About FIRST
FIRST
FIRST Robotics is a national organization that spreads its message simply through its title---For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. As stated by FIRST’s founder, Dean Kamen, the mission of FIRST is "to transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders”. It is composed of several divisions of programs for age groups, such as the FIRST Lego League for elementary school kids, FIRST Tech Challenge for middle school and high school, and their biggest and most popular program of all---the FIRST Robotics Competition or FRC.
FIRST Robotics is a national organization that spreads its message simply through its title---For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. As stated by FIRST’s founder, Dean Kamen, the mission of FIRST is "to transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders”. It is composed of several divisions of programs for age groups, such as the FIRST Lego League for elementary school kids, FIRST Tech Challenge for middle school and high school, and their biggest and most popular program of all---the FIRST Robotics Competition or FRC.
FRC Each year, FIRST releases a new game, or challenge, for teams to solve. Teams across the nation, and the globe, then have about six weeks to design, build, program, and test robots that will fit the specifications of the challenge. The type of game varies from year to year. In 2010, the game was called Breakaway and was essentially a robotic version of soccer, lasting only about two minutes. In 2011, the game was entitled Logomotion and involved robots picking up inflatable tubes and hanging them on a rack in the shape of the FIRST logo. In addition to this, teams constructed smaller “mini-bots” to launch off of the main robot and race up poles during the last 10 seconds of the match for bonus points. Each year the game changes drastically and it is up to the teams to figure out the best way to approach the problem and create an effective solution.
After the six weeks of build season, the teams then move on to compete in regional competitions against other teams. Even though only a select few can continue on to compete in Championships in St. Louis, nobody really ever loses in FIRST. It’s not all about the robots-it is about the kids who make them.
What FIRST Is All About FIRST Robotics introduces teenagers to the world of STEM and inspires them to pursue it in the future. Through their participation on FIRST Robotics teams, students learn about engineering, how to navigate the design process, problem solving skills, and how to work as a team. Teens not only learn about STEM fields, but learn that they too can succeed in those fields, while enjoying themselves.
Each team operates like a business, with budgets, meetings, and planning. While many on the team learn about more technical fields, others may invest more time in developing useful business practices. It is essential that the business, fundraising and technical sides of the team are all intertwined and work together cohesively. As a result, the students who participate in FIRST learn all about teamwork. Although many smart kids are usually more independent learners and workers, FIRST allows students to learn how to work together, a skill that will be essential for their future career. In a world in which the sports and entertainment industry are held higher than the education of our youth, FIRST is making strides for a positive change.
