REGISTRATION FOR THE
​2019-2020 SEASON
​Is Now Closed!


If you are interested in learning about future programs? Send an email to danburyrobotics@gmail.com

OBOTICS

About Danbury (LEGO) Robotics and Danbury Robotics

We are a non-profit community competitive Robotics Teams out of Danbury Connecticut. Team members are from the Greater Danbury Area and we compete through FIRST.

About FIRST

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® produces innovation. 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.

To learn more about FIRST and details of their programs please click on the link below.

Teaser for the 2019-2020 Challenges:


​FLL Jr grades K-4, ages 6-10
​
​KICKOFF August 2019
​

It’s never too early to discover STEM
Through exploratory research, hands-on construction, teamwork, imagination, and fun with LEGO elements, FIRST® LEGO® League Jr. challenges teams of up to six kids to explore a real-world scientific concept, then build a motorized model and develop a Show Me Poster to illustrate their journey of discovery. Throughout the season, adult coaches provide guidance and inspiration.
Grades K-4; ages 6-10


​FLL grades 4-9, ages 10-14
​
​KICKOFF August 2019


​Tomorrow’s innovators practice imaginative thinking and teamwork. Guided by two or more adult Coaches, FIRST LEGO League* teams (up to 10 members, grades 4-8**) research a real-world problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc., and are challenged to develop a solution. They also must design, build, program a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS®, then compete on a table-top playing field.
It all adds up to tons of fun while they learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and math concepts (STEM), plus a big dose of imagination, to solve a problem. Along their discovery journey, they develop critical thinking and team-building skills, basic STEM applications, and even presentation skills, as they must present their solutions with a dash of creativity to judges. They also practice the Program’s Core Values.

*Note*: For our teams we usually start off at ages 10 years old /5th grade.

* An alliance between FIRST and the LEGO® Group
** Ages 9-14 in the U.S. and Canada. Ages vary by country.

FTC grades 7-12, ages 12-18
​
​KICKOFF
​Saturday, September 7, 2019

It’s way more than building robots. FIRST Tech Challenge teams (10+ members, grades 7-12) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to play a floor game in an alliance format. 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, FTC 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.
Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. We call FIRST Robotics Competition the ultimate Sport for the Mind. High-school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.”Under strict rules, limited resources, and an intense six-week time limit, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. Each season ends with an exciting FIRST Championship
Please like us and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see what we are doing and where we will be appearing.