About FIRST & FTC
About FIRST™
FIRST® is More Than Robots. “The mission of FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) 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.” FIRST® consists of four k-12 STEM programs: FIRST® Lego League Junior (FLL Jr.), FIRST® Lego League (FLL), FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC), and FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC). FLL Jr. is an introduction program for students K-4th. FLL is a robotics program for 4-8th graders, while FTC is a robotics program for 7-12th graders and FRC is a program for 9-12th high-school students.
About FTC
Dark Matter is a FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) team. Teams of up to 15 team members are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. FTC gives middle and high school students, guided by mentors/coaches, the opportunity to work and create together to solve a common problem. Robots can be 18”x18”, comprising a drivetrain, mechanical, electrical and coding systems. Teams also develop a business plan, keep an engineering notebook, raise funds, design and market their team brand, and participate in community outreach.
Competitions consist of a 12’ by 12’ playing field with tasks that the robot can complete for points, both autonomously and while being driver-controlled. The robot game changes every season and is a blast! This year’s game is called Power Play presented by Raytheon.
Our season starts with the game release in early September. We participate in two qualifier tournaments December-February. Season concludes with a regional (Louisiana) championship in March. The top 2 teams from the region will advance to the World Championship in Houston in April. You can watch the upcoming “FIRST IN SHOW” “Centerstage” game release here:
Interested in Starting a Team?
FIRST is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future. FIRST is the world’s leading youth-serving nonprofit advancing STEM education. Being involved with FIRST is not only rewarding but the “hardest fun you’ll ever have. Our team can help you start a team and offer mentorship and guidance along the way.
More information coming soon. Meanwhile reach out to us and visit www.firstinspires.com