FIRST Lego League INFORMATIONAL MEETING What is FIRST? For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology FIRST Vision "To create a world where science and technology are celebrated... where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes” -Dean Kamen, Founder FIRST at a Glance • Programs – FIRST Robotics Competition for high-school students – FIRST Tech Challenge for high-school students – FIRST LEGO League for 9 to 14 year-olds – Junior FIRST LEGO League for 6 to 9 year-olds – FIRST Place for ages 6 to adult • Overall Reach – 159,000 students – 14,245 robots – 44,000 mentors – 28,000 event volunteers – $9.8 million in scholarships Why does JEDC choose to support FIRST? When compared with the comparison group, FIRST students are: • More than 3 times as likely to major specifically in engineering. • Roughly 10 times as likely to have had an apprenticeship, internship, or co-op job in their freshman year. • Significantly more likely to expect to achieve a post graduate degree. • More than twice as likely to expect to pursue a career in science and technology. • Nearly 4 times as likely to expect to pursue a career specifically in engineering. • More than twice as likely to volunteer in their communities. What is FLL? FIRST Lego League • MISSION: “To inspire children around the world to work together, use their creativity and engage in real world problems and opportunities.” • Annual Challenge engages students (9-14yrs) in hands-on robotics design and authentic scientific research using LEGO MINDSTORMS Technology • 8 week challenge season culminates at high-energy, sports-like tournaments where students compete both with and against other teams FLL Core Values • We are a team. • We do the work to find the solutions with guidance from our coaches and mentors. • 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 in everything we do. • We have fun! Get Involved! • Form a team • Support the League • Volunteer at a School • Volunteer at the Tournament Form a Team • 3-10 kids ages 9-10 (No older than 14 as of January 1, 2008) • Adult Coach/Mentor (+18 years) • Approximately $700 for a rookie team – Robot Kit - $365 – Field Set - $65 – FLL Registration - $200 • Practices vary (Avg 2-3 times per week) • Register at http://www.register4fll.com What is the FLL Challenge? Four Categories: – Robot Performance – Robot Design – Research Project – Teamwork Climate Connections 2008 Challenge As of August 19, 2008, there are 4,460 registered teams in the U.S. and Canada. Building a Global Game Plan Whether the climate be cold, or whether the climate be hot The climate is different all over What is it like in your spot? In Climate Connections Solutions and questions - of many dimensions Wait for FLL teams and robots! Important Dates Sept 5 INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE RELEASE Sept 13-14 Coaching Clinic (9am-1pm) Sept 20 Juneau Kick-Off Party November 23 Juneau Robot Jamboree (Southeast Tournament) January 10 State Tournament - Anchorage April 16-18 World Festival - Atlanta, GA May 7-9 US Open - Dayton, OH Other ways to get involved. • Volunteer at a school • Volunteer at the tournament – Positions needed: Referees, Judges, Registration, Emcee, Pit Manager, DJ, Field Resetter, Time Keeper, Score Keeper, and more… • DONATE!!! Cash & In-kind Thank You!!! For more information: Rebecca Parks Springboard STEM Education Juneau Economic Development Council 523.2334 [email protected] www.jedc.org .