FIRST

US FIRST For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology – an organization dedicated to motivating the next generation to understand, use, and enjoy science and technology. Founded in 1989, this year FIRST will serve more than 300,000 young people, ages 6 to 18, in more than 60 countries around the globe.

FRC – FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC®) Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18) Build and compete with a robot of their own design – “The 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 robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of 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.

• 2015 – Recycle Rush – a recycling-themed game played by two Alliances of three robots each. Robots score points by stacking totes on scoring platforms, capping those stacks with recycling containers, and properly disposing of pool noodles, representing litter.

FLL – FIRST® LEGO® League for Grades 4-8 (ages 9-16; 9-14 in U.S./CAN/MEX) Introduces younger students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface. FLL teams, guided by their imaginations and adult coaches, discover exciting career possibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society.

• Many Bay Area engineers also grew up competing in the First Lego League, which also launched in 1998 with 200 teams. Since then the league has expanded – last year more than 280,000 children around the world, ages 6-18, participated. ..

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.

Coopertition – 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 means competing always, but assisting and enabling others when you can.

Dean Kamen – Founder. (video 2:26) Dean Kamen, holder of nearly 500 U.S. and foreign patents for medical devices that have expanded the frontiers of healthcare worldwide, and founder of FIRST®, an organization dedicated to motivating youth to understand science and technology, has been named the tenth recipient of the James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award.

Dr. Woodie Flowers – Chairman; Pappalardo Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Dr. Flowers participates in the design of the FIRST Robotics Competition game each year. He has served as a National Advisor to FIRST since the inception of the FIRST Robotics Competition.

Mindstorm

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