FIRST Competitions

First logo

FIRST LEGO League Jr.

FIRST LEGO League

FIRST Tech Challenge

FIRST Robotics Competition

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) 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. (Source: http://www.firstinspires.org/)

The mission of FIRST...

Is 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.

Methodology

Engage kids in kindergarten through high school in exciting, Mentor-based, research and robotics programs that help them become science and technology leaders, as well as well-rounded contributors to society.

FIRST LEGO League Jr.

FIRST LEGO League Jr. is designed to introduce STEM concepts to kids ages 6 to 10 while exciting them through a brand they know and love − LEGO®.

Guided by two or more adult Coaches, teams (up to 6 members, grades K-4) explore a real-world scientific problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc. Then they create a Show Me poster that illustrates their journey of discovery and introduces their team. They also construct a motorized model of what they learned using LEGO elements. In the process, teams learn about teamwork, the wonders of science and technology, and the FIRST LEGO League Jr. Core Values, which include respect, sharing, and critical thinking. At the close of each season, teams come together on a regional basis to strut their stuff, share ideas, celebrate, and have fun.

Impact

FIRST LEGO League Jr. teams get to:

  • Explore challenges facing today's scientists
  • Discover real-world math and science
  • Design and build a challenge-related model using LEGO® elements
  • Create a Show Me Poster and practice presentation skills
  • Develop teamwork skills
  • Choose to participate in Expos and showcases
  • Engage in team activities guided by the FIRST LEGO League Jr. Core Values

Cost & Registration

There are costs involved with supporting a FIRST LEGO League Jr. team and they can vary from team to team and region to region depending on what level of participation the team chooses. Here are some basic cost parameters:

There are never any “per student” fees; all costs for individual team members are assumed by the team as a group.
The annual fees for team registration, a kit of parts and event participation cost approximately $300 USD per team (2015/2016 season.) Additional costs for extra LEGO parts, travel, food, team shirts and other optional items will vary.

FIRST offers many fundraising opportunities and teams are encouraged to create their own. Grants are also available, as well as sponsorships provided locally, regionally and nationally by many corporations.

FIRST believes that no team that wants to participate should have to decline due to lack of resources.

Event Experience:

Turning “look at me” into “look at US!” The FIRST LEGO League Jr. season culminates with Expos where teams show off what they learned and created. Some teams are invited to showcase their work at the FIRST LEGO League Jr. World Festival Expo held in St. Louis, where teams from all over the world meet, share ideas, and have fun.

FLL – FIRST LEGO League

FLL Founders In 1998, FIRST Founder Dean Kamen and the owner of the LEGO Group Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen joined forces to create FIRST LEGO League, a powerful program that engages children in playful and meaningful learning while helping them discover the fun in science and technology through the FIRST LEGO League experience. Dean and Kjeld have a shared belief that FIRST LEGO League inspires teams to research, build, and experiment, and by doing so, they live the entire process of creating ideas, solving problems, and overcoming obstacles, while gaining confidence in their abilities to positively use technology.

Tomorrow’s innovators practice imaginative thinking and teamwork. Guided by two or more adult Coaches, FIRST LEGO League teams (up to 10 members, grades 4-8 - ages 9-14 in the U.S. and Canada. Ages vary by country) research a real-world problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc., and are challenged to develop a solution. They also must design, build, program a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS®, then compete on a table-top playing field.

It all adds up to tons of fun while they learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and math concepts (STEM), plus a big dose of imagination, to solve a problem. Along their discovery journey, they develop critical thinking and team-building skills, basic STEM applications, and even presentation skills, as they must present their solutions with a dash of creativity to judges. They also practice the Program’s Core Values.

FIRST LEGO League challenges kids in over 80 countries to think like scientists and engineers.

Guided by adult Coaches, FIRST LEGO League teams research a real-world problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc., and are challenged to develop a solution. They also must design, build, program a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS® technology, then compete on a table-top playing field.

It all adds up to tons of fun while they learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and math concepts (STEM), plus a big dose of imagination, to solve a problem. Along their discovery journey, they develop critical thinking and team-building skills, basic STEM applications, and even presentation skills, as they must present their solutions with a dash of creativity to judges. They also practice the Program’s signature Core Values.

Impact

The positive impact FIRST LEGO League has on participants is gratifying and well documented. Over 88% are more interested in doing well in school, and 87% have more interest in attending college - source: http://www.first-lego-league.org/en/.

FIRST LEGO League teams get to:

  • Research challenges facing today’s scientists
  • Design, build, test and program robots using LEGO® MINDSTORMS® technology
  • Apply real-world math and science concepts
  • Learn critical thinking, team-building, and presentation skills
  • Participate in tournaments and celebrations
  • Understand and practice Gracious Professionalism®

Core Values

The FIRST LEGO League Core Values are the cornerstones of the program. They are among the fundamental elements that distinguish FIRST LEGO League from other programs of its kind. By embracing the Core Values, participants learn that friendly competition and mutual gain are not separate goals, and that helping one another is the foundation of teamwork.

