For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

FIRSTFIRST Industry and Education: Working together for a common goal

July 2008

Wendy AtiyehHamilton Sundstrand

Buzz Robotics

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

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The Challenge is in Front of Us

“The American education system… just is not stimulating enough young people to want to go into science, math, and engineering.” (page 270)

“…we have done a very poor job of conveying to kids the value of science and technology as a career choice…”

“…we should be embarking on an all-hands-on-deck, no-holds-barred, no-budget-too-large, crash program for science and engineering education immediately.” (page 275)

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FIRSTOrganization

• 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity

• Headquarters in Manchester, NH

• Founded 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen

• Board Chairman: John Abele, Founder Chairman of Boston Scientific

• $25 million operating budget

• 3,000+ corporate sponsors

• 65,000+ volunteers

FIRST was created to stimulate a student’s excitement in science, engineering, technology and mathematics by creating a challenge and asking schools and students to partner with mentors and industry professionals.

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FIRST Vision and Mission

Vision Statement:

“To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and whereyoung people dream of becomingscience and technology heroes.”

Dean Kamen, Founder

Mission Statement:

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.

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FIRSTConcept

• “Sport for the mind”• Using a “sports based” model• Combining excitement of sport with

science and technology

• Problem solving

• New challenges every year

• Teams young people with mentors

• Business model of performance• Cost• Schedule• Design Requirements

• Value system• Teamwork• Co-opetition• Gracious Professionalism

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FIRSTCulture

Gracious Professionalism:

“Gracious professionalism haspurposefully been left somewhatundefined because it can and shouldmean different things to each of us.

“…one of the most straightforward interpretations of gracious professionalism is that we learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process… No chest thumping barbarian tough talk, but no sticky sweet platitudes either. Knowledge, pride, and empathy comfortably blended.

“In the long run, gracious professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life.”

Co-opetition:

Your opponent today, may be yourpartner tomorrow.

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FIRSTConcept

• Mission is to INSPIRE not EDUCATE

• But look at what is involved:• Math (algebra, geometry, trig, calculus)

• Science (physics, chemistry, experimentation)

• Computer Science (programming, 3D animation)

• Fabrication (woodworking, metalworking)

• Language Arts (writing, public speaking)

• Business (marketing, PR, fundraising)

• Finance (accounting)

• Teamwork• Mentoring: working side-by-side with professionals

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FIRST How it Works

“…It’s like life.

You never have enough information.

You never have enough time.

The kit of materials is what you have in the warehouse.

There are always competing things and you must have a strategy.

We’ve created a microcosm of the real engineering experience.”

Woodie FlowersFIRST National Advisor

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FIRSTPrograms

K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Grade Level

FIRSTprograms follow a

typical sports model

Jr. FIRST LEGO League FIRST LEGO League FIRST Tech Challenge

FIRST Robotics Competition

“T-Ball” “Little League” “Minor League”

“Major League”

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FIRSTPrograms

K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Grade Level

Jr. FIRST LEGO League FIRST LEGO League FIRST Tech Challenge

FIRST Robotics Competition

“T-Ball” “Little League” “Minor League”

“Major League”

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FLLHow it Works

FIRST LEGO League:

How it Works

• Problem Solving and Creativity

• Present students with a real-world problem

• Unleash thinking, energy and fun

• 2007 Challenge: “Power Puzzle”

• Teams of Students and Mentors

• Work as a team

• Learn with adults and mentors

• Do it All in 8 Weeks

• A timeline to learn efficiency and effectiveness

• Compete with peers in tournament

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FLL 2007Season Statistics

FIRST LEGO League 2007:

“Power Puzzle”

• 10,000+ teams anticipated (world wide)

• 100,000+ middle school aged students

• 38 countries

• 370+ qualifying events

• 85+ championship tournaments

• Junior FLL Pilot program for 6-9 year olds

OUTSIDE US and CANADA

US and CANADA

FIRST LEGO League Team Growth

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FIRSTPrograms

K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Grade Level

Jr. FIRST LEGO League FIRST LEGO League FIRST Tech Challenge

FIRST Robotics Competition

“T-Ball” “Little League” “Minor League”

“Major League”

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FTCHow it Works

FIRST Tech Challenge:

How it Works

• New program designed to extend reach of FIRST

• More accessible, affordable FIRST experience

• Lower cost per team

• No machine shop required

• Commercially available robotics kit

• Rolled-out in 2007

• Local leagues

• Regional tournaments

• FIRST Championship

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FTC 2007Season Statistics

FIRST Tech Challenge 2007:

“Quad Quandary”

