This weekend we volunteered at the FIRST Robotics Challenge Colorado Regional. Not only is this a ton of fun – teams of high school students build robots to compete in a different game each year – it’s a very important activity to encourage young people to get involved in technology.
First a little background on FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.
FIRST 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
Founded by Dean Kamen, President of DEKA Research & Development Corporation and inventor of the Segway PT, FIRST has grown from 28 teams in a New Hampshire high-school gym in 1992 to reaching over 150,000 kids and the FIRST Championship held in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. So what is FIRST Robotics Challenge all about? In the official words:
What is FRC?
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is a unique varsity sport of the mind designed to help high-school-aged young people discover how interesting and rewarding the life of engineers and researchers can be.
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.
FIRST redefines winning for these students because they are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last.
What is unique about the FRC program?
- It is a sport where the participants play with the pros and learn from them
- Designing and building a robot is a fascinating real-world professional experience
- Competing on stage brings participants as much excitement and adrenaline rush as conventional varsity tournaments
The game rules are a surprise every year
My son and I got involved last year through the IEEE, which is a major supporter of FRC. Me, because it sounded like a great idea, my teenage son because, well, geeks + robots… you do the math. It has been an amazing experience. There is always a need for mentors, coaches and of course corporate sponsorship. I’ve volunteered both years working in the machine shop, which was provided last year by NASA and this year by a local Denver company Club Workshop, where we handled everything from minor accidents to field upgrades. I can’t say enough about this terrific program to really do it justice so I’ll just provide some pictures instead. Check FIRST out. You’ll be glad you did.
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