What is FIRST
FIRST is a nonprofit American based and founded international organization which is designed to inspire an interest in kids ages 6-18 years in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. As an organization FIRST is run primarily by volunteers. Science Professionals, Coaches, Mentors, Teachers, Parents, Team members and former Team Members.
www.usfirst.org For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
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FIRST
Mission statement, The mission 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. Dean Kamen, FIRST founder is an inventor, entrepreneur, and tireless advocate for science and technology. His passion and determination to help young people discover the excitement and rewards of science and technology are the cornerstones of FIRST. 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. There are two FRC teams in the Santa Clarita Valley:
Project 691, a district wide team founded in 2000, for all Hart District students centered out of AOC and West Ranch HS and also Team 3993, the Hart Hybrids, also a district wide team founded in 2012. Students can contact each team for more information. http://www.team691.org/ http://team3993.weebly.com/ |
Jr.FLL is for students ages 6-9 years
FLL is for students 9-14 years in United States and 9- 16 internationally
FTC is for students 12-18 years
FRC is for students 14-18 years
For help in finding a FIRST team in your area log onto: http://www.usfirst.org/whatsgoingon
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How to get your child on an FLL Team
Your child can join an existing team that has room and willing to take on new members. Teams are formed, privately, in Girl Scouts, Church’s, Schools, Boy Scouts, 4H clubs, and in community groups such as Boys and Girls Clubs. If you are not able to locate an existing team with room, you should consider starting your own team. Visit www.usfirst.org for more information on starting your own team. You can find information there in regard to costs, registration and equipment needed. You can also visit our resources page for books and websites of interest for coaches and kids. To join a pre-existing team you can: 1: Go to this location on the FIRST website: http://www.usfirst.org/whatsgoingon 2: Ask a coach of a known team for referrals to a team in your area 3: In the LA Region contact the FIRST Los Angeles Regional Director at www.larobotics.org Go to the FLL tab for information 4: If you want to join a Girl Scout team contact your local council for help 5: For a Boy Scout team contact your local scout council and ask if they have existing teams or if they would help sponsor a team. 6: Boys and Girls Clubs 7: Any organization, school, church clubs can start a team. You need a coach and 2-10 team members. FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology FLL Initial Costs:
Field set up kit- $75 1 FLL NXT Kit - $435 FLL Registration- $225 FLL Table - $80 Team T shirts - $15 -$20 each approx. Need 3 presentation boards,snacks, paper, presentation supplies The field set up kit, registration fees, t-shirts and research supplies are paid every year. The NXT kit and table can be reused by the team yearly. You can visit, https://gofll.usfirst.org/pages/product_description_and_pricing for a detailed page on parts costs as well. |
Form your own team & register
You need to recruit up to 10 team members from ages 9 to14 in the US/CAN/MEX. Ages in other countries are 9-16years. Team members must not exceed the maximum age of 14 on January 1 of the year the Challenge is released. For example, in the United States a student who turns 15 in May of 2012 would be eligible to compete in the Challenge released in late August, whereas a child who turned 15 in December would not. Keep in mind that children can only be on one (1) team, but a coach is allowed to coach multiple teams. You will need a meeting space that has room to set up the 4x8 playing field, and a computer with internet access. Extra pieces from Lego can be added to your kit, as long as they are Lego parts. No more than 3 motors can be used on one competition robot. Previous years sensors were limited but as of the 2012 season sensors were unlimited. Check on this for the 2013 season to be certain. |