1) Head over to Flash Forward and listen to Rude Bot Rises.
2) In the comments below, answer the following questions:
-What did you think of Rude Bot Rises? Was it interesting? Entertaining? Thought provoking? Why?
-If your smartphone were to become sentient, how would that change your life?
– F. Scott Fitzgerald
1) Write a short science fiction piece that:
a) includes a robot element and
b) is at least 2,000 words.
2) Share a public link to your piece in the comments below. Don't skip this step! Work on your short story until it is something you're proud enough to share. You can post your story on a blog, use a google document, or come up with another means to host your story.
1) Identify a location where you can view a working robot.
If you're not sure where to start, consider factories, robotics contests, museums.
Note: This robot should not be something that is easily commercially available. (We don't want to see a single Roomba! Although those are pretty amazing...) It would be really easy to complete this objective in a perfunctory manner. Don't cheat yourself out of what could be an amazing experience by taking the easy way out!
2) Contact and set up a tour (informal or not) during which you can observe the robot.
3) Visit and watch the robot. While there, or through research afterward, learn as much as you can about the robot and how it works.
Who developed the robot? How does the robot work? What is it used for? What are the robots strengths and weaknesses?
4) Take a photo to document your visit and post the photo to Twitter or Instagram with the tags #QuestScouts and #Robot.
5) In the comments below, tell us about a) your experience visiting the robot and b) what you learned.
1) Know what we're looking for in this quest through by carefully reading this section.
Mirriam-Webster describes an automaton as:
a mechanism that is relatively self-operating; especially : robot
a machine or control mechanism designed to follow automatically a predetermined sequence of operations or respond to encoded instructions.
Think of an automaton as an old-school robot. Usually existing for the purpose of entertainment, they move in pre-programed directions in an attempt to mimic lifelike acts. While automatons are traditionally non-electric, animatronics are also acceptable for this quest.
The key here is that we're looking for something that a) takes on living characteristics, b) moves in pre-programmed (non-spontaneous) tracks and c) exists primarily for entertainment.
2) Identify a location where you can visit and view an automaton.
If you're not sure where to start, consider places of entertainment. Amusement parks, Chuck E Cheese, natural history museums, and so on.
3) Visit and watch the automaton in action. While there, take notes on the automaton's behaviors so that you can throughly complete step five.
4) Take a photo to document your visit and post the photo to Twitter or Instagram with the tags #QuestScouts and #Automaton or #Animatronic.
5) In the comments below, answer the following questions:
1- Did you observe an automaton or animatronic? How can you tell?
1- What did the automaton/animatronic look like?
2- What movements could the automaton/animatronic make?
4- How frequently were the movements repeated?
5- Was there a crowd around? If so, what was their reaction to the automaton/animatronic?
1) Gather your supplies.
You'll need:
A) A sheet of metal
B) Tools for manipulating the tin, such as a stylus or punch.
Note: Your metal sheet does not have to be tin. In fact, aluminum sheets are probably an better choice. A tin can will also work, but is rather dangerous. It's probably worth it to buy the sheets!
2) Emboss, punch or etch into your sheet to create a fun print.
This is a higher point objective, so don't rush it! Put some time in effort into making something you're proud to share.
If you need some inspiration, check out these awesome projects!
-A detailed tutorial for metal embossing
-Embossed Tree from Marta Harvey
-Beautiful punched tin designs from Martha Stewart
-Embossed tin trinket box (Scroll down)
3) Photograph your complete piece and post it on Instagram or Twitter with the tags #QuestScouts and #MetalArt.
Remember, if you post to a public Instagram or Twitter account your photo will show up on our Scout Board for other Quest Scouts to enjoy and comment on.
1) Choose what you're going to cook. You can use a recipe or wing it. If you need inspiration, Pinterest is a good place to start.
Requirements:
-At least one course of your meal should be a "tin foil meal." This means that you assemble your ingredients in a tin foil pouch, and cook it over an open fire. (You are not required to serve multiple courses, but it could be fun.)
-Your meal must be cooked over an open fire, not in an over.
2) Gather the necessary ingredients and tools needed to make your meal a success.
3) Cook your meal over an open fire. (Should we repeat "open fire" again? ...open fire.)
4) Eat up!
5) Tell us about your experience in the comments below. Where did you cook your meal? What recipe(s), if any, did you use? How did it taste? What' if anything, would you do differently next time? Did you have a good time?
