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.
These STEM Enthusiasts Will Give You a Front Row Seat to Inspiration
Apr 02, 2018 By FIRST Staff
Meet three STEM enthusiasts who will provide a front row seat to all the action happening at the 2018 FIRST Championship Presented by Qualcomm Incorporated. Twitch personalities DeeJayKnight and Skylias and FIRST Alum Emma Dumont share what excites them about STEM, community, and FIRST Championship.
Meeting in the Middle with Distance Learning
Mar 26, 2018 By Frank McCallum, Principal, Alberta Distance Learning Centre
A unique partnership in Alberta, Canada, provided distance learning opportunities grounded in STEM to remote First Nations communities. Frank McCallum, principal of the Alberta Distance Learning Centre, shares how distance learning bridges a barrier to STEM access.
How One Teacher Guided His Students to Give Back with a Design Thinking Challenge
Mar 20, 2018 By FIRST Staff
Science teacher Peter Graven leads his Wisconsin school districts’ robotics program and encourages students to take on STEM-based projects that give back. Peter discusses the design thinking challenge his students undertook to build a robotic medical cart for a young girl with special needs.
FIRST LEGO League Student Making Waves in Innovation
Mar 08, 2018 By FIRST Staff
FIRST participant Allie Weber is a Teen Vogue 21 Under 21 honoree. It’s easy to see why at age 12, this accomplished inventor, maker, and STEM advocate is getting recognized for her work. Allie shares her STEM story, the inspiration behind #YoungScientistProbs, and kids who are changing the world.
5 Ways to Spur Student Growth and Opportunity Through Hands-On STEM
Mar 06, 2018 By Donald E. Bossi, President of FIRST
Originally published on The Teaching Channel’s Tchers’ Voice blog, FIRST President Don Bossi shares easy-to-adapt strategies for implementing new STEM programs or curriculum and making the most of hands-on learning in the classroom.
Global Teacher Prize Finalist Creates Change With Robotics
Feb 27, 2018 By FIRST Staff
Teacher and FIRST mentor Glenn Lee, who co-founded Hawaii’s first robotics-related program, has been named a top ten finalist for the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, selected from over 30,000 entries, for his pioneering efforts to ignite passion for STEM in his students through robotics.
Overcoming the STEM Opportunity Gap
Feb 20, 2018 By Donald E. Bossi, President of FIRST
Kids of all backgrounds, capabilities, and social circumstances are needed to address the world’s toughest challenges. FIRST President Donald E. Bossi explores how offering equitable opportunities and pathways can ensure all kids feel welcome, have a voice, and get an equal shot at finding success.
It’s Not Special Treatment: The Case for Acting to Ensure Equity
Feb 06, 2018 By Nancy Boyer, Ph.D., Director of Research and Evaluation, FIRST
Ahead of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Nancy Boyer, Director of Research and Evaluation at FIRST, explores how to reduce gaps in STEM skills and fuel STEM interest by rethinking how we teach youth without access to opportunities that build a foundation for STEM.
Living and Learning, Even in the Hardest of Conditions
Jan 17, 2018 By Alma Bertoni, Coach, FIRST LEGO League Team “CSI Cybernetic Lions”
Alma Bertoni, a FIRST LEGO League coach and teacher from San Juan, Puerto Rico, shares how her students have persevered since Hurricane Maria devastated their island, as well as their journey exploring solutions to help their community through HYDRO DYNAMICS, the 2017/2018 FIRST LEGO League Challenge.
How a Tiara Inspires My Volunteer Work in STEM Education
Jan 09, 2018 By Lenore M. Edman, Co-Founder, Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories; FIRST Mentor & Volunteer
Lenore M. Edman, co-founder of Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories and a FIRST volunteer, shares how a FIRST alumna named Callie and her L.E.D. crowd shone brightly as a role model at a FIRST Robotics Competition event.