Be a Force for Change

An Open Letter to FIRST Teams Around the World

Apr 09, 2020


We’ve known for a long time that FIRST is more than robots, but with each passing day it becomes even more clear that the skills and values you’ve learned through these programs have uniquely positioned you to innovate right now – and long into the future.

Updates, FIRST Virtual Showcase, and FIRST RISESM Rewind 

Apr 08, 2020 Written by Frank Merrick.

 

kids working at home with robots

FIRST® @ Home

As a global robotics community that prepares young people for the future, FIRST® is committed to continuing our efforts to give students the skills and confidence they need to change the world – today and tomorrow.

FIRST at Home is your source to learn about opportunities for STEM skill development, FIRST supported activities, and unique events in the FIRST community.

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FIRST Kahoot!

The FIRST and Kahoot partnership leverages the fun platform of Kahoot with amazing content from FIRST. Explore our launch series topics such as FIRST Core Values, Robotics, Computational Thinking, and more! We will launch new content every few months so be sure to subscribe to the FIRST community on our Kahoot page to stay tuned for updates.

  Go to Kahoot!

 

FIRST Camp Guides

If you’re looking to implement fun STEM programming for students during a camp, our new FIRST Camp Guides can help you introduce campers to the fascinating and technical world of robotics using FIRST LEGO League or FIRST Tech Challenge materials. Campers will work together to complete activities that will challenge them to think critically and grow their understanding of coding and programming.

Download FIRST Camp Guides

 

Siemens

This new web-based program introduces engineering to students in a fun, relevant, and interactive manner to learn about the various engineering fields and the impact engineers have on our world. Hour of Engineering by Siemens aims to inspire, engage, and educate students on the fundamentals of engineering before high school.

Siemens Hour of Engineering

 

FIRST @ Home Curriculum Series

Explore our flexible learning series that covers a variety of STEM topics for all ages. Our curriculum uses our FIRST Theory of Learning to engage students in fun, hand-on activities that are interdisciplinary. These activities are easy to implement with limited resources and can either stand-alone or work as a great supplement to a FIRST Team or Class Pack experience.

Access Curriculum


FIRST Skill Building Library

We've reviewed the following content that will support the continuation of learning and skill development. Activities listed have been chosen carefully and represent an opportunity to build a variety of technical skills, career preparedness and holistic skills to prepare for life - ranging from high tech, to low tech, to no tech. 

Click on the + to see offerings. 

Remote Learning Resources

For parents, teachers and coaches to assist with the transition to eLearning and working with teams remotely, these resources are just for you to assist with this collaborative learning environment.

  • Gracious Professionalism® Check-In - One of the philosophies at the heart of FIRST is Gracious Professionalism® , this resource is a template to use for your FIRST team meetings or in a FIRST classroom to ensure all students have a platform to share and be heard, even in a remote environment.

  • Need professional development related to remote learning?  Our friends at Ariel have two courses to make your remote classroom or remote team a model of best practices. 
    Registration code: first-at-home
     
  • Parents’ Guide for managing FIRST at Home - Within this guide, you will find resources to help you and your child develop and implement time management with a Core Values mindset at home.
  • Enroll in this self-paced course from Future Learn and the LEGO Foundation to learn how to provide playful and engaging social emotional learning (SEL) support to children affected by COVID-19 disruption.
Coding, Programming, and Artificial Intelligence 

Want to learn a new coding language, brush up on your programming skills or take it to the next level and dive into machine learning?  These resources will help you develop computer science, coding and programming related skills. 
  • Beginner/Intermediate - Scratch - a block-based visual programming language similar to Spike Prime and FIRST Tech Challenge languages - Code interactive stories, animations, and games.
     
  • Beginner/Intermediate - Hour of Code - a variety of tutorials in Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, Block Based.
     
  • Intermediate – Programming Electronics Academy – Arduino programming course and resource guides
     
  • Intermediate/Advanced - Machine learning Projects – Explore innovative topics and do projects or hands on challenges.
     
