Team 3361: The Governators
What is FIRST?
For
Inspiration and
Recognition of
Science and
Technology
Overview
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an international organization founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen. The goal of FIRST is to give students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while inspiring young people to pursue these fields. From age 6 to 18, students can participate in FIRST programs.
Competitions
Grades K-3 can participate in Jr. FIRST LEGO League which allows teams to build projects out of LEGO bricks. Students in grades 4-8 can join FIRST LEGO League in which they will design, build and program LEGO robots to accomplish certain challenges. Grades 7-12 participate in the FIRST Tech Challenge in which students build and program a robot using a TETRIX kit and compete in alliances on a 12' x 12' field in a yearly game.
FIRST Robotics Competition
The most advance FIRST program is the FIRST Robotics Competition. High school students apply advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts to build a robot that can perform a specific function. Each year, a new game is announced in January. Students then have six weeks to design, build, and program a robot from scratch. Given a kit of parts and other donated resources, students must find the most efficient way to build a robot that can accomplish a certain task while meeting strict guidelines. Teams generally consist of over 20 students and volunteer mentors that have experience in science or engineering. Along with robot construction, raising funds for registration, parts, travel, and lodging is a crucial part of the club. At the competition, teams compete in alliances of three against other alliances in what is refered to as the "sport for the mind." The winners of the district competitions progress to a national championship. The 2014 game was Aerial Assist. Participants had to build a robot under 120 pounds that could launch an exercise ball over a truss, catch it, and throw it into goals to earn points. Teamwork and strategizing are essential in scoring points.
To learn more about FIRST, visit the official website at www.usfirst.org.