INTRODUCTION
The vision and mission of FIRST Robotics are to help create a world where science and technology are celebrated, and young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders. Today’s world is in desperate need of scientists and engineers. FIRST – For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology – strives to inspire young people to take on these roles.
In the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) – often called “The Varsity Sport for the Mind” or “The Superbowl of Smarts” – you don’t always see all-male teams out on the playing field while the girls cheer from the sidelines. No, by the field you’ll also find guys waving pom-poms and colorful team flags, just as behind the driver station glass you’ll find girls with their hair pulled back, hands on the joysticks, safety goggles donned. If you look in the pits of a competition venue, everyone is working frantically around their robots, sleeves rolled up and grease on their arms. You’ll find guys and girls side-by-side, hooking up electronics, tightening chains, switching out wheels, plugging in pneumatics, testing software. FIRST ladies are everywhere, and they know what they’re doing.
To emphasize and expand the engineering opportunities FIRST offers for young women around the world, FRC Team 1540 hosts Girls’ Generation. Local girls gain the engineering spotlight by taking over all technical roles on their teams for an exciting day of scrimmaging. Last year over 130 girls from 22 FRC teams participated, making this the largest girls-only robotics scrimmage in the world!
We look forward to seeing all-female drive teams and pit crews. Guys are, however, encouraged to come and cheer, and male mentors are permitted as needed. If you do not have enough girls on your team to make up an entire drive team and pit crew, register anyway, and we will pair you with another team. Similarly, if you are a rookie team, and do not have a robot from last year, email us, and we will also pair you with another team.
Details
Location: Catlin Gabel School Gymnasium
Address: 8825 SW Barnes Rd. Portland, OR, 97225
Date: October 19, 2013
Cost*: $200 per team (or $300 with registration for Rookie Rumble included)
Register for this event
GIRLS GENERATION WASHINGTON
Girls Generation Washington was started in 2012 after the success of the Portland event. Hosted by FRC Team 2046 Bear Metal, the event is now in its second year and expected to grow.
For information relating to the Girls Generation event hosted by Team 2046 Bear Metal in Washington, please refer to the Tahoma Robotics website.
