Team Basics
1What does every FIRST Tech Challenge team need?
• Two or more adult mentors who are willing and motivated to coach the team through the build and competition season, and beyond!
• Other adults can volunteer to help with administration, fundraising, community outreach, technical advising, and other tasks.
• A suitable meeting place and safe space to design and build a robot about the size of a microwave oven.
• A standard kit of robot parts and a common set of game and robot rules issued by FIRST Tech Challenge.
• The desire to learn, explore, strategize, build camaraderie, share ideas and talents, make new friends, be accepted, and HAVE FUN!
• Other adults can volunteer to help with administration, fundraising, community outreach, technical advising, and other tasks.
• A suitable meeting place and safe space to design and build a robot about the size of a microwave oven.
• A standard kit of robot parts and a common set of game and robot rules issued by FIRST Tech Challenge.
• The desire to learn, explore, strategize, build camaraderie, share ideas and talents, make new friends, be accepted, and HAVE FUN!
2What is the time commitment?
Mentors or adult volunteers meet with their team at least once per week during the build and competition season
As a team member, the same applies. Students meet at least once per week from mid-September onwards. Like any sport or other after-school activity, the more time you invest, the better you will become at your task(s).
3Any there any special skills required?
All skill levels are welcomed and needed, both technical and non-technical. Teams need all kinds of skills to succeed so what are you good at? Chances are we have a job for you. And we’ll probably teach you a few new ones while you’re with us.
Student and adult team members are encouraged to bring any skills they already have, like programming, electronics, metalworking, graphic design, web creation, public speaking, videography, and many more. FIRST Tech Challenge welcomes every student, with or without special skills.
IMPACT
The positive impact on FIRST Tech Challenge participants is gratifying and well documented. Over 86% have more interest in doing well in school and 87% are more interested in attending college
.93%
Design the robot or part of the robot
92%
Build the robot
63%
Program the robot
94%
Explain process in designing a robot
93%
Self confidenceot
92%
Increased leadership skills
85%
Interested in becoming a scientist or engineer
87%
Increased interest in going to college
86%
Increased interest in doing well in school
100%
Team work
88%
Use math to solve a real-world problem
93%
Understanding of the engineering design process
92%
Greater STEM awareness
95%
Increased desire to learn more about STEM
89%
More interested in a job or career in STEM
93%
Solve disagreements
98%
Solve unexpected problems
Mentor and Team Resources
Part of the fun is designing and building your robot and FIRST provides a wealth of information in our Resource Library to help you. Find everything from technical guides, to fundraising ideas, or fun activities for your team.
Team Management ResourcesRobot Building Resources
Connect with the FIRST Tech Challenge Community
Safety Instructions:
Useful Things to Consider Physical Space and Storage Classroom (the ability to push tables/chairs out of the way) or equally sized room with open floor
- Countertops/tables to serve as workspace
- During practice, tape a 12 ft. (3.66 m) x 12 ft. (3.66 m) square on the ground to serve as a field
- Large Storage Cabinet (1 or 2, depending on how much material you have), should be able to lock, look for cabinets that are roughly 6 ft. (1.82 m) tall and 3 ft. (0.91 m) wide
- Always keep a first aid kit in the workspace, including disinfectant and bandages. Bring it to events. Any accidents should be reported immediately to Mentors. Make sure there is a telephone in the workspace, in case of a more serious injury.
- Have a fire extinguisher in the workspace, and make sure that everyone knows where it is and how to use it.
- The workspace should be kept clean and uncluttered. Cords should be kept out of
Building the FTC Robot
Basic Bot Guide-TetrixGame specification Basic bot guide – Tetrix:
Hardware video tutorial:
Programming Resources
Legal and Illegal Parts List
