About FIRST
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science & Technology (FIRST) is a non-profit, international organization founded by Dean Kamen, known as the inventor of the Segway. The goal of the organization is to excite youth about the fields of science and engineering.
In the words of Dean Kamen himself, the FIRST vision is: "To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes."
To accomplish this goal, FIRST has many events in which youth of all ages to participate. The Children of the Corn participate in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). In this competition, teams have six weeks to design, plan, and complete a robot to compete in a game. This year, that game is Lunacy.
While the game is always fun, perhaps more important are the lessons students learn in the process. They learn about engineering of course, but they also learn about teamwork, working with a deadline, and how to make something a reality.
Despite the "competition" in the name, FIRST works hard to ensure a spirit of gracious professionalism throughout the event. And it works. Having been to many sporting events in my life, it often seems like one doesn't really care if his or her team wins so long as the other team loses. At a FIRST event, everyone wants the others to succeed.
Go to their website (http://www.usfirst.org) to learn more about the organization or about how to start a team.
