Muncie/Delaware FIRST Robotics is a new and exciting, expanded science and math opportunity open to all high school students in the Muncie/Delaware community. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an international program, founded by Dean Kamen (of Segway fame), affiliated with NASA (www.usfirst.org). Muncie/Delaware FIRST Robotics is a community-based program and integrates expertise from throughout Delaware county.

FIRST Robotics teams focus creating a robot from a 'kit of parts'. The job of the robot is to play a game, and each year teams purchase a new kit to build a new robot and play a new game. Robotics teams then compete in games at the regional and national levels. Teams also have the option to create visual technology entries which are judged by experts in these fields.

The objectives of the program include education and experience in the field of technology, as well as nurturing creativity. Teams also create a short animation clip, CAD drawings, and a website. In the process, the students learn hands-on skills, team-work, gracious professionalism, cooperation, and many other skills which will serve them well as they develop to become adults in the work force and society. All participants are winners, no matter what type of robot they build. It is truly a cooperative experience!

First and foremost, the Muncie/Delaware Robotics Team is for the students. Our team mission is to cultivate the interest, understanding, and skills in science, technology and engineering while learning teamwork and gracious professionalism, to help our young people grow into whom they can become. Teachers and professionals guide and mentor the team, but the work, and the experience, is primarily student-oriented. Hands-on training workshops are scheduled for Wednesday evenings, and some Saturday mornings each Fall, and will be taught by people with practical experience building working machinery (engineers, designers, computer programmers, animation and video experts).

The actual robot building takes place over a very brief period of time (6 weeks) from January through March, and is an intense, near-nightly process. Building of the robot takes place at Morrison Mock Professional Building, located on White River Boulevard, Muncie. Regional competitions follow later in mid March and April.

A FIRST team takes many people of many skills and interests, and not all of these need be 'techie'. There is a place for everyone, from science and math to business and art. There are many 'behind-the-scene' activities that are not at all related to the robot itself. Parents and Mentors are always welcome. New students and mentors are encouraged to visit the team at any time throughout the year.

Muncie/Delaware Robotics is affiliated as an Exploring Post (#1720) with the Boy Scout Learning For Life Program, and the Delaware County 4-H Program.

Contact us anytime if you are interested in this exciting opportunity! Potential mentors and team members are always welcome to inquire about the application process for the next season. (See Handbook/application for 2008/9).

Contact any mentor or stop by at our meetings (see Calendar and Workshops) to see what FIRST Robotics is all about and contact us about joining Team #1720!

Cheryl LeBlanc
Muncie/Delaware FIRST Robotics Team Coordinator
(cleblanc@bsu.edu or 765/ 730-3052) OR PhyXTGears@gmail.com

Mechanical Technology
Robots

Visual Technology
Animation
CAD
Student Website

** Effective August 14, 2006, Muncie/Delaware
Robotics, Inc., has been declared a Public Charity
and is officially exempt from Federal Income Tax
under the classification of 501c(3) of the Internal
Revenue Service Code.  Contributions and gifts
are therefore deductible under section 170 of the code.