmer, Melissa Maag and Brea Carroll (River Bluff Middle School Science Department)

[IndyFIRSTengineer]

So glad it went well ... as I knew it would!

Just shows what Brooster can do when he has a little time on his hands ;)

Sounds like you guys did us proud ... wish I could have been there!

Stuart Bloom - Rolls-Royce Corporation
FIRST Team 1018 - Pike High School "RoboDevils"

“Who goes out and says, ‘You have a better probability of winning the state lottery than making a nickel in professional sports. And by the way, last year two million exciting technical jobs went unfilled in this country because you weren't there to take that job. And it pays you 10 times as much as flipping burgers, and it's fun and it's exciting and you get to create things and build things and help make the world a better place and help make yourself a better living.’ Who tells them this?”
Dean Kamen, founder - FIRST Robotics

[Brooster]

Well, we're back from a great couple of days in the wonderful town of Stoughton, Wisconsin! Seldom have I enjoyed a place--and its people--more than this visit. If you're looking for a slice of good old-fashioned America, Stoughton is the place. From the time we arrived yesterday afternoon and did a glide through the town to the time we left today, we were treated to nothing but friendliness and hospitality. Please be sure to have a look at www.stoughtonwi.com These folks are proud of their town ... and for good reason.

I was so impressed with the great students, faculty and staff at River Bluff Middle School. What a super bunch of kids and adults. I don't know when I've ever heard so many intelligent questions about the Segway. It was a privilege to be there, and a day I'll always remember.

My thanks to Amy for a great idea, for such warm hospitality, and flawless execution ... to the students for being such a great audience ... and to X-man and Skip for fantastic support. It made my summer!

Broo

[8][:P]



Brooster

[Neelix]

Wow, guys, that sounded sweet!

-------------------------
Fear not, for even though I come from the Forbidden City, I surely do not agree with the rules.
Chris Knight

[Burke]

Way to go, Bruce, Bob and Skip!! Amy and Brooster, you've put tears in my eyes (honest)!

Thanks, Amy, for your enthusiasm which led you to stoke the interest of the students and make the request. And thank you, Bruce, for responding so passionately and, apparently, thoroughly! Knowing how you feel about some things, you clearly stepped up and went above and beyond for this one. Bravo!

And thanks to Bob and Skip for lending their support, their Segways, and a ton of patience, I'm sure!

A true highlight, all made possible by the great folks on Segway Chat! I'm honored to be your e-mail friend!

Janice

[teekay]

Way to go guys, I wish I could have been there. Our country is strong and this shows how it works! Amy, great job on your part, you kept the faith! Janice, I have tears as well, This world is good! And I am honored to be here as well!

You Go Amy!!!!!!!!

:) Tim

[X-man]

That was one fantastic small town and the people make it that way. If it had a train station to get to the outside world, I'd seriously consider moving there. I have lived in small towns before and this one beats the ones I moved from - by a long shot. Great teachers, towns people and fantastic kids. Some of those kids have a major foot fetish, however. They lined up so I could run over their toes. Wierd!
I will post some pictures I shot of the town while up there, driving Broo and Skip nuts because I was always lagging behind so watch this thread for the next day or so.
I have too pat my buddy Broo on the back for the talks he gave. Although he deperately wanted to have Skip and me to take over for a couple sessions, we begged off because, in all truth, he just did a better job than we thought we could do to the subject at hand. Skip gave more demos than I did and I gave more in that one day than I have in the last eight months.
Great trip and more memories to file away in the recesses of my mind.
Thanks to Amy and the crew up there.
Bob


Bob
Now - about those promised extended range batteries....

[Segway City]

You guys are far more than ambassadors, more like the embodiment of a movement. Awesome job.

Sounds like a day that should have been captured on film! 2 thumbs up!

[lwillis]

Well,
How did the demos go????

Love my Segway

[fathertime]

You guys are awesome and it makes us proud that you are from our neck of the woods. I would have liked to join you but was on business in Michigan at the time. Next week we go back to Michigan to do the Police Fleet Expo and will demo many of the law enforcement community.
It makes us all feel proud when members of our community do such a great job. Cheers![^]:D:);)[:P]

JR

[Brooster]

quote:Originally posted by lwillis

Well,
How did the demos go????


We didn't give actual demo rides for the students, for a number of reasons. Among them was the fact that we were on a fairly tight schedule, and with eight presentations and a total of 600 students there just wasn't time. We did offer demos for the faculty, administrators and staff. Bob and Skip were busy all day, and did a great job. Amy, who had never even seen a Segway in person prior to our visit, was gliding around like an old pro by the end of the day!

We did our presentations in the school's old gymnasium building, with the kids seated in the bleachers. We set up a series of cones, and demonstrated the Seg a bit as each class was filing into the gym. After each presentation I answered questions and offered the kids the opportunity to come down for a closer look. So many kids just wanted to touch the Segway ... and especially Dean's autograph. It was pretty cool!

These were a bright bunch of kids, many of whom asked excellent questions and were eager to learn more about the Seg. Some of the questions were about things I didn't touch upon in my presentation ... for example, "How does the Segway handle in snow and ice?" You could tell we were in a northern climate, and that these kids were thinking well ahead about how they could use the Segway in their everyday lives.