  • Intermediate/Advanced - AP Computer Science A in Java
     
  • Intermediate/Advanced – Teachable Machine – Train a computer to recognize your own images, sounds and poses. Great activities to do at home to practice generating machine learning software from collaboration with our friends at Google.
     
  • Beginner/Intermediate - Our strategic partners at Qualcomm® Thinkabit Lab™ are Inspiring the next generation of inventors by showing students that they can be part of inventing the wireless world of the future.
     
  • Meet Ashley and Abakir, two #AmazonFutureEngineer Scholarship winners and #FIRST alumni, as they introduce this year’s Amazon Cyber Robotics Challenge! Learn to code and complete the challenge this fall for a chance to win $250 for your team. Learn more: https://www.amazonfutureengineer.com/amazon-cyber-robotics-challenge
     
  • Middle School - 2 Part (90 minute activity) - Make a chat bot with Amazon Lex. 
     
  • High School - 3 Part (120 minute activity) - Artificial intelligence using cloud computing. 
Career Exploration

  • Spanish: ¿Tiene interés en una carrera profesional en el campo de STEM? Le invitamos a participar en nuestro evento Orientación profesional con FIRST: Johnson & Johnson en español. Esta discusión entre miembros del equipo 4400, Cerbotics, de FIRST Robotics Competition y empleados de Johnson & Johnson. Abarcara los trayectos personales y profesionales como hispanohablantes en las industrias innovadoras de servicios sanitarios y tecnología para servicios sanitarios.

  • Johnson and Johnson From Robotics to Healthcare - FIRST mentors and alumni from Johnson & Johnson share how the skills they have developed and honed as part of FIRST are applicable to their everyday work from designing surgical robotics to developing life-saving medication.

  • Galactic Builders - Students will take a deeper dive into the possibility of multi-tasking robots in this Star Wars-themed engineering design challenge.
    Download Lesson Plan | Download Student Design Brief

Watch a recording of Galactic Builders LIVE! on FIRSTtv, where host Libby Kamen interviewed animatronics engineer and co-creator of BB-8, Matt Denton. He shared what it’s like building BB-8, his approach to building engineering marvels and how you can get involved in animatronics. Matt also shared a closer look at building his very own D-O, the loveable droid from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and answered questions live!

  • Did you miss the FIRST Virtual Career Panel featuring BAE Systems, BOSCH, & Rockwell Automation?  We've got you covered with wrap-up blog post and recording so you can catch up on all the tips shared by our amazing panelists.

  • X STEM All Access - entertaining, educational, and interactive online STEM experience for 6-12th graders. Through a series of daily livestream events, students will hear from an exclusive group of visionaries who aim to inspire kids about careers in STEM.
     
Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Before you build, design! Here are some great resources to practice your 3D design and CAD skills, challenge yourself, or work together.
  • Ages 11+ Autodesk - Learn, apply and practice using industry recognized tools. Software is free for students and educators. Support for distance learning and self-paced training for students with the design academy.
     
  • Ages 7 + Autodesk Tinkercad - Create, design, and make or code, animate and 3D print a design. Start with the getting started lessons, teachers and coaches – create a class and set activities for your students
     
  • Intermediate/Advanced - Autodesk Synthesis - An Autodesk Technology is an open source robotics simulator built by students for students in FIRST Robotics Competition or FIRST Tech Challenge robotics teams.  You can export robot CAD models through plug ins for Inventor and Fusion360 to test designs with driver practice, robot code emulation, strategy and more.
     
  • Solid Professor - SOLIDWORKS wants to help you become the engineers and innovators of tomorrow. That is why we are pleased to sponsor ALL FIRST students and support them with SOLIDWORKS software.  Complete the application to get your access to the all of the SOLIDWORKS learning experiences.
     

  • Then take your design automation and SOLIDWORKS skills to the next level with the DriveWorks Solo Certification. As a FIRST Robotics Competition Supplier Sponsor, all FIRST Robotics Competition teams are invited to request a free 12-month license of DriveWorks Solo.  DriveWorks Solo allows students to quickly and easily create and configure variations of models directly inside of SOLIDWORKS. 

