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About FIRST
“To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders.”
Dean Kamen, Founder of FIRST
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a not-for-profit organisation which encourages young people to discover and develop a passion for science, engineering and technology. Founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen, the 2009-2010 FIRST season attracted over 212,000 students, 57,000 mentors and coaches, and over 33,000 other volunteers. The annual programmes run by FIRST culminate in an international robotics competition.
FIRST prides itself on Gracious Professionalism, where fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions. FIRST teams compete but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process, which encourages high-quality work while emphasising the value of others.
FIRST Robotics Competition
The FIRST Robotics Competition stages short games played by autonomous and remote-controlled robots. Dubbed a “varsity sport for the mind”, FRC combines the excitement of sport with the challenges of science and technology.
Teams are formed in the autumn. The annual FIRST Robotics Competition Kickoff in early January starts a six week ‘build’ season. The robots are designed and built in these six weeks, from a common set of parts, by teams of 15 to 25 students aged 14 to 18 and a handful of professional engineer mentors. The robots are built under strict rules, limited resources and time limits. Teams have to design a team brand and develop teamwork skills. It's as close to “real world” engineering that a student can get.
Competitions take place in March and April. They involve 40 to 70 teams cheered by fans over three days. A championship event caps the season. Judges evaluate teams and present awards for design, technology, sportsmanship and commitment to FIRST.
FIRST Lego League
FIRST Lego League introduces younger students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO MINDSTORMS based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface.
FLL teams are made of up to 10 children, ages 9 to 16. Guided by their imaginations and adult coaches, they discover exciting career possibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society. FLL helps build self-confidence, knowledge, and employment and life skills, and helps children discover the fun in science and technology.
An overview of FIRST's ethos and competitions can be seen in this promotional video:
More information about FIRST and their programmes can be found on their website: www.usfirst.org
Images and video provided by and copyright FIRST. Photography by Adriana M. Groisman.
