Benefits of FIRST – Cougar Robotics

Important Links

FIRST Definitions

Gracious Professionalism:
A phrase coined by FIRST to encourage students to merge thoughts of success with those of mutual gain; Gracious Professionals compete with a passion, yet treat all with respect
Coopertition:
Coopertition is defined as “displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition”

for more on these phrases and ideals, click here.

Why FIRST Is a Beneficial Program

Ever since its humble beginnings, the FIRST Organization has made its goal to give students a successful head start on life. Created by its founder Dean Kamen, the FIRST Organization was designed to benefit any and all students who participate. Through years of refinement and practice, this program has truly turned out to be one of the best in the nation. Through this program, students are three times more likely to gain entrance into the fields of engineering or technology. Students are also able to earn scholarships through some of the 750 different scholarship opportunities that FIRST provides. In all, FIRST is truly one of a kind and helps teach students to be successful in life.

Each Program is Specifically Designed

Not all four Branches of FIRST focus on a single audience. Each of the four programs is specifically designed and aimed towards students of a different age group. From ages six to eighteen, this program develops just as the students do. Progressing with time, these programs test the boundaries of team cooperation and competition. If you would like more information on each program, click on its logo:

Jr. FLL

Ages 6-9

FLL

FTC

FRC

High School

It Increases Student Understanding

FIRST is a great program, whose main goal is to increase the understanding of science and technology in students of all ages. Through FIRST, children grow and learn many skills and techniques. By participating in any of the FIRST programs (Jr. FLL, FLL, FTC, or FRC), students grow up learning many important, applicable skills that can be used in the real world. A few of the most prevalent skills taught are illustrated below:

Creativity – Students have to work and think of ideas for how and what they are going to do for competition, such as the design of the robot.

Engineering – Students draft and build robots using real materials and real tools.

Math – In order to build an accurate robot, precise instructions and measurements are needed by calculation.

Teamwork – A team is made up of members who need to work together to get stuff done.

Strategy – Before building a robot, a team needs to know what they’re building and what their goals are for the game season.

Programming – Programmers gain experience in highly useful fields for growing careers in today’s world. The result coding is needed in order to make the robot function.

Leadership – Students are put into leadership positions, which they learn many aspects of what it takes to head a team.

Management – Students are put in charge of many resources, such as to manage time, materials, etc.

Finance – Students are put into a finance group where they take charge of fundraising and recruiting mentors/sponsors.