Johnson City, TN – 2025
What: RDL | RDL Jr. Championship
Who: Advancing Regional RDL | RDL Jr. Teams
Where: East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee
When: January 24th, 3 - 7 PM; and 25th, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
This exciting event will bring together students from diverse backgrounds to compete in a collaborative Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) game format. Admission is free for the general public.
The RDL Competition is designed to engage students in hands-on, student-centered learning, fostering essential skills for the 21st Century workforce. This year's challenge revolves around problem solving and creating innovative solutions centered around the American mining industry.
MINESHAFT unfolds on a 7.3 m by 11.0 m indoor field, featuring simulated agricultural fields, water and power sources, and a mysterious mineshaft to facilitate the recovery of valuable ore. The competition involves four teams competing as red or blue alliances, with both sides mirroring each other. Participants will tackle real-world STEM challenges, emphasizing machine design and collaboration to maximize their scores.
Teams in this challenge have partnered with with bio-mining experts to address environmental issues caused by the affects of hazardous mining activities that threaten all populations and communities worldwide. Instead of relying on hazardous processes, teams are tasked with researching and developing improved methods to help relieve stressed areas. Drones will play a crucial role in mapping the land, taking water samples, and more, while robots will handle tasks such as ordnance detonation, cyber hacking, waterline repair, and much more.
A strong emphasis on computer science programming is central to RDL, with drones and robots executing complex tasks. Students will collaborate to create complex algorithms and code for autonomous drone and robot operations.
The RDL Competition aligns with educational standards such as the Partnership for 21st Century Learning (P21), Common Core, International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Doors open at 8:00 AM and an Opening Ceremony is scheduled for 9:00 AM. The competition is expected to conclude at 4:00 PM.
For more information about the RDL Competition, please contact:
● Dennis Courtney | CEO Email: dcourtney@streamworkseducation.org
About ETSU: ETSU provides a student-centered community of learning, reflecting high standards and promoting a balance of liberal arts and professional preparation, and continuous improvement. Visit: etsu.edu
