TRC’s FIRST Tech Challenge

 

 

 

 

 

 

An experienced scientist and photographer, Benjamin Perlin combines artistry and science in creating the best possible images by implementing new darkroom techniques such as solarizing and cyanotype. Benjamin “Ben” Perlin has a member of the Tennessee Robotics Club (TRC) for eight years now.

TRC is an educational non-profit which aims is to provide learning opportunities for the students in Middle Tennessee, particularly in robotics. TRC is supported by the Middle Tennessee Home Educators Association as an educational institution sponsor and the NASA Robotics Alliance as robotics program growth sponsor.

TRC implements two levels of robotics program: the FIRST Tech Challenge, which is for students in grades 7 to 12; and the FIRST Robotics Competition, which is for students in grades 9 to 12. FIRST stands for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.”

In the FIRST Tech Challenge, teams with at least 10 members take on the challenge of designing, building, programming, and operating robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge. The teams are supervised by adult coaches and mentors. The challenge provides students with opportunities to harness their STEM skills and to apply engineering principles. It also teaches them the significance of innovation and the value of hard work.

Additionally, students are taught to raise funds, market their brand, and participate in community outreach. Moreover, students have the chance to access millions of dollars in college scholarship grants.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore Supports Housing for All

 

Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Image: habitat.org

A professional photographer in Nashville, Tennessee, Benjamin (Ben) Perlin shoots with traditional film cameras and utilizes advanced darkroom techniques to achieve specific effects in his work. In addition to his photography, Benjamin Perlin volunteers at a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore, where he unloads and sorts donations and assists customers.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores play a vital role in Habitat for Humanity’s mission to make affordable, safe housing accessible for all. ReStores are home improvement stores and donation centers that offer a variety of new and used home goods, building materials, and home improvement items, all well below retail prices. Building materials and furniture are donated by contractors renovating homes, and the general public is also welcome to donate unwanted home goods and appliances. The proceeds from ReStores fund new builds and renovation projects through Habitat for Humanity efforts around the world. For more information or to find a local ReStore, visit www.habitat.org.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville’s Homeownership Program

 

Homeownership Program
Image: habitatnashville.org

Nashville resident Benjamin “Ben” Perlin divides his time between professional pursuits and his activities supporting various charities. In addition to volunteering at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro, Benjamin Perlin donates his time and resources to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville.

Like other local Habitat organizations throughout the country, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville oversees a variety of initiatives to create affordable housing for working families. Through its homeownership program, the group makes owning a home a reality for low-income individuals and families in the Tennessee counties of Davidson, Cheatham, Dickson, and Wilson.

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet residency and US citizenship requirements and pass a criminal background check. Applicants must also demonstrate a need for housing and provide an income and debt-payment history to show that they have the ability to pay back an interest-free home loan. The program provides three- and four-bedroom homes for a monthly mortgage payment that will not exceed 30 percent of the homeowner’s monthly income.

Those who qualify to receive a home must also agree to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville. Habitat calls the volunteer time “sweat equity,” and it can be directed toward building one’s own home and/or that of another Habitat family. Volunteer hours can also be spent in a Habitat ReStore. For more information about owning a home through Habitat for Humanity, visit www.habitatnashville.org/ownership.

Black Belt Requirements For The Karate Institute Of America

 

Karate Institute of America
Image: karate-institute.com

The owner of Ben Perlin Photography, Benjamin Perlin is focusing on growing his Nashville, Tennessee, studio. Outside of his work, Benjamin “Ben” Perlin is a musician and also is training to attain his black belt in karate.

According to Karate Institute of America (KIA) testing standards, a candidate must be at least 16 years old and have completed a minimum of 300 class hours over a minimum of three years to be eligible for a first-degree black belt. In addition, candidates must be able to demonstrate first-degree black belt form in their chosen KIA style, as well as in one additional style taught by a non-KIA member, in an eight- to 12-minute program. This program should highlight the candidate’s performance skills, technical knowledge, and leadership.

A candidate for a KIA black belt also must have class log sheets endorsed by a Class A Certified Instructor. Lastly, they must have placed in the top three places in at least five tournaments since their previous belt test.