“We are a team. We do the work to find solutions with guidance from our coaches and mentors. We know our coaches and mentors don't have all the answers; we learn together. We honor the spirit of friendly competition. What we discover is more important than what we win. We share our experiences with others. We display Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition® in everything we do. We have FUN!”

Cost and Registration

Costs for fielding a FIRST LEGO League vary depending on what level of participation. Here are some basic cost parameters:

There are never any “per student” fees; all costs for individual team members are assumed by the team as a group. New teams can expect to pay approximately $900 for team registration, a robot kit of parts, and field setup kit. Additional costs for event participation, travel, food, team shirts and other optional items will vary. Veteran teams will pay less since the robot set can be used year after year.

FIRST offers many fundraising ideas and teams are encouraged to create their own. Grants are also available, as well as sponsorships provided locally, regionally and nationally by many corporations. “FIRST believes that no team that wants to participate should have to bow out due to lack of resources. We will do everything possible to make funds available to all teams who need extra help”, says FIRST’s team.

Event Experience

A chance to shine! Each FIRST LEGO League season culminates with regional tournaments and championships where teams show off what they learned and invented, and compete with their robots. Some teams earn an invitation to FIRST LEGO League World Festival held in St. Louis, where teams from all over the world meet and compete.

FTC - FIRST Tech Challenge

FIRST Tech Challenge teams (10+ members, grades 7-12) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to play a floor game in an alliance format. Participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have!”

Guided by adult Coaches and Mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles (like keeping an engineering notebook), while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and sharing ideas. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and can be programmed using a variety of languages. Teams also must raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach for which they can win awards. Participants have access to tens of millions of dollars in college scholarships. Each season concludes with regional Championships and an exciting FIRST Championship.

Impact

FIRST Tech Challenge teams get to:

  • Design, build, and program robots
  • Apply real-world math and science concepts
  • Develop problem-solving, collaboration, and team-building skills
  • Build and become strong leaders
  • Understand and practice Gracious Professionalism™
  • Cooperate and compete in alliances at tournaments
  • Compete for awards on and off the field
  • Participate in a tiered competition that culminates at the FIRST Championship
  • Qualify for over $16 million in college scholarships
  • Have fun!

Cost and Registration

There are costs involved with fielding a FIRST Tech Challenge team and they can vary from team to team and region to region depending on what level of participation the team chooses. Here are some basic cost parameters:

The FIRST Tech Challenge registration for North American teams is $275 each season. International team registration varies by location.
The average season costs per, including: team registration, a robot kit of parts, event registration, travel, and additional costs for rookie teams is approximately $2,500. The robot kit of parts is reusable each season, so veteran teams can expect to pay less.

FIRST offers many fundraising tools and teams are encouraged to create their own opportunities. Grants may also be available, as well as sponsorships provided locally, regionally and nationally by many corporations. All costs for individual team members are assumed by the team as a group.

Scholarships

A big advantage to participating in FIRST is gaining access to millions in college scholarships made available by colleges, universities, and corporations who support FIRST.

Event Experience

Each FIRST Tech Challenge season culminates with local and regional events where qualifying teams compete for awards and a spot in the FIRST Championship.

FRC – First Robotics Competition

Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. They call FIRST Robotics Competition the ultimate Sport for the Mind. High-school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.” Under strict rules, limited resources, and an intense six-week time limit, teams of 20 or more students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. Each season ends with an exciting FIRST Championship.

Impact

The positive impact on FIRST Robotics Competition participants is gratifying and well documented. Over 88% have more interest in school, 90% have more interest in taking a challenging math or science course, and 90% are more interested in attending college. (Source: http://www.first-lego-league.org/en/)

FIRST Robotics Competition teams get to:

  • Learn from professional engineers
  • Master STEM skills
  • Learn and use sophisticated software, hardware, and power tools
  • Build and compete with a robot of their own design
  • Improve teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills
  • Compete and cooperate in alliances and tournaments
  • Understand and practice Gracious Professionalism™
  • Earn a place at the FIRST Championship
  • Qualify for $22+ million in college scholarships

Cost and Registration

There are costs involved with forming a FIRST Robotics Competition team and they can vary from team to team and region to region depending on what level of participation the team chooses. Here are some basic cost parameters:

There are never any “per student” fees; all costs for individual team members are assumed by the team as a group.
The annual fees for team registration, a robot kit of parts, and event participation range from $5,000 - $6,000. Additional costs for travel, food, team shirts and other optional items will vary.

Scholarship

An advantage to participating in FIRST is gaining access to millions in college scholarships made available by colleges, universities, and corporations who support FIRST. About 35% of FIRST Scholarships can be used for any course of study, not just engineering. Amounts vary from one-time awards to full four-year tuition.

Event Experience

Each FIRST Robotics Competition season culminates with district and regional events where qualifying teams compete for awards and a spot at the FIRST Championship.

What do we think about the FLL competitions?

- We have mostly participated in FLL competitions. It is a great fun and good experience. It is worth it.

- Students with previous experience have great advantage. This is a drawback for new teams.

- It could cost a lot of money - for registration and participation, for traveling.

- Very time consuming - winning teams need to spend a lot of time and this could get difficult to manage