OUR GOAL
We are lucky to be a part of the TDSB (Toronto District School Board), the largest school board in Canada and the fourth largest in North America. Our goal is to ensure that STEAM becomes a larger part of the curriculum, with courses pertaining to technology and science more prominent and available in all schools. We are also working to get at least one FIRST team set up in every school, whether it’s FRC, FTC, FLL, or FLL Jr.
WHAT IS FLL JR.?
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 adult coaches and FIRST Core Values, students build models using LEGO®Education WeDo 2.0 and create Show Me posters to present what they learned. The program focuses on building interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through a real-world challenge – to be solved by research, critical thinking, and imagination.
WHAT IS FLL?
FIRST LEGO League allows young innovators to practice imaginative thinking and teamwork. FIRST LEGO League focuses on solving real-world problems such as food safety, recycling, energy, and more using STEM concepts, plus a big dose of fun. With the guidance of two or more coaches, teams (2-10 members, grades 4-8) apply science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts to solve a real-world problem. Teams design, build, and program a LEGO MINDSTORMS robot, then compete on a themed table-top playing field. Along their journey, students develop critical-thinking and team-building skills, build STEM self-confidence, and gain valuable perspective on the importance of failure in the learning process.
WHAT IS FRC?
FIRST Robotics Competition is the ultimate Sport for the Mind. Under strict rules, limited resources, a tight budget, and an intense six-week time limit, teams of high school students are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. Each season ends with an exciting FIRST Championship!
WHAT IS FTC?
New to Canada in 2019, FIRST Tech Challenge includes teams (with up to 15 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. Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles, while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and working as a team. The robot kit is reusable from year to year and can be coded using a variety of levels of Java-based programming. Teams design and build robots, raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach to earn specific awards.