NCARAI Outreach

The Navy Center for Applied Research in Artificial Intelligence, as well as the Naval Research Laboratory as a whole, are interested in inspiring all students to excel in the sciences and mathematics.  Scientists from NCARAI have actively participated in mentorship programs with local and inner-city schools, acted as science fair judges, and volunteered in science programs within the local schools.  By getting students interested in science and mathematics, we hope to produce better scientists to carry on the research in the future.

Botball is a high-tech game that requires students to design, build and program a mobile robot that operates without remote controls. The program strives to get middle and high school students excited about science, math, and technology, helps them to improve their leadership and team working skills and learn more about engineering and computer science. The NRL Outreach Program sponsors two to three schools each year and NRL scientists in the Navy Center for Applied Research in Artificial Intelligence mentor the students as they build their robots for regional and national competition. Some of these students are exposed to robotic technology for the first time and in a very short period, learn the techniques required to design and build robots, and the science and math required to complete the project.

More information on Botball.

Each semester, NCARAI will have one or more student interns or mentorship program participants.  These high school students have a chance to work in our lab side by side with scientists, while earning class credit.  Students interested in participating should contact the mentorship program offices at their schools. Schools which have been involved in our mentorship program include Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Engineering in Fairfax Virginia and Winston Churchill High School in Potomac Maryland.

More information about Community Outreach at NRL.

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