• Home
• FIRST
  • Masterminds of FIRST
  • What FIRST means to Us
    • Steven Sigley
    • Priya Rangan
    • Eric Smith
    • Troy Weber
• Team
  • Robots
    • 2011-2012
    • 2010-2011
    • 2009-2010
    • Previous Years
  • Student Leadership
  • Outreach
    • Legos
    • Rookie Camp
    • Vex
    • Showcases
  • RPM
    • Mentors and Volunteers
• Media
  • Pictures
  • Articles
• Sponsors
  • Platinum
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Bronze
• Contact Us

Young FIRSTers

FIRST Lego League prepares students for high school robotics and the FRC competition. The FLL is a program for students 9-14 years old and provides students LEGO Mindstorm kits and software. The program has an annual competition much like its older brother and is composed of two parts. One part is the assembly of a robot to complete tasks for a specific mission announced every year. The other is the Project in which students must answer a question related to the mission through a presentation that is preceded by research. The FLL started in 1999 with the challenge First Contact. Volcanic Panic, Artic Impact, City Sights, Mission Mars, No Limits, Ocean Odyssey, Nano Quest, Power Puzzle, Climate Connection, and 2009's Smart Move followed. There is also a Junior First Lego League for students 6-9 years old.

Many high school Robotics students mentor the FIRSTers in elementary schools and middle schools. We at Vanden mentor LEGO leagues at Foxboro Elementary School and Golden West Middle School.

First Tech Challenge

The FIRST Tech Challenge is the most recent program to be added. It was started in 2005. It was originally known as FIRST Vex Challenge (or FVC). This program is aimed towards high school students who are looking for a more affordable option than FRC. The first game in 2005 was Half-Pipe Hustle. In 2006, Hangin’-A-Round was introduced 2007, Quad Quandary, 2008, Face Off, in and 2009, Hot Shot.

Vex Competition

Vex first was with the FIRST Tech Challenge, but decided to split away into their own program in 2007. It was designed to offer students the opportunity to experience science, technology, engineering, and math. Their first game was in 2007, called Bridge Battle, continued in 2008, with Elevation, 2009, Cleansweep, 2010, Round Up, and this years game Gateway.

Upcoming Events

April 4-8, 2012

The RoboVikes are taking a trip up to the Spokane Regional.

What else are we doing? Check out our Google Calendar.