We are a group of Adventist students, teachers, and mentors - partnered with FIRST - who recognize the importance of STEM education in Adventist schools.
We recognize that students involved in our robotics programs
learn much more than engineering.
They learn marketing, time-management, communication skills,
and creative problem solving in a fun and engaging way.
Robotics & STEM Education for All Grade Levels
Grades 1-4
It’s never too early to discover STEM. FIRST LEGO League Jr. is designed to introduce STEM concepts to kids ages 6 to 10 while exciting them through a brand they know and love − LEGO®.
Guided by two or more adult Coaches, teams (up to 6 members, grades K-4) explore a real-world scientific problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc. Then they create a Show Me poster that illustrates their journey of discovery and introduces their team. They also construct a motorized model of what they learned using LEGO elements. In the process, teams learn about teamwork, the wonders of science and technology, and the FIRST LEGO League Jr. Core Values, which include respect, sharing, and critical thinking. At the close of each season, teams come together on a regional basis to share their Show Me poster and model, celebrate, and have fun!
Grades 4-8
Tomorrow’s innovators practice imaginative thinking and teamwork. Guided by two or more adult Coaches, FIRST LEGO League* teams (up to 10 members, grades 4-8**) research a real-world problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc., and are challenged to develop a solution. They also must design, build, program a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS®, then compete on a table-top playing field.
It all adds up to tons of fun while they learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and math concepts (STEM), plus a big dose of imagination, to solve a problem. Along their journey, they develop critical thinking and team-building skills, basic STEM applications, and even presentation skills, as they must present their solutions with a dash of creativity to judges. They also practice the Program’s Core Values, which emphasize discovery, teamwork and good sportsmanship.
Grades 7-12
It’s way more than building robots. FIRST Tech Challenge teams (10+ members, grades 7-12) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. Participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have!”
Guided by adult Coaches and Mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles (like keeping an engineering notebook), while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and sharing ideas. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and can be programmed using a variety of languages, including Java. Teams also must raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach for which they can win awards. Participants have access to tens of millions of dollars in college scholarships.
Affordabe Fun!
Affordable with a high Return on Investment: average “all in” costs range from $65 per participating student at the elementary level to ~$400 per participating student at the high school level, including coach stipends, travel, equipment and supplies. These costs are in many cases lower than other after-school programs (sports, music, theater, etc..) for similar age groups, while the benefits, such as internships, scholarships, jobs and career opportunities are much higher.
Have Questions?
If you are looking to start a robotics program in your school, we would love to hear from you! Fill out the form at the right and we'll get in contact with you.
Adventist Robotics League
5601 Winding Way
Carmichael, CA 95670
Phone: 916-481-2300 x120