Robotics: i.am FIRST television special

You have seen the NXT Lego Robotics creations by our MOSAIC students and at CHS during the Engineering Expo — these robots can be built and programmed to fulfill the imagination of kids of all ages. But, there is a bigger goal in mind; namely, exposing children to the technology that will shape the future. Robotics are already able to solve many problems that used to be too dangerous or too imprecise for human hands. Our children will grow up in a world where robots might become as commonplace as the cell phone.

Sunday, August 14
“i.am FIRST: Science is Rock & Roll”
a back-to-school TV special about FIRST Robotics Competitions,
airing on the ABC TV Network at 7 P.M. ET.

The Black Eyed Peas front man/entrepreneur/tech wizard, will.i.am pairs up with inventor/FIRST® founder Dean Kamen for “i.am FIRST — Science is Rock and Roll,” a groundbreaking, one-hour special promoting education, science and technology. The first of its kind, the special takes an inside, up close look at the 20th Annual FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Championship, a worldwide science and robotics K-12 competition that celebrates technology and features live performances by The Black Eyed Peas and Willow Smith, as well as special appearances from a host of high profile celebrities speaking out to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education.

click here for Video link.

FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering. With support from three out of every five Fortune 500 companies and nearly $15 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC® ) and FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC®) for high-school students, FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL® ) for 9 to 14-year-olds, (9 to 16-year-olds outside the U.S. and Canada) and Junior FIRST® LEGO® League (Jr.FLL®) for 6 to 9-year-olds. Gracious Professionalism™ is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community.

For more information, go to USFIRST.org or i.am.FIRST.

Looking for a FIRST program here in Coppell? Socrates Center has a growing robotics/lego program that competed for the first time last year. Post a comment below if you know of other teams or would be interested in managing your own.