6) Take a picture of your finished meal and post it on Instagram or Twitter with the tags #QuestScouts and #TinfoilMeal.
Remember, if you post to a public Instagram or Twitter account your photo will show up on our Scout Board for other Quest Scouts to enjoy and comment on.
If you are a letterboxer, or new to geocaching, you may not be familiar with the "mint tin" hide. Once popular among geocachers, mint tin hides have lessened in popularity. However, they still make a great hide container when done correctly!
1) Obtain your mint tin.
2) Clear your tin of any mint residue.
3) (Optional) Paint and or attach magnets to your tin.
4) Fill your tin with a small logbook, and anything else that may enhance the finder's experience.
5) Stash you hide!*
6) Take a photo to document your adventure and share it on Instagram or Twitter with the tag #QuestScouts and #Geocaching or #Letterboxing.
7) Tell us about your experience in the comments below. Leave a link to the listing of your hide so that we can search for it when in the area!
*A "find/hide" can be either a geocache or letterbox. Not familiar with either? Watch this video by Groundspeak, the #1 lister of geocaches or read about letterboxing from Atlas Quest. However, if you've never geocached or letterboxed, we highly suggest you start with a different find objective. It's best to make 100+ finds before you hide.
1) We've partnered withTin Specter Games, an indie tabletop gaming company in Portland Oregon, to bring you this quest. Head to the Tin Specter Game website and read the description of their first game, Robot Deputies in Outer Space, which is currently in development.
2) Click on the "Design A Robot" button to download the necessary PDF to enter the contest.
3) Following the directions provided on the PDF, imagine and draw a robot for the contest. Remember to give your bot a name!
4) (Optional) Enter the contest by mailing your design to the address listed on the pdf. (Hm... That address seems VERY familiar...)
5) Take a picture of your robot and post it on Instagram or Twitter with the tags #QuestScouts and #TinSpecter.
Remember, if you post to a public Instagram or Twitter account your photo will show up on our Scout Board for other Quest Scouts to enjoy and comment on.
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1) Dissect your job. Take some time to write out not only your job title, but what you do on a day to day basis. List as many aspects, big or small, that go into your job.
Notes: a) Being a stay at home parent is, most definitely, a big job. Don't let anybody tell you it isn't. b) Retired or unemployed? Choose a former job to research.
2) Spend some time researching how computer or robots have been developed, or are currently being developed, to complete aspects of your job.
4) In the comments below, answer the following questions:
-What job did you research?
-What aspects of that job could feasibly be done by computers or robots?
-In your opinion, what aspects of the job might the computer or robot do a better job than a human with? Conversely, what aspects are better done with a human touch?
-Are you freaked out by the idea of being replaced by a machine?
Note: If you are new to podcasts, feel free to skip #1 and 2.
1- Fill in the blanks with three different podcasts:
2- Post your answers in the comment section below.
3- Choose a podcast you've never listened to from the comment section and listen to at least 10 minutes of it.
1) Watch one of the animal themed documentaries/movies listed below.
2) Let us know which you watched and what you thought of it in the comments below.
Available through Amazon Video and Netflix Instant.
Available through Amazon Video and Netflix DVD.
The Elephant in the Living Room
Available through Amazon Video and Netflix DVD.
Available through Amazon Video and Netflix DVD.
-Weekend Edition, NPR
1) Read Winter World: The Ingenuity of Animal Survival by Bernd Heinrich.
Check out the book from you local library, buy it at your local bookstore or get it on Amazon.
Prefer listening over reading? Grab the book on Audible!
2) Write a book review and post it in the comments below. Include 3 things you learned from Heinrich's work.
1) Research animal shelters in your area. Do your research, including whether or not the shelter is "no kill," what conditions the animals are kept in, what types of animals are housed there, and whether the shelter welcomes tours. While there is a reason to visit both "good" and "bad" shelters, make sure you are going into your experience well informed about what you're walking into.
2) Visit the animal shelter you chose. Take a look at the animals they have, and ask any questions you might have about pet adoption. You could also choose to volunteer for a day to fulfill this requirement.
3) Take a photo to document your experience. Post it on Instagram or Twitter with the tag #QuestScouts. You can also share your experiences in our Facebook group.
