FIRST Frequently Asked Questions

What is the timeline?
When do you meet?
I'm involved in sports, can I still join robotics?
Is there a cost involved?
Who are the adults involved?
How is the team funded?
Why should students get involved with FIRST?
How do I get involved?

What is FIRST Robotics?

FIRST Robotics is an international robotics competition.
Students work alongside professional engineers to build a 120 lbs. robot capable of performing a variety of tasks as defined by the game. The game changes every year, past tasks have included:

• Hanging from a 10 foot bar
  Climbing up a variety of ramps
  Shooting balls through an opening 8 feet off the ground
  Racing around a track
  launching 40in track balls over a 6.5 hurdle. Manipulating and moving a variety of different objects
  Implementation of vision systems
  

More information about FIRST robotics can be found at http://www.usfirst.org

What is the timeline?

During the fall semester we meet on a weekly basis to develop skills, work on team dynamics, fund raise and prepare for the build season. During this time we also sponsor a robotics tournament for elementary and middle school students. This year's tournament will be held on November 11th.
During the first week in January the details of the game are released. We will travel to Denver to the kickoff and receive our kit of parts. From then we have six weeks to build our robot.

When do you meet?

During the fall we meet every Tuesday after school from 3:15-5:00. In addition we have evening lectures presented by local engineers. Once the build season starts we meet M-Th 3:15-8:00 and Saturdays 10-3. check the calendar for any additional information.

I'm involved in sports, can I still join robotics?

Absolutely, join us after football, soccer, hockey, cross country, or any other sport, or other season is over.

Is there a cost involved?

There is a $200 fee to be on the robotics team. It is well worth the money for the experience that every student gets. To field a team we need approximately $7500 (not including travel) each year. Students can earn points towards earning their varsity letter by raising money for the team.

Who are the adults involved?

• David Clark, Technology Instructor
  Barry Anderson, CAD Designer,
  Christian Parker, Iggli inc.
  Roger Perry, Mechanical Engineer, Sun Microsystems
  David Hwang, Mechanical Engineer, Lockheed Martin
  

How is the team funded?

We rely on our sponsors for most of our support.
Our sponsors for 2008-09 year included:

• American Astronautical Society
  Impact on education
  Ball Aerospace
  Boulder Valley Credit Union
  Incose
  

We also raise money through student efforts and our fall Lego League Tournament.

Why should students get involved with FIRST?

You get to work alongside professionals to build an amazing piece of engineering, learn what engineering and running a business is all about.
There are more than $8,000,000 worth of scholarships available to students involved in FIRST robotics.
Earn a varsity letter in Robotics!
Fun, join thousands of students worldwide getting involved with cutting edge science, math and technology.

How do I get involved?

Just show up Tuesday after school, or talk to Mr. Clark in the da Vinci Lab B124. See you there!