About FIRST
It’s way more than building robots. FIRST members are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots. Participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have!” Guided by adult Coaches and Mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles, like keeping an engineering notebook, while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and sharing ideas. Along with designing, building and programming a robot, teams are required to create an engineering notebook that documents their build season and team experience. It helps teams learn the value of the engineering process and gives them an opportunity to reflect on their experiences and improve. It also shows the judges at tournaments what the teams have overcome throughout the year.
The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and can be programmed using a variety of languages such as Java. Additional parts may be needed to build a robot for the new challenge which is released annually. Teams also must raise funds, design and market their team brand.
Awards are given for the robot competition as well as for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments. Participants have access to tens of millions of dollars in college scholarships. Each season concludes with regional Championships and an exciting FIRST World Championship.
The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and can be programmed using a variety of languages such as Java. Additional parts may be needed to build a robot for the new challenge which is released annually. Teams also must raise funds, design and market their team brand.
Awards are given for the robot competition as well as for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments. Participants have access to tens of millions of dollars in college scholarships. Each season concludes with regional Championships and an exciting FIRST World Championship.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity 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.
FIRST is More Than Robots.
FIRST participation is proven to encourage students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields, inspire them to become leaders and innovators, and enhance their 21st century work-life skills. Read more about the Impact of FIRST.
Gracious Professionalism®
Dr. Woodie Flowers, FIRST Distinguished Advisor and Pappalardo Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, coined the term "Gracious Professionalism®." It is part of the ethos of FIRST. It's a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community.
With Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions. Gracious professionals learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process. They avoid treating anyone like losers. No chest thumping tough talk, but no sticky-sweet platitudes either. Knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended.
In the long run, Gracious Professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing one has acted with integrity and sensitivity.
Coopertition®
At FIRST, Coopertition is displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition. Coopertition is founded on the concept and a philosophy that teams can and should help and cooperate with each other even as they compete.
Coopertition involves learning from teammates. It is teaching teammates. It is learning from Mentors. And it is managing and being managed.
Coopertition means competing always, but assisting and enabling others when you can.
Thank you Dr. Flowers, you truly were a blessing!
www.firstinspires.org
FIRST is More Than Robots.
FIRST participation is proven to encourage students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields, inspire them to become leaders and innovators, and enhance their 21st century work-life skills. Read more about the Impact of FIRST.
Gracious Professionalism®
Dr. Woodie Flowers, FIRST Distinguished Advisor and Pappalardo Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, coined the term "Gracious Professionalism®." It is part of the ethos of FIRST. It's a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community.
With Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions. Gracious professionals learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process. They avoid treating anyone like losers. No chest thumping tough talk, but no sticky-sweet platitudes either. Knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended.
In the long run, Gracious Professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing one has acted with integrity and sensitivity.
Coopertition®
At FIRST, Coopertition is displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition. Coopertition is founded on the concept and a philosophy that teams can and should help and cooperate with each other even as they compete.
Coopertition involves learning from teammates. It is teaching teammates. It is learning from Mentors. And it is managing and being managed.
Coopertition means competing always, but assisting and enabling others when you can.
Thank you Dr. Flowers, you truly were a blessing!
www.firstinspires.org
Programs
|
|