I'll have to admit that my favorite question, the answer to which drew the most smiles and laughter, was: "How did the President fall off of one?" :)

Thanks for everyone's kind words ... we had fun doing this. I know some other SC members have already done it in their communities, but if you ever receive an invitation to visit a school and talk to kids about the Seg, please consider doing so. You'll be richly rewarded for your time and effort.

Broo

[8][:P]









Brooster

[X-man]

The best thing to be said about all those demos - they were all intelligent individuals that knew how to take direction and, due to professionalism on their part, refrained from hot dogging and showing off.
Popele of that ilk are a delight to allow on my machine.

Bob
Now - about those promised extended range batteries....

[IndyFIRSTengineer]

quote:Originally posted by fathertime

...It makes us all feel proud when members of our community do such a great job. Cheers![^]:D:);)[:P]

JR
Congrats again guys ... I second Jim's sentiments.

Hey Broo, do you have any "talking notes" besides your "Very abbreviated outline"? I hope to have more opportunities to do something like this, and I might as well have any tools available to make my presentation better!

Stuart Bloom - Rolls-Royce Corporation
FIRST Team 1018 - Pike High School "RoboDevils"

“Who goes out and says, ‘You have a better probability of winning the state lottery than making a nickel in professional sports. And by the way, last year two million exciting technical jobs went unfilled in this country because you weren't there to take that job. And it pays you 10 times as much as flipping burgers, and it's fun and it's exciting and you get to create things and build things and help make the world a better place and help make yourself a better living.’ Who tells them this?”
Dean Kamen, founder - FIRST Robotics

[Brooster]

Thanks Stu ...

All records of my conversation with the students were chewed up by my dog.

I'm sure we can put some pieces back together when the time comes ... just let me know. :)



Brooster

[Sal]

Stu, be sure to include me in any of those activities. I'd be happy to share the load (speaking and otherwise).

And I'll do the same. Thanks to all the Chicago SC members for setting the bar and modeling best practices!

-Sal

Think Different
www.apple.com

[Brooster]

Just a final note about this trip to Wisconsin that I wanted to share with with you folks ... and Amy, I hope you won't mind my sharing this with our community.

Amy and her colleagues at River Bluff Middle School were such gracious hosts when Skip (scoghill), Bob (X-man) and I went up there to Stoughton. The kids were great, the administrators and faculty were wonderful, and I had a good time over our lunch break giving demos to the nice fellas who work in the school district's carpentry and maintenance shop.

At the end of the day, Bob, Skip and I were very touched when we were each presented with little gift bags with thank-you notes from all of the science teachers. That wasn't expected, and was just the nicest thing. Our gift bags contained a package of real Wisconsin Cheddar and Muenster cheese curds (I'm a cheese hound), and a package of "Stoughton Blend" coffee (I'm also a huge coffee hound!). I haven't tried the coffee yet, but X-man (who is now in Ireland with his Seg) says it's great! Stoughton has a great Norwegian heritage ... and it's a long story that goes back to the early days of tobacco growing and curing in the late 1800s, but the town considers itself the "home of the coffee break." Hey, I knew I liked this town! :)

X-man is an excellent photographer, and his pictures and a post from Kendra, one of the other science teachers, can be found in this thread ... the password for X-man's photos when you hit that link is uff-da.

http://www.segwaychat.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9102

Uff-Da! I'm not sure what that means, but it's a Stoughton/Norwegian thing, and I like saying it. Uff-Da! They probably say that a lot in the local "tavreens," I would think. :D

Anyway ... There's more!

Today, I received a manila envelope from Amy. Inside were SEVEN thank-you notes. One signed by the teachers/administrators/staff, with the nicest comments ... and six signed by all of the kids. Hundreds of them. There were little notes next to some of the signatures, like "thank you!" And, "I wanted to drive!"

I'll tell ya what ... it just left me almost without words at first. Sitting here looking at all these cards with these kids' handwritten signatures ... is ... well, it's a pretty amazing thing. These cards will go into my scrapbook as cherished possessions.

All we did was go up and show them the Seg, and talk about it ...

"Class" isn't just something we attend as students. It's a quality that people either do have, or don't have. The people of Stoughton, Wisconsin most definitely have it.

Thanks Amy, and to all of Stoughton. You didn't just make my summer ... you made my whole year! I'll come back any time.

Broo

[8][:P]


Brooster

[Florida Ever-Glides]

This wonderful effort goes with the thread I posted almost a year ago "Take A Segway To School". It was a challenge for all SC members to arrange to bring their HT to a nearby school for student demonstrations. Great Job Guys!!!

We have brought ours to several schools with great support...

Tom Jacobson
http://www.floridaever-glides.com

[teekay]

Way to go Broo, nice Win Win deal for all!

I knew someome would make it happen, Hat's off to you!

:) Tim

[fathertime]

Broo..you da MAN!

Cheers!!![^]:D:);)[:P]

JR

[lwillis]

I've already contacted our school's local FIRST robotics team and have offered to demo for them. The teacher is excited and we are working out a date.

Love my Segway

[teekay]

Nice Les, I hope you are enjoying your new Machine!!

:) Tim