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, Aerial Drone Competition, VEX GO and VEX IQ in inclusive, accessible, mentor-supported, student-led formats.  

To learn more about some of the other programs seen at ROBOTICON:

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.

Click on the image to see the details.

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:

REC Education Resources

VEX 123 Flyer

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.

State & Local Contacts

Visit FIRST in Florida to learn more about FIRST programs statewide. In the Tampa Bay area, contact West Florida Robotics for FIRST LEGO League and ROBOT League of Tampa Bay for FIRST Tech Challenge support. For FIRST Robotics Competition questions,  email FRCTeams@FIRSTInspires.org .

FIRST STEM Education

FIRST is the principal science and tech education platform that the Foundation for Community Driven Innovation works with and supports, because of its proven and well documented impact.

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 . In Florida, FIRST serves over 10,000 students statewide. At the high school level, over $80 million in scholarships are available to participating students.

FIRST  Team Funding Resources

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