FIRST Robotics Generally

What exactly is FIRST Robotics?

From the FIRST Robotics web site,

Founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global nonprofit (501(c)(3)) organization that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12). Our programs are suitable for schools or structured afterschool activities and receive support from a vast network of volunteers, educators, and sponsor/donors, including over 200 Fortune 500 companies.

Because our programs are More Than Robots®, FIRST participants are guided by a signature set of Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements. Our thrilling, sports-like challenges build their self-confidence and collaborative problem-solving skills and have a proven and lasting impact on STEM learning and interest. Our participants and alumni gain access to education and career discovery opportunities, connections to exclusive scholarships and employers, and a place in the FIRST community for life.

FIRST has several levels of participation. Namely,

• FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)

• FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)

• FIRST Lego League (FLL)

Relative to Ingraham High School, we currently participate in FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), which is geared to 9th thru 12 graders. 

Ingraham Robotics Specific

I have never done anything like this before. How do I know how if it is something I want to try?

Our overall robotics team is broken down into 3 general areas: build, coding, and business. When you first join you can hear what everyone is working on or interested in. You pick an area to start and if is not what you thought then you can join another group.

If you choose to join the build team and are a Junior/Senior then you will start with the FTC-7462 team. There we will teach you how to design parts using the Computed Aided Design (CAD) tool OnShape. Several mentors, and some students, have 3D printers and can/will print what you design. If you are a Freshman/Sophomore then you will start with the FTC-8628 team and a kit of GoBilda parts and will prototype sub-assemblies and then the full robot. Designing with OnShape is also a highly encouraged option for creating parts not easily constructed with a standard set of building blocks.

If your interests lie more with coding then we will teach you the basics of Java development. It is helpful if you have some general experience with a computer language (e.g., C++, Python, Scratch, etc.). If you are part of the Junior/Senior team (FTC-7462) then we will teach you how to develop software in the industry standard Android Studio development environment. If you are part of the Freshman/Sophomore team (FTC-8628) then you will start with a simpler language called Blocks and/or Onbot Java. Introducing you to Android Studio is also a possibility depending on your proven abilities and interests.

The third area of the team is business. Participating in this area requires the least time commitment and occurs mostly in the early part of the season. Tasks include helping to write grants, interfacing with our faculty adviser, and working with the office staff, as necessary.

What does it mean to "compete"?

At the beginning of every school year FIRST rolls out a new challenge for the school year. (Check out this year's challenge, "Into the Deep".) At that point we have ~10 weeks to produce a robot that can accomplish the goals set out in the challenge.

At the same time, FIRST pulls together all registered teams and assigns them to a "league". Each league is made up of 12-15 teams, typically in the same geographic area. Two (2) league matches are held in late October or early November -- about 2 weeks apart. Each league event is an all day affair and you compete against only those teams in your assigned league.

In late November is Interleague. Interleague brings 2 leagues together where 24+ teams compete against each other. Depending on your performance for the day will determine whether or not you proceed on to the Semi-Finals, State, and even Worlds. Also at Interleague, awards are given out in various areas for design, community involvement, etc.

Family And Friends

Who runs this program?

Ingraham Robotics is currently run by 4 non-faculty Mentors -- each of whom have completed the Seattle School Code of Conduct. All 4 are either current or past mentors of FTC teams. Along with the Mentors is our Faculty Advisor, Mike Rice. 

As a parent/guardian, what do you expect of me?

First, and foremost, we hope that you show interest in what your student is working on. You are always welcome to stop by our classroom (#303) to see how we do what we do. Though not requied, it is always nice to see you at our various competitions. We would love to get to know every parent/guardian and let you know how your child is contributing.

In late October we begin our competitions. In order for any student to participate FIRST requires that they must have their parents permission. That process begins with you going to the FIRST site to register your name, and then your child's name.

Lastly, we like to keep all parents informed about upcoming events. To accomplish this, when your child starts with Ingraham Robotics we ask that they give us a contact name(s). All parents/gaurdians are then added to an email distribution list for upcoming announcements.

Where do you get your funding?

Every year we receive a grant from Boeing because 2 of our Mentors (Steve & Dennis) are Boeing retirees. We also get a grant from OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction). So far these funds have made it possible for us to do everything we need to get us up thru the State level of competition.

In the event that we perform well enough to qualify for Worlds then we will need to discuss with family and friends on how to raise the necessary additional dollars. 

At the end of the school year is "Campus Day". This is a chance for students to raise money for their clubs by selling something to the other students at the school. In 2023 the students did very well selling Costco pizza slices.

Please keep in mind, grants are never gauranteed. If you happen to work for a company who values STEM programs and want to ensure that we continue, and even expand our work, then please consider asking them to donate directly to our program. In exchange for your/their generous gift we will include your company logo on all of our outreach materials (i.e., web site, T-Shirts, etc.). Please contact our Head Mentor (Steve) for more information.

As an individual you are always welcome to donate to our team by going to XXX

Outreach

Where do your students come from?

In the off-season (Spring) a group of students visit Middle Schools in the area to introduce themselves and show them the cool things they have accomplished over the previous season. Currently we visit Robert Eagle Staff Middle School and Whitman Middle School.

Just before the school year ends we also set up a table at Ingraham's "Welcome Wagon". This event is held for all incomig 9th graders to let them talk to the various clubs and teams to get them thinking about what they might join in the upcoming Fall. Please stop by our table and drive robots from previous years and speak one-on-one with current students and mentors.