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FIRST Robotics Competition Buckeye Regional

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a series of exciting regional and national engineering and robotics competitions. Since the spring of 2002, NASA Glenn Research Center has been the largest sponsor of the FIRST Robotics Competition Buckeye Regional event held in Cleveland, OH by providing event sponsorship, coordination, and volunteers. Additionally, scholarships are provided to participating Ohio teams attending the Buckeye Regional.

Visit NASA Glenn Office of STEM Engagement about FIRST Robotics Competition Buckeye Regional

Goals

The mission of FIRST® is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, 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.

Scope

FIRST Robotics Competition combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of 10 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. Teams have 6-weeks to build a 100 lb. robot. It’s as close to “real-world engineering” as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team.

Eligibility/Requirements

Teams competing in FIRST Robotics Competition events usually consist of 10 or more high school-aged students led by adult mentors with both technical and non-technical expertise willing and motivated to “coach” the team through the build and competition season (and beyond). Other requirements include:

  • A suitable meeting place to design and build an industrial-sized robot with access to a variety of machine shop power tools
  • A standard kit of parts and a common set of rules issued by FIRST
  • A community sponsor(s) that will help fund your efforts and provide other support
  • Annual fees for team registration, a robot kit of parts, and event participation are $6,000. Additional costs for travel, food, team shirts and other optional items will vary.
  • The desire to learn, explore, strategize, build comradery, share ideas and talents, make new friends, be accepted, and HAVE FUN!

Key Dates

FIRST Robotics Competition Buckeye Regional Kickoff

  • Kickoff Date: (coming soon)
  • Kickoff Location: Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114

FIRST Robotics Competition Buckeye Regional

  • Competition Dates: (coming soon)
  • Competition Location: Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44115

Featured News

Contact Information

Jeresha Nixon, M.Ed.
Education Program Specialist
GRC-Ed-Opportunities@mail.nasa.gov
(216) 433-6656

Glenn Research Center – Office of STEM Engagement

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