In case you didn’t know, we just wrapped up our second FIRST Global RoboCo Challenge (FGRC) with our friends at FIRST Global. We’ve been collaborating with FIRST since 2021 to create RoboCo, and back in late 2021, we hosted the inaugural FGRC, bringing digital robotics to 37 different teams around the world. We’re proud of the work we’re doing with these admirable organizations that provide so many students with robust STEM education, leadership skills, and belief in themselves.
In this episode of the Filament Games podcast, your hosts Brandon and Dan had the pleasure of interviewing Chris Rake, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at FIRST. Brandon, Dan, and Chris discuss Filament’s work with FIRST on RoboCo and RoboCo Sports League, the ethos and values of FIRST, the impact on FIRST participants, and much more.
via firstinspires.org
If you’re interested in learning more about competitive robotics, whether physical or digital, this is the episode for you! Listen below or on Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.
Episode outline:
[0:00-1:52] Intro
[1:53-4:21] What are the role of robotics and digital robotics challenges in education today?
[4:22-8:28] How do FIRST’s robotics experiences work?
[8:29-11:09] Examples of gameboards and challenges found in FIRST robotics competitions
[11:10-14:21] How robotics teams evolve over time
[14:22-17:18] How an experience like RoboCo Sports League aligns with FIRST’s values and traditional programs
[17:19-21:02] Summary of longitudinal studies that illustrate FIRST’s impact on STEM outcomes for participants
[21:03-26:15] Is there a commonality in engineering that can move from one physical field to another? From a physical field to a digital field?
[26:16-32:51] FIRST’s “More Than Robots” campaign
[32:52-35:01] FIRST documentary streaming on Disney+
[35:02-38:35] What’s next for FIRST?
[38:36-41:44] How to get involved or learn more about FIRST
[41:45-44:02] Outro
Thanks for tuning it! We hope you’re feeling inspired and optimistic about the future of physical and digital robotics. With organizations like FIRST at the helm, we’re all in good hands.
Educational games are great for STEM learning. What to harness the power of game-based learning for your organization or cause? Reach out to us today!
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