John Deere World Headquarters will play host to the 2015-2016 FTC Kick-Off on Saturday, September 12. The event is put on by John Deere, QCESC (Quad Cities Engineer and Science Council), and the Quad Cities FTC Community. The Kick-Off will feature breakout sessions to learn more about different aspects of FTC from 8-11 AM and the highlight will be the game reveal at 11 AM.
FIRST®, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, is a global nonprofit organization with the mission to inspire the next generation of technology leaders. FIRST Tech Challenge, designed for students from 7th - 12th grades, kicks off its season with the annual game reveal each September. This marks the start of a process of designing and building robots to compete in the game.
Of note this year is a new control system just introduced by FIRST. The new robot control system is Android based, with Android devices on both the robot itself, and in the hands of drivers. This represents the first large scale application of the Android operating system in student based robotics.
Now FIRST Tech Challenge teams can program robots while learning to design apps. Perhaps even more important, the native language of Android is Java, the same programming language high school students are learning and the basis for their AP programming coursework. Learning to code and develop apps, while creating a robot and competing against other teams, is a first for Android and an exciting way to engage the next generation of programmers, app developers, and engineers. In fact, mobile device designers are one of the hottest
FTC Iowa will compete in a League Format throughout November and December with the League Championship will take place at Davenport West High School on Saturday, February 6, 2016. FTC Illinois will compete at various locations throughout the state including Peoria and Chicago. Last year, the Combustible Lemons (Davenport West) and Deviation from the Norm (Pleasant Valley) had exceptional seasons, both making it to the North-Super Regional and the Combustible Lemons going to the World Championship. Students who participate in FIRST Tech Challenge are eligible for over $16 million in college scholarships provided by participating universities and sponsors. The public is invited to the kickoff to learn more about FIRST Tech Challenge, start a team, or volunteer.
For more information contact Greg Smith - smithgregoryryan@gmail.com
