FIRST Lego League Robotics Team
Design
Students will prototype and build a LEGO robot using LEGO SPIKE Prime or EV3 kits. They will design mechanisms to complete challenge missions on the competition field, incorporating gears, sensors, and structural stability. Throughout the season, students will refine their robot's design through testing and iteration to improve efficiency and reliability.
Programming
Students will learn to code using block-based programming or Python within the LEGO Mindstorms or SPIKE Prime environment. They will develop automation strategies, sensor integration, and optimization techniques to navigate the competition board. Programming will include both autonomous movement and sensor-based decision-making to complete missions effectively.
FIRST LEGO League is an annual robotics competition for 4th-8th graders.
Students will work together as part of a 10-member team to design, build, and program an autonomous LEGO robot based on the FIRST LEGO League season challenge, then compete in local qualifiers to advance to higher tournament levels.
In addition to gaining real-world experience in technical fields such as robotics, coding, design, scientific research, and engineering, students will also develop soft skills, including teamwork, critical thinking, public speaking, and presentation skills.
FIRST teaches both vital engineering and soft skills to students, who gain vital work experience that gives them an edge in college admissions and work environments.
Science Project
Students will explore a real-world problem related to the competition theme and develop an innovative solution. They will research, brainstorm, and prototype their idea, then present their findings to a panel of judges. This project encourages creativity, engineering thinking, and problem-solving while making connections to professionals in the field.
Teamwork
Students will collaborate as a team to tackle challenges, share ideas, and problem-solve together. They will learn core values such as inclusion, cooperation, and gracious professionalism. By working as a team, they will develop leadership and communication skills that are essential for both competition and future careers.
FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Team
FIRST Tech Challenge is an annual robotics competition for 7th-12th graders.
Students will work together as part of a 15 member team to build and program their robot based on the FIRST Tech Challenge season challenge, then advance from qualifying matches into a higher tournament level.
In addition to gaining real world experience in technical fields such as hardware design, programming, physics, and engineering; students will also expand their soft skills, including public speaking, documentation, and teamwork.
FIRST teaches both vital engineering and soft skills to students, who gain vital work experience that gives them an edge in college admissions and work environments.
Hardware Design
Students will prototype and engineer a robot featuring multiple mechanisms. The robot will feature a mecanum wheel drive train, and students will go through multiple rounds of developing, prototyping with use of CAD, and building before finalizing the additional mechanisms to tackle the challenge of the season.
Programming
Students will learn to code using Java in an Android work environment. They will learn fundamental programming theory, automation, optimization, and create multiple automation algorithms. They will code both a teleoperation and an autonomous mode for the robot to perform.
(Image of green/orange odometery pods, used for advanced path-planning algorithms)
Outreach
Students will learn to convey their technical skills and knowledge to a wide audience, from elementary schoolers to professionals at companies. The topics range from “What is Robotics?” to elementary school students to “FY24: Our Ideas and Our Goal” to mechanical engineers. The students will advance their articulation and their public speaking skills immensely.
Robotics is everything in one!
Robotics will teach your child technical skills not learned until college education: hardware design, java programming, CAD, path planning algorithms. Furthermore, the soft skills in public speaking, communication, teamwork, and healthy conflict solving are priceless. Robotics truly gives your child a deep-dive into the working world, not only through building and programming a robot with their teammates, but also presenting to professionals at STEM companies, in front of audiences in schools, and more.
