FIRST

FIRST, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, is an organization dedicated to spreading interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields to students. FIRST teaches young people how to be leaders in innovation and how to use science and technology to improve the world around them, as well as spreading the values of Coopertition^TM and Gracious Professionalism^TM. Coopertition^TM is idea that it is important for students to recognize the importance of collaboration and competition, even with those they compete against. Gracious Professionalism^TM is the philosophy of those who believe in being encouraging and helpful to others in a practical, realistic way. Someone exhibiting Gracious Professionalism^TM would not simply tell an other team that they are doing perfectly, when they are not. They would not insult or make fun of them either. A Gracious Professional would instead show the other team how to improve, in a kind and helpful manner, and complement them on the things that they did well. By teaching students these values, FIRST is making a positive change in the world.

FIRST was founded by Dean Kamen, who wanted to share his passion for science and technology with others. Dean is most commonly known for inventing the Segway, and has also created the AutoSyringe infusion pump, the iBot wheelchair, and many more innovations.

FIRST’s programs include the FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge for high school students, the FIRST LEGO League for elementary and middle school students (9-14), and Junior FIRST LEGO League for kids 5 to 8.

FRC

FRC, or the FIRST Robotics Competition, is FIRST’s largest competition. High school students form teams to design, construct, and program a robot in six weeks. The robot then competes in a game against other robots. The game changes each year in order to provide new and interesting challenges. Because of this, the robots change in size and shape each year according to their purpose. They can often be rather large and heavy (in the 2012 challenge, the maximum weight is 120 pounds)

In 2011 there were 2,075 FRC teams.

FTC

FTC, the FIRST Tech Challenge, is an other robotics competition sponsored by FIRST for high school students. High school students form teams to design, construct, and program a robot. It employs the same skills and values of an FRC competition, but in a more affordable and accessible way.

FLL

FLL, FIRST LEGO League, is a robotics competition utilizing LEGO Mindstorm robots to complete a task related to a real scientific topic. Like FRC, the task changes each year. Unlinke FRC, the robots to not compete on the same field. Instead, winners are chosen according to which team scored the most points during their run. FLL is for students ages 9 through 14

In 2011 there were 16,762 FLL teams.

Jr.FLL

Jr.FLL, or Junior FIRST LEGO League, is similar to the FLL competition. Junior FLL differs most notably in that it is non-competitive. Jr.FLL is for children ages 6 through 9.