"Winning means building partnerships:" Behind the scenes look at FIRST Robotics Competition
MILWAUKEE -- Chip spent the morning at the FIRST Robotics Competition. Teams are challenged to solve a common problem. They have six weeks to build a robot using a standard kit of parts within a set of rules.
FIRST Robotics Competition (website)
The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week time frame using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in a series of competitions designed by Dean Kamen, Woodie Flowers, and a committee of engineers and other professionals. Since its debut in a New Hampshire high school gym in 1992, with its 28 teams, the competition has grown to 2,548 teams with 50,960 high-school students competing in 58 Regional Events; 1 State Championship; 1 Region Championship; 17 District Competitions. The Championship is held at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, MO 63101.
FIRST redefines winning for these students. Teams are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last.