- What is FIRST? It is an organization that encourages students to learn about science and engineering by holding a robotics competition every year. Our particular division of FIRST is the FRC. Learn more about FRC and FIRST here.
- When was it started? Dean Kamen founded the organization for high school students in 1992 (he also created Segway). At first only 28 teams participated in a "Maize Craze" game in a New Hampshire high school gym. More than 45,000 high school students on over 1,800 teams from the U.S. and 11 other countries will participate in this year’s competition.
- What does FIRST stand for? It stands for “For Inspiration & Recognition of Science and Technology.”
- What happens during the season? The season kicks off in January when the game is announced. After that, teams have six weeks to completely design, prototype, AutoCAD (Computer Aided Design), and build their robots. Afterwards the robots are shipped off and not seen again until the team's first regional. Starting in March, there is a regional occurring every week for six weeks. Teams can enter up to two of the 27 regionals and depending on how they do, go to nationals.
- What kind of games do the robots play? They range from picking up tubes and placing them on a rack, shooting giant balls over an overpass while racing around a track, or scoring balls into other robots' trailers. Every year we are surprised by the amount of creativity that goes into making the games.
- What happens at the competitions? The regionals last three days. The first day is practice, the second day has qualification rounds, and the third day has more qualification rounds and then the elimination rounds. Our team splits up into three groups: the pit crew, the controllers, and the scouts. People working in the pit are maintaining the robot and making sure it is in tip top shape for the next game. The controllers are four members that go on the field to actually control the robot. The scouts are the rest of the team that are in the stands and watching and documenting games. For more information go to the Competition page.
- What is gracious professionalism? Although this is a competition and everyone wants to win, FIRST is constantly reminding players of the term “gracious professionalism.” Essentially, it’s helping each other out without reservation. Not only does this prevent unethical methods of winning, but it also gives the competition a very happy feel and makes the games enjoyable for everyone.
- What will members get from participating in the FIRST program? Participants receive recognition and numerous opportunities to apply for scholarships from supporting companies and universities.
- What skills will the members gain? Students who join and participate will learn how to play as a team and overcome tough obstacles, and gain professionalism and maturity. That is in addition to learning how to use a chop saw or wiring a circuit.
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