Gather Your Squad and Launch Your Mission

What is FIRST Tech Challenge?

It’s way more than building robots. FIRST Tech Challenge teams (requiring a minimum of two members to a maximum 15 members, covering ages 12 – 18 years) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots. Teams then compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. Participants describe it as “the hardest fun you’ll ever have!”. Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles (like keeping an engineering notebook), while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and sharing ideas. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and can be programmed using a variety of languages, including Java. Teams also must raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach for which they can win awards.

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!

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

Team Checklist

Start-A-Team Checklist

✓ Create a Team Profile

✓ Reach out to an Affiliate Partner to register for local events.

✓ Pay season registration and purchase product

✓ Read the challenge document and start preparing for Challenge:

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 Resources
Robot Building Resources
Connect with the FIRST Tech Challenge Community

Products required to participate:

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-Tetrix
Game specification Basic bot guide – Tetrix:
Hardware video tutorial:
Programming Resources
Legal and Illegal Parts List

Game Material

Game Manual part 1: Click here

Game Manual part 2: Click here

One Page game description:Click here

Register Your team

FIRST INFOGRAPHIC FLIP BOOK: Click here