F.I.R.S.T. (For
Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology )
The
FIRST Robotics
Competition is a
national engineering contest founded
by Dean Kamen in
1989.
FIRST For
Inspiration and Recognition of
Science and Technology promotes science and technology in high schools
across the world, immersing students in
the exciting
world of
engineering. Teaming up with
engineers from businesses and universities, students get a
hands-on, inside look at the engineering
profession. In six intense weeks,
students and engineers work together
to brainstorm, design, construct and test their "champion robot". With
only six weeks, all jobs are a critical part of the process. The teams
then compete in a spirited, no-holds-barred tournament
complete with
referees, cheerleaders and time clocks.
The partnerships developed between
schools, businesses, and universities provide an exchange of resources
and talent, highlighting mutual needs, building cooperation, and
exposing students to new career choices. The result is a fun, exciting
and stimulating environment in which all participants discover the
important connection between classroom lessons and real world
applications. Each year the competition is different, so returning
teams always have a new challenge to look forward to. However, the
details are kept secret until the unveiling at the Kick-Off event held
in early January. This provides a high level of excitement as everyone
sees the new challenge for the first time and ideas immediately begin
forming in people's minds. For more information on FIRST, go to their
web site at:
http://www.usfirst.org