• 800+ teams

• 8,000+ high school aged students

• 30 championship tournaments

• US, Canada and Mexico

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FIRSTPrograms

K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Grade Level

Jr. FIRST LEGO League FIRST LEGO League FIRST Tech Challenge

FIRST Robotics Competition

“T-Ball” “Little League” “Minor League”

“Major League”

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FRCHow it Works

FIRST Robotics Competition:

How it Works

• Teams of high-school students and mentors

• New game each year

• Common parts for each team (“Kit-of-Parts”)

• 6-week build period• Learn rules of game• Strategize game• Concept robot design• Design, Build, Test, Ship• Competitive assessments

• Students discover the value of education and careers in science, technology and engineering, and business

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FRCHow it Works

FIRST Robotics Competition:

Business Miniaturized

• Entrepreneurial experiences

• Rookie Teams: Start-up business model• Product centered• “Supporting” roles not addressed

• Veteran Teams: Mature business model• Electronics/Controls• Software• Mechanical (Drive-train, manipulator)• Marketing / Public Relations• Communications• Fundraising• Budget/Financial Management• Procurement• Transportation

• Executive Presentations

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FRC 2008Season Statistics

FIRST Robotics Competition 2008:

“FIRST Overdrive”

• 1,507 teams world-wide

• US, Canada, Brazil, Israel, UK

• 37,500+ high-school aged students

• 25 students per team (average)

• 41 regional competitions

• 340 teams advance to Championship

FIRST Robotics Competition Team Growth

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FRCImpact

FIRST Robotics Competition:

2005 Study

• Conducted by Brandeis University

• FRC alumni from mainly low-income urban schools

• Comparison group: students with similar backgrounds in high school math and science

Brandeis University, Center for Youth and Communities, Heller School for Social Policy and Management

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FRCImpact

Education in Science & Technology

• FIRST Students vs. Comparison Group

• Seek education in Science & Technology• Twice as likely to major in science or engineering• More than three times as likely to major specifically in engineering

Source: Brandeis University, Center for Youth and Communities, Heller School for Social Policy and Management

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FRCImpact

Careers in Science & Technology

• FIRST Students vs. Comparison Group

• Earn career opportunities• Almost ten times more likely to have internship

• Expect to pursue science and technology careers• More than twice as likely to pursue science and technology career• Nearly four times as likely to pursue career specifically in engineering

Source: Brandeis University, Center for Youth and Communities, Heller School for Social Policy and Management

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SponsorInvestment

Growth Over 3,000 leading corporations, foundations, agencies, including:

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SponsorInvestment

Growth

“FIRST is a tremendous program that brings technology alive for students in an exciting competitive environment.”

Doug ShidlerVice President, UTC Sikorsky

Corporations don’t just contribute, they “get it”

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StudentOpportunities

FIRST Scholarships

• Over $9.5 million in scholarship funds available to FIRST participants

“I am very thankful for the inspiration that the FIRST experience gave me, and for this scholarship that allows me to be at a top institution, headed for a challenging and intriguing career.”

Drew Blackburn, FRC Alumni

Georgia Tech FIRST Scholarship Winner

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Education Investment

Growth Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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FRCProgram Costs

Program Registration*$6,000

Additional Regional Registration$4,000

Championship Registration$5,000

* Includes one Regional Event

• Additional expenses include:• Travel• Technical Materials (parts, tools, etc.)• Promotional Materials (buttons, shirts,

pamphlets, brochures, etc.)

• Program costs can be supported through:

• Corporate sponsorships• Local business sponsorships• School funding• Grants• Team fundraising activities

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FRCFunding Support

• To help teams get started, there are a few grant programs (local and national) that have been created, including:

• UTC Team GrantUTC Team Grant• CT based rookie teams• 3-year tiered funding ($8,000 / $6,000 /

$3,000)• www.utc.com/responsibility/first

• NASA GrantNASA Grant• US based teams• Typical: 2-year funding• Various types of grants

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A PartingThought

Growth Co-opetition and Gracious Professionalism Defined

“What ties these concepts to FIRST for me is the attitude found at the competition. I have always known two types of atmospheres at competitions; either everyone is extremely hardcore and obsessive over winning, or everyone comes as a chance to relax and be social. At FIRST, everyone is connected, everyone is happy, and everyone is pumped.

“You see more random acts of kindness in one day than you see in a month in the real world.

“Gracious professionalism and cooperation is what defines FIRST. And I find FIRST to be the goal to achieve overall quality and happiness, not greed for recognition. FIRST is helping another team that ends up beating you and feeling no regret.” First Year Student

Dawgma - Team 1712Ardmore, PA