Love science and technology? How about math and engineering? A robotics program may be for you!
Girl Scouts of the United States (GSUSA) has partnered with 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, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.”
How is GSEM getting involved in robotics?
GSEM will be working with five to ten 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, 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 World Festival in April.
Girl Scouts who participate in teams can earn the Girl Scout Robotics patch!
The 2010 season kicks off September 3. Teams can register now until supplies run out.
To register a team, click here. Girl Scout teams of 6-10 girls may be eligible to receive financial assistance for the team at the FLL or JFLL levels. Call 314.592.2344 for information.
Upcoming Events
- September 3, 2010- 2010 Challenge released
- September 11, 2010- Robotics Kickoff
- September 15, 2010- Qualifying tournament registration opens
- November 13, 2010- FLL Qualifying tournament at Webster University
- November 14, 2010- FLL Qualifying tournament at St. Charles Community College
- November 20, 2010- FLL Qualifying tournament at University City High School or Middle School
- November 21, 2010- FLL Qualifying tournament at Maryville University
- December 5, 2010- St. Louis Regional Championship at St. Louis Community College, Florissant Valley
- April 28-30- FIRST World Championships in St. Louis
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.
Thousands of youth and adults from around the world will descend on St. Louis in April for robotics competitions. As the Girl Scout council in the host city, GSEM will have a booth at the event. There will also be a special reception for all Girl Scout robotics teams competing. Volunteers are needed to staff the booth and help out with the reception. Shifts are to be determined, but if you or your troop is interested in volunteering, please fill out the Troop Program Application in
Leader Program Bulletin and submit by December15. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
To learn more about
FIRST® programs for all ages, visit
www.usfirst.org.
Questions? Contact: Michelle Johnson, 314.592.2344, mjohnson@girlscoutsem.org.