Girl Scouts of Utah offers FIRST robotics teams to help our girls get
involved in a long-term STEM activity. FIRST includes Lego League
Explore and Lego League Challenge. Half of girls participating in a
Girl Scout FIRST team reported that participating had increased their
interest in science or engineering (GSRI, 2016). Council-sponsored
FIRST teams for the 2022-2023 season are in the process of forming.
Teams are tentatively available in the following ages:
-
FIRST Lego League Explore - Grades 1-4 (ages 6-10). Girl
Scouts build and program a simple machine based on the theme of the
year as well as make a poster about research they have done on that
topic. Teams show their machine and project at an Expo. A team
consists of 2 coaches and 4-6 girls.
-
FIRST Lego League Challenge - Grades 4-8 (ages 9-14). Girl
Scouts build and program a Lego robot to perform challenges based on
a theme. They also design and share an engineering project based
around the same theme. Teams compete in a regional competition and
may move on to the state tournament. A team consists of two coaches
and 5-10 girls.
-
FIRST Tech Challenge
– Grades 7-12 (ages 12-18).
Girl Scouts build and program a robot using various parts. They
also complete service and education hours in the community. They
have a competition and may move on to other tournaments. A team
consists of 2 coaches and 5-10 Girl Scouts.
If you have a girl who is interested in a FIRST team or you are
interested in coaching a FIRST team, please fill out the interest survey. Teams are formed in late summer
and early fall based on the location and availability of girls and
coaches. Teams run early fall through early winter but may vary based
on level and timing of competitions.
Interested coaches should complete the interest form. More information on
training will be available to those who indicate an interest in
coaching. Coaches can be any gender but must become a Girl Scouts of
Utah member and pass a background check. Coaches do not need to have a
STEM background to coach, just a willingness to learn. Some training
is provided and a council staff member will provide support. One coach
must be certified in CPR/First Aid.
Interested girls and families are welcome at the FIRST Open House on August 16, 2022. Girls who
join a robotics team must be Girl Scouts of Utah members. There is a
small fee for the season, which can be paid with Activity Credits or
activity scholarships.
Please email questions about FIRST teams to programs@gsutah.org.
Learn more about the FIRST robotics program at FIRST’s Website.