  • Ages 7 + SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids - A perfect place for kids to learn about design, engineering, being creative, and how to make things!
     
  • Ages 13+, FIRST Tech Challenge/FIRST Robotics Competition - Learning how to “CAD” can be fun at any age. Get started today with a free version of Solid Edge® Design software from Siemens, download it here.  We also have lots or resources to support you from your first introductory course all the way through to certification, and they are just a click away.  And be sure to check out FIRST Robotics resources at www.siemens.com/firstrobotics.
STEM & CTE (Career and Technical Education)

The world of STEM and CTE await your discovery!  Check out the amazing resources we have compiled to guide you on your FIRST journey.
  • Ages 7 + Autodesk Tinkercad - Design, program and simulate circuits.
    New to electronics? Start with the getting started lessons, teachers, and coaches – create a class and set activities for your students.
     
  • Ages 13+ FIRST Tech Challenge/FIRST Robotics Competition teams - CTE Coalition of world-class industry partners and CTE organizations such as HAAS, Caterpillar and Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
     
  • MIT Full STEAM Ahead - collection of resources for teaching and learning online.
     
  • All Ages – Looking for virtual PE options? UNICEF Kid Power is a FREE dance, yoga and activity video platform to help students feel energized and empowered. Stay connected with your class by assigning Kid Power Ups your students can do at home!
     
  • All Ages – Bring the real-world home by taking students on a journey to places outside their city, country, even planet. These videos transport students to places where innovation meets creativity and shows there is no one path toward success in a STEM career. Explore the latest engineering, technology, and manufacturing at Boeing with these Virtual Field Trips.
     
  • Our friends and former Alumni at Playful Learning Lab  are all about working together to create engaging, hands-on experiences for students and educators, with a focus on play.
     
  • The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) welcomes K-12 students to join SWENext to become a part of the engineering community. SWENext provides ongoing newsletters, quality programming, social media challenges, and access to engineers to empower students to prepare for engineering and technology careers. Joining is free, visit swenext.swe.org.
     
  • The SWENext High School Leadership Academy (SHLA) provides year-round programming to inspire high school students to pursue engineering and technology careers. SHLA provides students with learning opportunities in five learning paths: leadership development, STEM pathways, college preparation, self-development, and inclusion and cultural awareness. SHLA also offers opportunities to engage with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) community first-hand through networking, coaching, and mentoring to learn techniques to pursue STEM careers.
     
  • STEM-Focused book list for elementary to high school aged students. 

If you have a resource suggestion please email us at firsteducation@firstinspires.org. 

The News

Mar 18, 2020 Written by Frank Merrick.

The News.

GENERATOR SWITCH Sensor Modifications

Mar 11, 2020 Written by Kelly Carlson, Mechanical Engineer, FIRST Robotics Competition.

An important update about the GENERATOR SWITCH Sensors.

Ford Invests in Strategic Partnership with FIRST to Increase Access to STEM Learning for All Students, Inspire Young Innovators to Help Transform Transportation

Automaker Expands Decades-long Support of the Nonprofit’s PreK-12 Robotics Programs as it Reshapes the Auto Industry with Autonomous Vehicles, Robotics and Other Innovations
 

COVID-19 Impact Updates from FIRST® HQ

December 1, 2021
FIRST is closely monitoring the Omicron variant and its potential impact to the FIRST community.  While we await more information on the variant, FIRST continues to strongly recommend everyone who is eligible and has access to a vaccine consult with their physician and get fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with booster shots if applicable, as soon as possible.   

FIRST has helped students discover their passions in STEM for more than 30 years. What started in one school gym has evolved into a global movement. The pandemic put this evolution on full display: Our community of young people found innovative ways to put their FIRST-built skills to the test and are emerging from the last year even more resilient and ready for the future.

