In today’s world it is understood we will all die knowing something about science. We won’t necessarily learn pedestrian concepts like the reproductive cycle of golden-striped salamanders or if Nessiteras rhombopteryx is a real genus and species name. In the age of high technology, industry and information, from fourth grade on we are taught the finer points of the scientific method.



Here’s how it works: If you are 11 years old, your teacher gives you a plump packet of papers explaining how to conduct an experiment. The packet defines hypothesis, materials, procedure, results and conclusion, and describes how to write an abstract. It goes on to tell you how to present the data you collect on a standing poster board you will need to purchase at Hobbytown.



Then you bring the packet home and give it to your mother or father who must help you come up with a suitable experiment. Popular examples from past school science fairs include: Are dogs colorblind? What is the best method, other than heat, to melt ice? How do we tell how far away a star is from Earth? Do plants move? Why isn’t grandma moving out?



Real brain twisters.



One year, one of my brother’s sons gave his friends math tests under varying conditions, testing the effects of background noise and diet on test-taking ability. Half the fourth grade learned the words to Thomas Dolby’s “Blinded by Science” and school practically had to be canceled the day the group was tested after consuming Honey-COMB cereal for breakfast.



When science fair season comes each year, my brother checks flights to the South Pole, tries to fall into a temporary coma — anything to escape the dreaded home-conducted experiment and the certain procrastination. This year, his kids are competing in the FIRST Robotics Regional Competition March 20-22 at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center. Ihaven’t seen him in weeks.



The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard kit of parts and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in competitions designed by a committee of engineers.



“The FIRST Robotics Competition teams students with adult mentors to build very large complex machines,” states Kevin Ross, former president of the Seattle Robotics Society and FIRST representative for Washington state. Ross says FIRST redefines winning for these students because they are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and the ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last.



If I understand the competition rules correctly, 40 to 70 teams comprised of 10 to 20 high schoolers and their engineer mentors battle it out in brief games. The kids built their robots in six weeks from a common set of parts. Judges present awards to teams for design, technology, sportsmanship and commitment to FIRST — For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.



“The goal is to get students K-12 interested in pursuing a path in science and engineering,” says Ross. “We do this by having the kids work on hands-on projects. The vehicle of choice is robotics because it gives them a ‘cool’ project while exposing them to several areas of engineering and science at the same time.”



My brother has periodically sent pictures to my phone of their progress, although I understand he doesn’t have much to do with it since it’s a school project. He sent me a photo of a pile of rubber bands with a heat lamp while freezing another bunch. This procedure has something to do with electrical current, so I texted him to increase his homeowner’s insurance. I think he’s losing it.



Since the two-day event welcomes the public, I plan on watching the big brains at work, as well as keeping an eye on my brother. It’s free.



Friday qualification matches are held. Each team will run its robot approximately eight times in the qualification matches. Opening ceremonies will be around 9 a.m., and the contest should get started by about 9:45. At noon the teams break for lunch and practice their light saber skills on each other. The last rounds on Friday will be about 3:45 p.m., followed by awards at 4:30 p.m.



Saturday, the action resumes around 9:30 a.m. Just before lunch the teams will form alliances for the elimination rounds. After lunch, the finals will take place. An awards ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m.



For those who can’t rip themselves away from Totally Outrageous on the G4 network, the best robot action will be Saturday at 1:30 p.m.



FIRST has dropped a few conduct rules on the teams: Do not use noisy devices, such as any type of floor stompers, whistles, or air horns; Do not save seats; Do not sell any products; Do not use helium tanks; Do not bring live bands to play in the audience; Do not run in the venue; Open-toed shoes are not allowed.



These rules sound like a science experiment waiting to happen: What happens if you save a seat? What happens if a live band cranks “Mr. Roboto” from the stands? What happens when a quiet robot runs rampant and you’re not allowed to run away?



Yes, my brother’s experience as a science fair dad has taught me to think more analytically.



How long, I wonder, will it be before a windstorm or a rain squall finally topples my leaning garage? How long before a robot can fix it?



[Greater Tacoma Convention Center, March 20-22 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., no cover, 1500 Broadway, Tacoma, www.firstwa.org]