I'm a little late in reading this thread, but I would like to make a couple of comments.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrmummert
First is about teaching students about Science, Math, Engineering and
Technology and how it can apply to a students future and how it applies in the real world.
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inspiring, Recognizing, Changing the culture, Gracious Professionalism, cooperation: All phrases in the FIRST mantra.
FIRST is not an efficient program to TEACH skills or engineering or math knowledge. I don’t know anyone who gets college credit for FIRST participation or is allowed to skip Engineering 101 or Calculus 101. FIRST is about students working with positive adults who may (or may not) have engineering backgrounds, and as a result, more students realistically appreciate and perhaps enter a STEM field. That is the strength of FIRST. FIRST is uniquely effective in creating potential technological leaders who are persistant, ethical, competent, and positive role models. Mentors have a far grater responsibility then teacing tech skills.
The FIRST values are emphasized with FIRST’s highest award, the Chairman’s Award. The robot building and competing is just an activity to learn, appreciate and demonstrate the goals and values of FIRST. Being elite has little to do with winning the elimination rounds. Rather the character of the team. We all know fantastic teams who are very active in FIRST and have never won a regional competition. They are "changing the culture" and are the teams to emulate.