About FIRST

 *ALL information below comes from usfirst.org

“to transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are   celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes.”

  FIRST, standing for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen, the renowned entrepeneur and inventor. FIRST’s mission is  to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership. From usfirst.org:

 FIRST Family of Programs

JR FIRST LEGO League (JRFLL)

 FIRST introduces younger children to the exciting world of science and technology. This program features a real-world challenge to be solved by research, critical thinking, construction, teamwork, and imagination. Guided by adult coaches, teams use LEGO® bricks to build a model with a motorized part and develop a coordinating poster to illustrate their journey. Grades K-3 (ages 6-9) get to:

• Design and build a challenge-related model using LEGO components.

• Create a Show-Me poster and practice presentation skills.
• Explore challenges facing today’s scientists.
• Discover real-world math and science.
• Begin developing employment and life skills.
• Choose to participate in events and celebrations.
• Engage in team activities guided by FLL Core Values.

       First LEGO League (FLL)

Children are immersed in real-world science and technology challenges. Teams build LEGO-based robots and develop research projects. Through their participation, children develop valuable life skills and discover exciting career possibilities while learning that they can make a positive contribution to society.

Grades 4-8 (ages 9-16; 9-14 in the U.S. and Canada) get to:

• Strategize, design, build, program, and test a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS® technology.
• Create innovative solutions for challenges facing today’s scientists as part of their research project.
• Apply real-world math and science concepts.
• Develop employment and life skills including critical thinking, time management, collaboration, and communication    while becoming more self confident.
• Become involved in their local and global community.
• Choose to participate in official tournaments and local events.
• Qualify for an invitation to World Festival.
• Engage in team activities guided by FLL Core Values.

First Tech Challenge (FTC)

More geographically accessible, FTC is designed for those who want to compete head-to-head using a sports model. Teams of up to 10 students are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and is programmed using a variety of languages. Teams, including coaches, mentors, and volunteers, are required to develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles. Awards are given for the competition as well as for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments.
Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18) get to:

• Design, build, and program robots.
• Apply real-world math and science concepts.
• Develop problem-solving, organizational, and team-building skills.
• Compete and cooperate in alliances at tournaments.
•        Earn a place in the World Championship.
•        Qualify for more than $7 million in college scholarships.

*First Robotics Competion (FRC)

Dubbed a “varsity sport for the mind,” FRC combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of 25 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. It’s as close to “real world” engineering that a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team.

Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18) get to:

• Learn from professional engineers.
• Build and compete with a robot of their own design.
• Learn and use sophisticated hardware and software.
• Be exposed to design, project management, programming, teamwork, strategic thinking and Coopertition™.
• Earn a place in the Championship.
• Qualify for nearly $15 million in college scholarships.

*“2 Train Robotics” Team 395 is a First Robotics Competition (FRC) Team