FIRST

®

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

Inspiring Students, Educators, Professionals and Communities Patricia DePra FIRST Regional Director Western PA - Pittsburgh

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

Agenda

Overview of FIRST Programs Impact What makes FRC such a unique experience; How is FRC different?

The nature of the game Opportunities

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

FIRST Programs

»

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)

for high-school-aged young people »

FIRST LEGO ®

for ages 9 to 14

League (FLL)

»

FIRST Technical Challenge

, a more accessible program for high-school-aged youth » Also: –

Junior FLL

, for ages 6 to 9 (pilot) –

FIRST Place

, an R&D facility and science & technology resource to the community

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

FIRST ® :

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 leaders.” Dean Kamen, Founder

Mission

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.

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

FIRST ® :

Dean Kamen, Founder

“We want to change the culture by celebrating the mind. We need to show kids that it’s more fun to design and create a video game than it is to play one.”

Dean Kamen Founder

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

FIRST ®

Robotics Competition: How It Works

“…It’s like life. You never have enough information. You never have enough time. The kit of materials is what you have in the warehouse. There are always competing things and you must have a strategy. We’ve created a microcosm of the real engineering experience.” Woodie Flowers FIRST National Advisor

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

FIRST ®

Robotics Competition: How It Works

» Combines the excitement of sport with science and technology » Creates a unique varsity sport for the mind » Grade 9-12 students (ages 14-18) discover the value of education and careers in science, technology, and engineering

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

FIRST ®

Robotics Competition:

» » Mission is to INSPIRE, not EDUCATE BUT look at what is involved: – Math (algebra, geometry, trig, calculus) – – Science (physics, chemistry, experimentation) Language arts (writing, public speaking) – – – – – – – – Business (marketing, PR, fundraising) Finance (accounting) Computer Science (programming, 3D animation) Fabrication (woodworking, metalworking) Mentorship: Working side-by-side with professionals Teamwork Gracious Professionalism TM Coopertition TM

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

FIRST ®

Robotics Competition: 2010 FRC Season

» 1,809 teams » » » » 45,000+ high-school students From 12 countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada (4 provinces), Chile, Germany, Herzegovina, Israel, Mexico, Netherlands, Turkey, U.K., U.S. (50 states) 44 Regionals/State Championships 7 District Competitions 340 teams advance to FIRST Championship

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

Impact: 12,000,000 11,000,000 10,000,000 9,000,000 8,000,000 7,000,000 6,000,000 5,000,000 4,000,000 3,000,000 2,000,000 1,000,000 0 '9 6 '9 8 '0 0 '0 2 '0 4 '0 6 '0 8 '1 0 Scholarships

Over $14 million in scholarship awards available to FIRST participants

“I am very thankful for the inspiration that the

FIRST experience gave me, and for this

scholarship that allows me to be at a top institution, headed for a challenging and intriguing career.”

Drew Blackburn, FRC Alumni Georgia Tech FIRST Scholarship Winner

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

Impact: Education in Science & Technology

» FIRST students vs. comparison group » Seek education in science & technology » Twice as likely to major in science or engineering » More than three times as likely to major specifically in engineering Source: Brandeis University, Center for Youth and Communities, Heller School for Social Policy and Management

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

Impact: Careers in Science & Technology

» FIRST students vs. comparison group » Earn career opportunities: » Almost ten times more likely to have internship » Expect to pursue science & technology careers: » » More than twice as likely to pursue S&T career Nearly four times as likely to pursue career specifically in engineering Source: Brandeis University, Center for Youth and Communities, Heller School for Social Policy and Management

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

Model for Success

  

Mentors Volunteers Fundraising

Business   

Teachers Facilities Scholarships

Education Government   

Policy Support Recognition Funding

Social Investors  

Funding Research

Community  

Volunteers Organizations

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

How FIRST is different

The Game and the Nature of the Competition: Gracious

Professionalism TM Coopertition TM

and Project Management Experience

• • • • • • •

6 weeks ! to build a robot Design challenges; creativity

•

Computer programming challenges

•

Mechanical challenges

• Safety

considerations Complex rules Cost containment and record-keeping Teamwork Marketing & Fundraising and more …

Mentors

(technical and non-technical): Interaction with professionals and college students

Scholarships

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

How FIRST is different

 

The Game and the Nature of the Competition: Coopertition

TM

and Gracious Professionalism

TM

 

Two Alliances of three teams each:

Robots have interchangeable red and blue bumpers to identify their alliance in each match.

Alliances for qualification matches:

Teams are

randomly assigned;

alliances differ from match to match.

Quarter- and Semi-Finals:

The 8 top-seeded teams choose the alliances for the following matches. Teams begin scouting potential alliance partners at the beginning of the competition.

It's in teams' best interest to assist other teams, as they may be competing on the same alliance in an upcoming match. This structure supports the philosophies at

FIRST of Gracious Professionalism

TM and Coopertition TM : displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition.

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

How FIRST is Different



Coopertition is founded on the concept and a philosophy that teams can and should help and cooperate with each other even as they compete.



Gracious Professionalism™ is a way of doing things that encourages high quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community.

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

How FIRST is Different

And More:

“Sport for the mind” combines the excitement of sport with science and technology Problem solving and creativity with new challenges every year Teams of young people with mentors A tight timeline to learn efficiency and effectiveness The hardest fun you’ll ever have…

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

How FIRST is different

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

Beyond the Robot

Other Team Member Roles beyond the build may include:

•

Publicity, Marketing: Creating a team brand

•

Media Relations

•

Government Relations: Contacting elected officials

•

Form a parent booster club

•

Fundraising

•

Team Finance/Budget

•

Creating a Business Plan

•

Community Outreach Events

•

Outreach to younger students, teams

•

Award Submissions

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

How FIRST is Different

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

Teams and Robots in the Pits

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

Community Events Chamber of Commerce Neighborhood Festivals School Events

Consider inviting your Regional Director who can provide FIRST brochures/displays, (or provide them with brochures if they like), a monitor / slide show, and be available to answer questions about

FIRST

. Note: My roles at things like this are to help with team promotion first and regional promotion second (i.e. I stand back and let the students and mentors promote the team, and will talk about

FIRST

when asked).

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

The FIRST Organization

Headquarters

in Manchester, NY Lots of support and information / website FLL – FTC –

Partners

run the competitions

Regional Directors

; some Assistant Regional Directors

Executive Advisory Board Regional Planning Committee Volunteers – Kickoff, FRC Competitions

celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

for sponsoring and staffing the 5th Gear Simulation Tournament!

for offering discounts to area teams!

Swanson Center for Product Innovation

for donating their staffed machine shop for the Pittsburgh Regional FIRST Robotics Competition!

“

…to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….

”

Dean Kamen, Founder

FIRST

Questions

?