Girl Scouts of the United States (GSUSA) has partnered with For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, FIRST®, to offer Council program opportunities in these areas. The mission of the FIRST® program is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills. The experience also inspires innovation and fosters well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication and leadership.
How is GSEM getting involved in robotics?
In 2011, GSEM worked with 25 Girl Scout teams in the FIRST LEGO® League (FLL), grades 4-8 and Junior FIRST LEGO League (JFLL), grades K-3. Teams, led by adult volunteer coaches and mentors, worked together to design and build a robot and program it to do various tasks. They also researched a topic based on the year’s challenge and did a presentation about their research and innovative solutions. Teams then competed at regional tournaments.
In 2012, GSEM is looking to expand the program to include high school aged girls competing in FIRST Tech® Challenge.
Girl Scouts who participate in teams can earn the Girl Scout Robotics patch. Girls will learn valuable life and employment skills by creating ideas, solving problems and overcoming obstacles. They will also gain confidence in their abilities to positively use technology.
Opportunity to learn more about GSEM Robotics:
- Robotics Essentials: Are you interested in working with a Girl Scout FIRST LEGO league team? Come to this course to learn how to start and structure a team, discover resources to help prepare for competition and gain an introduction to programming with LEGO Mindstorms NXT. Refer to page 49 of Lead & Learn for details.
Upcoming FIRST Events
Now is the time to begin organizing a team for the 2012-13 season that kicks off on August 28.
Upcoming FLL Tournaments:
- November 10 and 11: Brittany Woods, Hazelwood East Middle School and Bishop Dubourg High School
- November 17 and 18: MICDS and St. Charles Community College
- FLL Regional Championship: December 9 at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley
- FTC Season kick-off is September 8 and competitions begin in December
- World Championship: April 24-27, 2013 at the Edward Jones Dome and America’s Center
Volunteering for FIRST®
FIRST® programs also involve thousands of volunteers - from mentoring a team to being a referee at a competition. If you have special science, technology or engineering expertise, or if you just want to be a part of the program, consider getting involved. Visit www.stlfirst.org for more information.
To learn more about FIRST® programs for all ages, visit www.usfirst.org.
Questions? Contact: Amber Phillips, 314.592.2376, aphillips@girlscoutsem.org.
Funding for Robotics generously provided by:
