FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and
Technology) is an organization founded in 1989 by inventor and
entrepreneur Dean Kamen to inspire young people's interest and
participation in science and technology.
The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and
their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a
standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots
from the parts and enter them in competitions.
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.
RSTA student participants spend time after school and on weekends
working with a team of undergraduates at MIT to prepare for the regional
competition. In 2008, the team placed second in the regional
competition.
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