EDUCATION
Quick Links to Get Involved:
In Tampa, start here: AMRoC Fab Lab located in University Mall provides a variety of STEM programs for K-12 including FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge, Combat Robotics, and RECF Aerial Drone Competition, in inclusive, accessible, mentor-supported, student-led formats.
To learn more about some of the other programs seen at ROBOTICON:
- For Aerial Drone Competition, Visit Aerial Drone Competition – REC Foundation (roboticseducation.org)
- For VEX V5 Robotics: Visit REC Foundation
- For College Level VEX U Robotics: Visit VEX U – REC Foundation (roboticseducation.org)
- For FIRST programs: Visit FIRSTInspires.org
- For Combat Robotics program: Field Guide to Competition Weight Classes and Weapons
Project, or problem-based, learning like competitive youth robotics provides youth with hands-on solutions-oriented educational programming, that creates academic impact by virtue of a real-world learning environment. In the case of ROBOTICON, students are exercising engineering, math, design, construction, teamwork, and strategic thinking in the course of a robotics competition. Getting children involved in programs like these helps them develop useful and enduring lifelong skills far beyond robotics!
The work that FCDI is doing through the Tampa Bay Advanced Manufacturing & Robotics Center (AMRoC) is focused on project based learning experiences, and principally employs FIRST and VEX robotics platforms. Here are some good resources for learning more about the power of Project Based Learning including some good resources right here in Florida.
- BattleBotsIQ Foundation
- Buck Institute for Education
- Combat Robotics Overview , Make Magazine
- Edutopia
- Cult of Pedagogy
- FACTE – Florida Association for Career and Technical Education
- ROBOTS – Your Guide to the World of Robotics – IEEE
Mentor Supported Learning
One of the things that makes project based learning most effective is combining it with mentor support from the professional community. Programs like FIRST, VEX and similar leverage the professional community to share time and expertise with youth. Mentoring is quite likely the most critical aspect of any youth experience, regardless of the learning platform. Youth who are able to spend time with mentors benefit from the attention of a responsible and trusted adult feel heard and respected, have a better understanding of real world experiences, and generally develop a better road map for their future.
Youth, particularly those in underserved, at-risk communities, benefit academically and personally from the influence of a strong mentor. Here are some good resources for learning more about mentoring.
Project Based STEM Education
STEM education is probably among some of the easiest academic programs in which to apply PBL. ROBOTICON largely showcases FIRST programs, a K-12 project based learning programs with energy and fun in a format that the general public can enjoy and in which young guests can also enjoy some hands on fun and learning! FIRST provides project based learning in alignment with Common Core and Florida state standards, as well as over $80 million in scholarships to participating high school students. The programs are inclusive, accessible and affordable, with significant grant funding available to new and existing teams.
Other PBL STEM robotics competition programs include:
Find State and Local REC Foundation program contacts HERE
REC Education Resources
- VEX GO Competition
- VEX IQ Competition
- VEX V5 Competition
- VEX Code VR
- VEX V.5 Workcell STEM Labs
- VEX Computer Science STEM Labs
- Purdue Sigbots Wiki – Everything from how to start and run teams to programming and build essentials
Robotics Education Competition Foundation
The REC Foundation’s family of robotics programs for elementary school through college students includes 24,000 teams in over 60 countries. These engaging programs offer a direct response to workforce and industry needs with participants more likely to consider studying science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) beyond high school.
REC Foundation Programs include VEX IQ, VEX Robotics Competition, Aerial Drone Competition, Bell Vertical Take Off Competition, AI Robotics Competition and Factory Automation Competition.
- Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy
- EV3 Lessons – Comprehensive resources for FIRST LEGO League
- FIRST Educator Curriculum – for FIRST LEGO League Jr, FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge
- FIRST in Florida Resource Library
- FIRST on Instructables
- Modern Robotics FIRST Tech Challenge resources
- NASA Robotics Alliance Project
FIRST robotics programs in Florida are run by “program delivery partners” , which you can find a current directory for HERE
FIRST STEM Education
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. FIRST® K-12 STEM education programs use robot challenges to build science and technology skills and interests, in a character-driven program that also inspires self-confidence, leadership, and life skills. At the high school level, over $100 million in scholarships are available to participating students.
Programs include FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST LEGO League.