Exciting Ways to Introduce Kids to Science and Technology
STEM education and FIRST robotics programs and a look at Lego Leagues
We’ll dig into some exciting educational ways to ignite teens’ and kids’ minds concerning the wonders of science, robotics, and technology in methods that will give them a love for this tech, which will give them advantages in their futures.
The future is our youth, and investing in their education is a strategic move for society. We want our kids to succeed!
We’ll look at some engaging and lesser-known ways to incorporate robotics, science, and technology into children’s and teens’ learning experiences.
While numerous programs have traditionally targeted kids and teens in sports, a significant gap exists for youth passionate about robotics and technology.
These smart young people often face challenges to find robotics, science, or technology clubs or programs that align with their interests.
These offer robotics education and STEM learning instead. The educational programs are adaptable for kids and teens from many school backgrounds, including those in homeschooling.
Educational Program Teaches Science and Technology
The FIRST Program
The FIRST program, standing for ‘For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology’, was established in 1992 in New Hampshire and has grown into a renowned non-profit supported by a vast network of over 3,500 corporations and businesses, alongside more than 90,000 volunteers.
It’s a great example of a successful robotics program that integrates robotics technology and fosters a sense of community through its robotics club.
Their vision statement reads, “To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders.”
The mission statement is, “Our 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.”
They offer many programs, including a competitive educational robotics platform (such as the robotics competition below).
These programs are for children aged six and up to those nearing high school graduation.
FIRST has a widespread presence across the United States and Canada.
Where it’s not yet established, enthusiasts are encouraged to initiate new chapters.
Different Programs Offered by FIRST
· FIRST Junior Lego League are for kids ages 6–9 to design and build robots from Lego parts.
They develop math and science problem-solving and life skills and participate in events and other team activities.
· The FIRST Lego League, for ages 9–14 in the United States and Canada, is a robotics program where students design, build, strategize, and test a robot using Lego.
This initiative is an entry point to educational robotics and robotics competitions, fostering an early interest in MINDSTORMS technology and science.
They continue building upon the knowledge they learned in the junior Lego league and expand more with time management skills, cooperation, and teamwork in math and science concepts.
At this level, they can choose to participate in tournaments, while some may qualify for an invitation to the World Festival.
· The FIRST Tech Challenge is designed for high school-aged students. In this robotics program, teams of up to 10 students use a sports model medium in a robotics competition.
They collaboratively design, build, and program a robot to compete alongside two other teams against an opposing team.
This not only hones advanced robotics technology skills but also offers teens the opportunity to win awards, scholarships, and a coveted spot in the world championship, all within the supportive environment of a robotics club.
The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), a cornerstone of the robotics program for high school students, is often called a ‘varsity sport for the mind.’
In this challenging robotics competition, teams of 25 or more students collaborate to raise funds, create a ‘brand’, and engineer a robot to compete in a field game against other sophisticated machines and teams.
This level of the robotics club experience is the closest to real-world engineering within the program.
With guidance from professional mentors, students acquire advanced skills in robotics technology and other skills needed for future careers.
Participants are also eligible for scholarships and the opportunity to compete in the world championship.
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Logomotion Game
The robotics competition game Logomotion is played on a 27X54-foot indoor field. Three teams ally to compete against another trio of teams.
Each side strives for victory on the field with four scoring pegs at its center.
During the robotics competition, alliances deploy three robots each onto the field to manipulate ‘uber tubes’ — inflated tubes in the shapes of triangles, squares, and circles, colored red, white, and blue.
Students remotely control the robots, aiming to place the Uber tubes onto scoring racks to assemble the FIRST logo.
In this robotics competition, smaller bots play a crucial role on the field by releasing mini-bots that race to the top of a scoring peg.
The first team’s mini-bot to reach the summit earns 30 bonus points, with the subsequent teams receiving 20, 15, and 10 points, respectively.
Referees ensure fair play during the robotics competitions, while judges present awards for technology, design, sportsmanship, and adherence to FIRST principles.
These awards reflect the robotics program’s strong emphasis on respect, kindness, and promoting positive sportsmanship while firmly opposing any notion of treating participants as losers.
It was exhilarating to experience a Logomotion game firsthand in a large stadium. The stadium buzzed with energy that rivaled any major sporting event, complete with teams donning their unique branding designs.
The ‘pit area’ was abuzz with last-minute adjustments and repairs while mascots and fans cheered, music blared, and the spirit of the robotics and technology competition filled the air.
Additionally, numerous college booths showcased their programs to the attendees.
How Can I Start A FIRST Program in My Area?
While some regions may not have a FIRST robotics program, individuals interested in the program can contact the national FIRST website to find an existing robotics club nearby.
Some 4-H clubs have also begun integrating with FIRST programs. If none exist in your area, and you’re eager to involve your child or volunteer to support youth in this field, you might consider initiating a local chapter.
To initiate a robotics program in your area, search for the FRC website specific to your state. Contact them to tell them of your interest in establishing a new chapter.
They will provide guidance, help you connect with like-minded individuals in your state, and assist you through the startup process.
Through FIRST, scholarships are available to support students in their robotics and technology education.
For more information on these opportunities, refer to their national website.
Brandeis University conducted robotics research that examined the impact of the FIRST program on students who participated in the educational robotics competition levels.
This study compared them with peers who had not participated in FIRST but shared similar academic experiences and backgrounds. Here are the findings:
· More than three times as likely to major in engineering as a career.
· Students involved in the robotics education program were ten times as likely to secure an apprenticeship, internship, or co-op job opportunities during their freshman year, highlighting the benefits of an engineering education early on.
· Significantly more likely expected to achieve a postgraduate degree.
· Participants were more than twice as likely to be motivated to pursue a career in science or technology, which underscores the influence of robotics in education and computer science and engineering education.
· More than twice as likely to volunteer in their communities.
If you’re interested in volunteering or want to involve your children in a robotics program, don’t hesitate to contact your local chapter.
It’s a fun and inspiring way to engage with robotics education!
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Thanks for reading about this incredible way to teach our youth robotics, science, and technology.
All rights reserved by Val Garner
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