FIRST
FIRST things First
Inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST in 1989. FIRST is an acronym for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.” The organization’s vision is to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. It is a 501 © (3) not-for-profit public charity based in Manchester, New Hampshire, which designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills. The website can be found at usfirst.org.
FIRST programs are designed for students ages 6 to 18. FIRST is a family of four (4) programs: Junior FIRST Lego League (Jr.FLL), FIRST Lego League (FLL), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC).
Last year, over 300,000 students and more than 120,000 mentors, coaches and volunteers from over 70 countries participated in FIRST programs. The annual programs culminate in an international robotics competition and celebration where teams win recognition, gain self confidence, develop people and life skills, make new friends, and perhaps discover an unforeseen career path. Students also qualified for over $20 million college scholarships.
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
Junior FIRST LEGO League (Jr.FLL) is designed for ages 6 to 9 to capture young children’s inherent curiosity and direct it toward discovering the wonders of science and technology. Teams use LEGOs to build a challenge-related model that moves. Teams also create a Show-Me Poster to illustrate their journey and practice presentation skills. Teams can choose to participate in events and celebrations.
In FIRST LEGO League (FLL) for ages 9 to 14, teams strategize, design, build, program, and test a robot using the LEGO MINDSTORM technology. Their automonous LEGO robot then has to perform a series of missions, such as driving over a ramp or moving game pieces. Students apply math and science concepts and develop skills in critical thinking, time management and communication. Teams can choose to participate in official tournaments and local events.
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is designed for high-schoolers who want to compete head to head in a sporting-like event. Teams of up to 10 students design, build, and program their robots to compete on a 12 X 12’ field in an alliance format against other teams. Robots are built using a TETRIX® platform that is reusable from year-to-year using a variety of languages. Teams are required to develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles. Awards are given for the competition as well as community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments.
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of 25 high school students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program a robot to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. Professional mentors volunteer their time and talents to guide each team. Competitions are held regionally, nationally and internationally. Students learn to use sophisticated hardware and software, and work alongside professional engineers. In doing so, they develop design, project management programming, teamwork, and strategic thinking skills.