FIRST Robotics Competition
Posted on April 15th, 2008 in Engineering, Passion, Robotics, Technology |
I have been part of FIRST as a participant, volunteer, mentor and a Judge for the last 8 years now. It has been a big part of my life and its has set the foundation of my passions. There are many people who still don’t know what FIRST exactly does, some have never even heard of it. Ill do my best to explain what FIRST is and how and why I have been involved with it in the past few years.
What Is FIRST?
FIRST started as a robotics competition for high school students. It has matured over the years and expanded to competition for middle schoolers FIRST Lego league and FIRST VEX robotics competition.
From USFIRST.org
Vision
“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.”
Dean Kamen, Founder
Mission
Our 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.
What is FIRST Robotics Competition(FRC)?
The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard “kit of parts” and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in competitions designed by Dean Kamen, Dr. Woodie Flowers, and a committee of engineers and other professionals. (from USFIRST.org)
Why should you care?
You should care because this program works. It works because it has had huge impact on education and specifically it has impacted thousands of high schoolers. I think programs like FIRST challenges students and it is a program that connects students with mentors. It creates competition and promotes gracious professionalism. This term gracious professionalism was coined by MIT Professor Dr. Woodie Flower.
“Gracious Professionalism 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.”
How can you get involved?
Just by attending one of the 30+ regional competitions around the nation you can experience FIRST.
Unfortunately all the regional competitions are over for this season. Although the Championship event is this weekend in Atlanta at the Georgia Dome April 17 - 19
2008 FIRST Championship
Sites to check out
I am an alumni of Monta Vista Robotics Team 115
FIRST Website
2 Responses
Hey - that is awesome. I was actively involved with FIRST in my high school. This year they offered me to do be a judge on a panel to evaluate the FIRST websites. It is a great organization. Keep up the great job!
[...] FIRST Robotics Competition Akshay Dodeja writes “I have been part of FIRST as a participant, volunteer, mentor and a Judge for the last 8 years now. It has been a big part of my life and its has set the foundation of my passions. There are many people who still don’t know what FIRST exactly does, some have never even heard of it. Ill do my best to explain what FIRST is and how and why I have been involved with it in the past few years.” [...]