Remember, if you post to a public Instagram or Twitter account your photo will show up on our Scout Board for other Quest Scouts to enjoy and comment on.
5) Tell us about your experience in the comments below. What shelter did you visit? What was your experience there like? What did you see there? Did you learn anything? The more detail the better!
1) Research animal track mold methods. There are several of tutorials online for making molds of animal prints. Go with any set of instructions you'd like.
Feel free to share promising instructions you've found in the comments below.
These instructions from the US Geological Survey are the best we've found so far.
2) Find a set of animal tracks. We highly suggest you take the time to find tracks of a non-domesticated animal. It will be a richer experience than simply stepping outside to make a mold of your dog's paw. Like many of our objectives, you will get from this objective what you put into it.
3) Make your mold!
4) Take a photo of your results. Post it on Instagram or Twitter with the tag #QuestScouts and #Tracks. You can also share your experiences in our Facebook group.
Remember, if you post to a public Instagram or Twitter account your photo will show up on our Scout Board for other Quest Scouts to enjoy and comment on.
5) Tell us about your experience in the comments below. How did you go about finding your animal tracks? Did you find it difficult? Were you able to identify what animal left the track? What method did you use to make the mold? How did your mold turn out?
1) Construct something special for an animal friend.
What you decide to craft is up to you!
Need inspiration? Check out these DIY instruments:
-A cardboard cat scratcher.
-A spinning plastic bottle dog treat game.
-Make your own version of this bird toy.
-A hamster digging tower.
-Bake some dog treats! (Make sure the ingredients are safe for your breed!)
2) Take a photo of your results. Post it on Instagram or Twitter with the tag #QuestScouts and #AnimalTreat. You can also share your experiences in our Facebook group.
Remember, if you post to a public Instagram or Twitter account your photo will show up on our Scout Board for other Quest Scouts to enjoy and comment on.
3) Describe what you made in the comments below. What instructions, if any, did you use? How did it turn out?
Hey Quest Scouts! Before I say anything else, I want to give a huge shout out to Michelle Awe for the awesome photos (above) she took of her dog Tegan with co-doggy parent Alma. Michelle is a photographer living in Portland, Or and you can find more of her work at Plus Minus Photography.
This objective involves taking a photo of your (or someone else's) pet. Yes, if you are a pet owner, you most likely already do this regularly. So to make sure we are keeping to our goal of stepping outside of our normal routing, MAKE SURE TO STEP IT UP A NOTCH! Not only do you want a great shot of a beloved pet, but be sure to capture the bond between the pet and thier human. Let the personality of the relationship shine through.
1) Take a photo of an animal and a human who loves them. Take the time to make this photo something special.
2) Take a photo of your results. Post it on Instagram or Twitter with the tag #QuestScouts and #PetPortrait. You can also share your photo in our Facebook group.
Remember, if you post to a public Instagram or Twitter account your photo will show up on our Scout Board for other Quest Scouts to enjoy and comment on.
1) Choose an animal (or animal related topic) that you find interesting. Spend some time doing research about the animal you chose.
2) Inspired by what you learned, create a high quality geocache or letterbox hide.*
Your cache must:
A- Contain the name of your animal within the hide's name.
B- A description of the animal should be given either in the hide's online description or in the container itself. (Or both!)
Try to teach your finders something! Remember, less is often more. Your finders are more likely to enjoy 5 quick bullet points than a long wordy summary copied from Wikipedia.
C- SHOW your animal by including one or more images of the animal within the physical container. (Not only on the page description!)
Ideas:
Decopage the image to the inside of the container.
Make the logbook out of the image.
Paint the container to resemble the animal.
Create the image as a letterbox stamp.
3) Hide, submit and have your hide approved.
4) Give us a link to your cache or letterbox in the comments below!
5) Take a photo of your hide (either in process or at the hide location) and share it on Instagram or Twitter with the tag #QuestScouts and #AnimalHide. You can also share your photo in our Facebook group.
Remember, if you post to a public Instagram or Twitter account your photo will show up on our Scout Board for other Quest Scouts to enjoy and comment on.
*Not familiar with geocaching? Watch this video by Groundspeak, the #1 lister of geocaches! You may also find a letterbox for this objective, but we will be using geocaching terminology from here on out for the sake of word flow. Since you're new, we suggest finding 100+ containers before making your first hide. Or, better yet, team up with an experiences geocacher or letterboxer!