Anthropology Independent Study on FIRST

[ehaw17]

Hey Chief Delphi!

For my grade 12 University Anthropology Independent Study, I have decided to write a paper entitled "Why Kids Choose Sports Over Science, and How FIRST Robotics is Changing Culture". I may also do a power point presentation to the class. Any advice would be appreciated.


- Emily

[Grim Tuesday]

Be sure to be objective and look at FIRST from an outsiders perspective. As much as you and I love FIRST, actually study if it is changing culture.

[boris1020]

Whatever you decide to do with your paper, I would definitely compare sports and FIRST at some point. Knowing these points should better illustrate the differences between them. Telling your audience about these similarities will also give sports at least some of the credit they deserve. Like if you said something along the lines of "FIRST is promoting values whereas sports are not," this would be short selling sports because they do promote sportsmanship and teamwork. Take as unbiased of a standpoint as possible. Maybe even interview some sports members for information you don't know.

I short, take it wherever you want, just make sure you give the sports argument the credit it deserves. Avoid turning it into an advertisement for FIRST.

[Libby K]

All of the above. Include examples of FIRST being given national attention (i.am.FIRST) and how that changed things (or didn't).

Also, something that's interesting, if it's relevant to your paper: There's a really fascinating sentiment in the existing FIRST community that newcomers, or non-FIRSTers trying to promote FIRST (or even just join FIRST) are a bad thing. "We don't want THOSE kinds of people." Personally, i can't stand that attitude, but it might be something interesting when you think about our little culture/society we have here.