Access to FIRST programs has never been more critical. We remain committed to working with educators, parents, and community leaders to deliver our impact-proven programs and help more young people find belonging and prepare for the future.

However, we recognize that as long as the pandemic continues, we will have FIRST participants who can’t access our hands-on programs in their schools and communities. FIRST believes that the best path toward ending the COVID-19 pandemic—and having a successful season—is through vaccination. We strongly recommend everyone who is eligible and has access to a vaccine consult with their physician and get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible. 

We’re doing our best to navigate uncertainties while helping our international community plan for the future. With safety and wellness of the FIRST community top of mind, here’s a look at what we’re planning for the 2021-2022 season:

2021-2022 FIRST® FORWARDSM Presented by Qualcomm
Season Updates

  • The FIRST® LEGO® League CARGO CONNECTSM season has launched and materials are available for download. We will continue to offer program and event modifications. Official FIRST events in your area may be offered in traditional, remote, or hybrid formats and are determined by your Program Delivery Partner.
     
  • The FIRST® Tech Challenge season kicked off September 18 with a new game and includes half-field modification options for remote and hybrid formats as needed. Event formats and timing for the 2021-2022 season will be determined by your Program Delivery Partner.
     
  • The FIRST® Robotics Competition season kicked off January 8 with a brand-new game challenge and is returning to in-person events with some modifications. For the latest COVID-19 and venue information about specific FIRST Robotics Competition events, find your event page.
     
  • PreK-12 FIRST Class Packs are available to help educators meet students where they are with flexible curricular options.
     
  • FIRST will host a single season-culminating FIRST Championship event, to be held in Houston, April 20-23, 2022. For the latest information about the event’s COVID guidelines, read the FIRST Championship COVID-19 Health and Safety Policy.

 

For the latest information about FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge events in your region, contact your local FIRST Partner.

For more FIRST updates, subscribe to the FIRST Newsletter. We look forward to working with you to move FIRST forward. 

 

 

 

Community Updates​

FIRST LEGO League

FIRST Tech Challenge

FIRST Robotics Competition

For Program Delivery Partners

10th Annual U.S. Air Force / FIRST® Leadership Experience for FIRST Teachers & Mentors

U.S. Air Force logo

The U.S. Air Force develops leaders of remarkable character and vision. For the 10th year, the U.S. Air Force is offering a unique three-day, four-night leadership program providing FIRST mentors with hands on leadership training taught by Air Force personnel.

Throughout the three-day experience, mentors will attend lectures, take part in team building exercises, and tour a local Air Force Base. The Air Force will select a group of 24 teachers and mentors from FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition teams who are helping inspire today’s youth to become the technical leaders of tomorrow.

When: July 17-21, 2022; Dates could be subject to change based on Air Force operational missions/priorities.

Where: Eglin Air Force Base; Destin, FL

The U.S. Air Force/FIRST Leadership Experience is at no cost to the 24 selected teachers/mentors. All travel costs within the continental United States (airfare, lodging, meals) are paid by the U.S. Air Force.

*Please note the workshop dates will most likely have one travel day before and one travel day after the 3-day seminar*

Who is Eligible:
FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition mentors who are K-12 teachers and/or educators who live within the continental United States.

Additional Requirements:

  • Must be willing to commit to the full workshop
  • Must be able to travel to the event from within the U.S.
  • Must not have participated in this leadership experience in previous years
  • Must not be involved or affiliation with other military branches

How to Apply:

  • Apply online.
  • Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 13th, 2022.
  • As part of your application, you will have the opportunity to describe in 300 words or less how you have found a better way to get students excited about science and technology, and what innovative techniques you use to help kids learn and stay motivated. 

Selection Process:

  • A selection committee will review all applications and select the mentors who will receive an invitation to attend the USAF/FIRST Leadership Experience
  • Chosen applicants will be named by Friday, May 20nd, 2022.
  • A GSD&M representative will contact chosen applicants on behalf of the U.S. Air Force

For questions, please contact Brittany Keegan at brittany.keegan@gsdm.com.