Welcome to Inspire, a blog from FIRST.
After years of inspiring young people, as well as the adults who work with them, we decided it was time to share some of the things that inspire us.
Learn more about Inspire.
How 3 Teachers Who Knew Nothing About Robotics Started a FIRST Program
Aug 23, 2017The following article was originally published on We Are Teachers.
When Maureen Reilly, fourth-grade teacher at PS 261 in Brooklyn, NY, decided to co-lead a FIRST® LEGO® League team at her school, she had no idea what to expect.
This Season from a Freshman: On the Bus Home from FIRST Championship
May 11, 2017 by Ryan Mares, FIRST Team 93, NEW Apple Corps, Appleton, Wis.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on Reddit. The author, a ninth-grade student from Wisconsin, shared his thoughts as he rode the bus home from FIRST Championship St. Louis.
Marching for Science: We need STEM education and educated policymaking
Apr 28, 2017 by FIRST Alum, Melody Tan
The following article was originally published on Medium.com.
On April 22, scientists and science supporters gathered at Sam Houston Park for the Houston March for Science.
Sparking Ideas: Inspiring Kids to Innovate
Mar 29, 2017 By Ashton Cofer
Ashton Cofer and his FIRST® LEGO® League team won the 2016 FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award for developing a process to convert Styrofoam waste into activated carbon, which can be used to purify water. Here, he writes about what inspires him and his teammates to innovate.
Adults Need Playtime, Too!
Mar 23, 2017 By Dr. AnnMarie Thomas, Associate Professor of Engineering and Entrepreneurship at the University of St. Thomas, where she directs the Playful Learning Lab
Just like your students, finding activities you choose which allow you to find joy in the process is important. Take time to find that joy for yourself.
The Power of Collaboration to Lead to Deeper Learning
Feb 28, 2017 By Jenny Pieratt, PhD, founder and President, CraftED
One of the many reasons I love PBL (project based learning) is that it provides so many opportunities for students to develop skills they need to be successful in life.
The Playful Side of STEM
Feb 22, 2017 By Dr. AnnMarie Thomas, Associate Professor of Engineering and Entrepreneurship at the University of St. Thomas, where she directs the Playful Learning Lab
“Stop playing around and get to work!”
Sound familiar? I suspect that if you are a parent or a teacher this is a phrase you’ve said, or been tempted to say, on a few occasions.
STEM Outreach: How Are We Changing the Conversation?
Feb 08, 2017 By Seabright McCabe, Contributor, SWE (Society of Women Engineers)
Attracting and retaining more girls and young women to STEM fields takes the support of parents, teachers, mentors, role models, and professional organizations, with each playing a significant role. From initiatives such as SWENext and FIRST® to grassroots virtual mentoring programs and revolutionizing the way math is taught, the conversation continues.
Teaching Computer Programming: Get Ready-Set-Create!
To cement learning, allow students to use skills to solve real-world coding challenges
Jan 18, 2017
by Drew McConnell, Manager of Digital Learning, FIRST
To cement learning, allow students to use skills to solve real-world coding challenges.
Creating Opportunities to Elevate Girls in STEM
Dec 13, 2016 By Shelley Henderson, Diversity & Inclusion Manager at FIRST
There is a long list of initiatives to grow students’ interest and proficiency in science, engineering, technology, and math (STEM) fields, which is good news for all kids. But in terms of recruitment, confidence building, and the availability of relevant role models, there is still a gap when it comes to girls.