THIS IS NOT BATTLE BOTS!!

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is a unique varsity sport of the mind designed to help high-school-aged young people discover how interesting and rewarding the like of engineers and researchers can be.

The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week time-frame using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in competitions. There are over $9 million in schollarship opportunities available to accomplished team members from nationally acclaimed academic associations and universities.

FIRST redefines winning for these students because they are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last.

www.usfirst.org official website for the united states

www.12voltbolt.com website for my team #1557

Step 1: Why You Should Join a Team

Our world is changing very rapidly; today's youth must be prepared for the workforce of tomorrow. More prepared students lead to increased industry coming to the united states which makes for a better community where students can raise their future families, and not have to leave the area.

you might be worried about people calling you a "geek" or "nerd" but they are just missing out on all the opportunities that you will have there is over 9 million dollars in schollarships vailable!

www.chiefdelphi.com (a great forum with lots of info)

and just think you could be building a super awsome robot instead of sitting inside playing video games and getting fat!

Step 2: If You Dont Think You Can

That's okay, this isn't really about building robots. It an educational, life-changing project disguised as a competition. Our real mission is to encourage students to pursue careers in Science, Math, Engineering and Technology; wemust if we expect to keep our lead as the world's innovative leader.

So, how do we do that? By the lessons they will learn while building the robot, and during the "off season" wen we do not compete. Students are mentored in concepts like:

Project Management

Process Engimeeriong

Creative Problem Solving

Team building

Leadership

How to run a business

And many other skills lacking in today's educational environment

Step 3: How to Join a Team

first you should go to www.usfirst.org and click on the link that says "Get Involved" or click the link that says "what events or teams are in my area" then follow the steps

there will always be a need for more members on every team you may even have to chose between several teams in your area

almost every team is willing to accommodate new members and would gladly get you in touch with other teams or give you more information

Step 4: Not in High School?

thats okay you could always join a first lego league team FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an exciting and fun global robotics program that ignites an enthusiasm for discovery, science, and technology in kids ages 9 to 14 (16 outside of the U.S. and Canada).

Each year FLL teams embark on an adventurous Challenge based on current, real-world issues. Guided by a team coach and assisted by mentors, the kids:

Research and solve a real-world problem based on the Challenge theme
Present their research and solutions
Build an autonomous robot using engineering concepts

Using the yearly Challenges, FLL:

Entices kids to think like scientists and engineers
Provides a fun, creative, hands-on learning experience
Teaches kids to experiment and overcome obstacles
Builds self-esteem and confidence
Inspires kids to participate in science and technology

No matter what the childâ€™s subject interest, FLL offers an opportunity for engagement. Whether it is by creativity, technology, or research, FLL dares kids to test, explore, expand, or completely change thoughts and approaches for different sciences each year.

Step 5: First Tech Challenge

The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a mid-level robotics competition for high-school students. It offers the traditional challenge of a FIRST Robotics Competition but with a more accessible and affordable robotics kit. The ultimate goal of FTC is to reach more young people with a lower-cost, more accessible opportunity to discover the excitement and rewards of science, technology, and engineering.

In 2005, FIRST and RadioShack teamed up to present the FIRST Vex Challenge (FVC) demonstration at the FIRST Championship in Atlanta, GA. The purpose of the FVC demonstration tournament was to stimulate and explore interest in FIRST Vex competitions. The event was an overwhelming success. FIRST began a full pilot of the program during the 2005-2006 FIRST season. After two years as a pilot program, the FIRST Board of Directors approved FVC as an official FIRST program, changing the name to FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) in 2007.

During the first official season, FTC grew to 799 teams and 31 official events, reaching about 8,000 students across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In 2008 a new kit of parts was developed and showcased at the FTC World Championship in Atlanta. The new kit is more powerful and has more options. It also allows for a smoother transition from FLL into FTC by using the same NXT controller FLL teams have been using for a number of seasons. FTC will use the new kit beginning in the 2008 season.

Step 6: How to Join Team 1557

Lake County Robotics is the official team (#1557) in our county, as recognized by F.I.R.S.T. (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), an International Organization. Team #1557 launched in 2004 and has been one of the more successful teams in the state. We are also a part of the Educational Foundation of Lake County in florida, allowing donations to be tax-deductible.

Currently our team is open to all high school students (public, private or home-schooled) living in Lake County; but our dream is to have this program in all our schools (elementary, middle and high) within the next few years.

We consist of students, teachers, parents, and mentors; volunteers who brin a wide variety of skill sets to the team. While we are centered around building a robot to enter in one of the many Frst Regional Competitions (FRC), the impact in the students is much, much more.

So, who are we really? We believe we are a partial answer to what is ailing our schools and students; a way to merge classroom education with hands-on experience . . . A wonderful challenge to our youth for tomorrow.

if you live in florida and would like to join team 1557 go to www.12voltbolt.com