What is FIRST!?
Founded in 1989 by inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) inspires interest and participation of young people in the fields of science and technology. The organization designs innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.
The ideals of FIRST reach to over 195,000 students worldwide with the FIRST Robotics Competition and the FIRST Tech Challenge for high-school students, the FIRST LEGO League for students, ages 9 to 15, and the Junior FIRST LEGO League for elementary students. Supported by a network of over 3,500 corporations, educational and professional institutions, and individuals, FIRST offers over 600 individual scholarship opportunities and over $9 million in college scholarships each year.
The ideals of FIRST reach to over 195,000 students worldwide with the FIRST Robotics Competition and the FIRST Tech Challenge for high-school students, the FIRST LEGO League for students, ages 9 to 15, and the Junior FIRST LEGO League for elementary students. Supported by a network of over 3,500 corporations, educational and professional institutions, and individuals, FIRST offers over 600 individual scholarship opportunities and over $9 million in college scholarships each year.
"Gracious Professionalism" coined by FIRST National Adviser, Dr. Woodie Flowers, is part of the culture of FIRST, encouraging high-quality work, emphasizing the value of others, and respecting individuals and the community. Gracious professionals learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process. Knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended. In the long run, "Gracious Professionalism" is part of pursuing a meaningful life. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing one has acted with integrity and sensitivity.
The Robowranglers participate in the FIRST Robotics Competition, an exciting program that assimilates teams, sponsors, colleges, and technical professionals with high school students to develop their solution to a prescribed engineering challenge in a competitive game environment. The competitions combine the practical application of science and technology with the fun, intense energy, and excitement of a championship-sporting event. The program results in life-changing and career molding experiences for its participants.
The Robowranglers participate in the FIRST Robotics Competition, an exciting program that assimilates teams, sponsors, colleges, and technical professionals with high school students to develop their solution to a prescribed engineering challenge in a competitive game environment. The competitions combine the practical application of science and technology with the fun, intense energy, and excitement of a championship-sporting event. The program results in life-changing and career molding experiences for its participants.
This year's game: Aerial Assist
In the game, the alliances win via getting the scoring elements (2'-diameter exercise balls) into the scoring areas located on the far end of the field. The game starts with each robots in either the White Zone (center field) or the goalie zones, presumably at the players' choice. Each teams robot can be pre-loaded with 1 game ball prior to the start. The match begins with a 10-second autonomous period, where robots use the pre-programmed instructions to score points. Said points are worth 5 more during the Autonomous period, and one goal will be lit up ("Hot") during each half.
That goal is worth 5 additional points, for a maximum total of a 10 point bonus. In addition, every robot that moves from the center to their own earns another five point bonus, for 25 points total (10 for the hot goal, 15 for the three robots). When Tele-op starts, the teams take control of their respective robots. The cycle starts when a human player transfers a ball onto the playing field. The robots can then do either the basic goal score (take the ball to the other end of the field), or assist them in doing so. The recipient of the latter will earn bonus points (2 assists=10 points, 3 assists=30 points). Throwing the ball over the truss (the midfield overhang) when transferring, will add 10 additional points. Having an alliance partner catch it will earn 10 more points. A robot in the goalie zones can block shots via extending upwards.
That goal is worth 5 additional points, for a maximum total of a 10 point bonus. In addition, every robot that moves from the center to their own earns another five point bonus, for 25 points total (10 for the hot goal, 15 for the three robots). When Tele-op starts, the teams take control of their respective robots. The cycle starts when a human player transfers a ball onto the playing field. The robots can then do either the basic goal score (take the ball to the other end of the field), or assist them in doing so. The recipient of the latter will earn bonus points (2 assists=10 points, 3 assists=30 points). Throwing the ball over the truss (the midfield overhang) when transferring, will add 10 additional points. Having an alliance partner catch it will earn 10 more points. A robot in the goalie zones can block shots via extending upwards.