Love science and technology? How about math and engineering? FIRST® Robotics/FIRST LEGO® League may be for you!
Girl Scouts of the United States (GSUSA) has partnered with FIRST® Robotics 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, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.”
If FIRST® sounds like something that might be cool to check out, Girl Scouts and their families are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming local tournaments. Come see the excitement and dedication and cheer on Girl Scouts from two local councils. Stop in anytime during the events, but please let us know you plan to attend so we can inform the local event organizers.
- FIRST® Robotics Open House Saturday, March 27, 2010 at Webster Groves Recreation Complex, 10 am-12 pm. While the FLL program is for girls ages 9-14, Girl Scouts of all levels and their families are invited to attend. Sign up here no later than March 5, 2010.
How is GSEM getting involved in FIRST Robotics?
GSEM is currently working with six Girl Scout teams in FIRST® Robotics - FIRST LEGO® League level, grades 4-8. Teams, led by adult volunteer coaches and mentors, work together to design and build a robot and program it to do various tasks. They also research a topic based on the year’s challenge and do a presentation about their research. Teams will then compete at regional tournaments, in the hopes of making it to the national tournament in April. It’s a great and fun way to expose girls to these exciting fields.
Girl Scouts who participate in teams can earn the Girl Scout Robotics patch!
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.
Questions? Contact: Laura Roth, 314.592.2376, lroth@girlscoutsem.org.