FIRST is a non-profit organization whose 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.”
It was founded 1989 by entrepreneur and inventor Dean Kamen, and now involves 359,000 students, 200,000 teachers and mentors. In 2005 the local FIRST Israel founded, which has since then gone on the captivate the hearts and minds on tens of thousands of students from all walks of life.
FIRST includes 4 programs for children and youth from kindergarten to 12th grade and include a diverse range of fun and learning.
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SUB-TEAMS
CAD
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Electricity & Pneumatic
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Software Team
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Strategy Team
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FIRST LEGO League Explore (aka FLL Explore) is designed to introduce STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) concepts to kids ages 6 to 10 while exciting them through LEGO.
Teams are up to 6 members and they are guided by two or more adult Coaches.
The teams explore a real-world scientific problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc.Then they create a poster that illustrates their journey of discovery and introduces their team.
In the process, teams learn about teamwork, the wonders of science and technology, and more other important values, such as respect, sharing, and critical thinking.
D-Bug mentored 48 FLL Explore teams.
FIRST LEGO League Challenge (aka FLL Challenge) teams include up to 10 memeber from grades 4-9). The students research a real-world problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc., and are challenged to develop a solution. They also must design, build, program a robot using LEGO, then compete on a table-top playing field.
Along their discovery journey, they develop critical thinking and team-building skills, and even presentation skills, as they must present their solutions with a dash of creativity to judges.
FIRST Tech Challenge (aka FTC) teams (10+ members, grades 7-12) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to play a floor game in an alliance format. Participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have!” Guided by adult Coaches and Mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles (like keeping an engineering notebook), while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and sharing ideas. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and can be programmed using a variety of languages. Teams also must raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach for which they can win awards. Participants have access to tens of millions of dollars in college scholarships. Each season concludes with regional Championships and an exciting FIRSTChampionship.
FIRST Robotics Competition combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Teams of 10 students or more are challenged to design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program a robot to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. It’s as close to “real world” engineering as a student can get. Professional Mentors volunteer their time and talents to guide each team.
