What does

look like in Middle School?

Who is the Middle School student/team member?

Ages 12- 15 years oldGrades 7-9th

In school it is a student who does well in science, technology, engineering, math

Out side of school it may be the preteen/teen who is trying to define themselves/thinks outside of the box.

Note: These are not mutually exclusive.

FTC Middle School

• Pros

• Low end of competition

age range (challenge)

• Confidence Builder

• A feeder into high school FIRST programs

• More competition opportunities

• It has the Cool Factor

• Cons

• It is hard

• Other teams perceptions

• Success rate low?

• More expensive

How can FTC work in Classroom?

• Science

• Technology

• Engineering

• Math

• Science concepts including gear leverage, inertia, torque, and center of gravity.

• Technology with computer programming and computer-aided designing of the robot.

• Engineering concepts including the design process -design, test, build and improve.

• Math concepts can include, algebra, geometry, parallelograms, algorithms, trigonometry, calculus.

FTC in the Middle School Classroom:

Schedule: Team Driven

Lunch/recess/free periods

Afterschool as needed

Replace a science/math/computer class

How FTC works as a Middle School program

• After School

Program

• http://www.laser3284.org/

Why FTC vs. FLL for Middle School?

• FLL

• High end of competition age competing against as young as 4th graders

• Burn out- if been in since 4th grade (and now down to 1st).

• LEGO component has “TOY factor” image

• FTC

• Low end of competition range

• A better retention of 7-9th

grade = not only in robotics but STEM academics.

• The “Cool” Factor of using real tools and materials

• More opportunities to compete-multi Qualifiers

FTC Middle School Team at Competition

SCOUTING

COMMUNICATION

CoOpertition

Gracious Professionalism

Quotes/Thoughts from others in FIRST Community

“I have several kids that are on their 3rd year of Botball and they found FLL to be too much of a 'toy' and they did not like programming in the visual languages. They wanted to work in Java or C. My current thinking is that kids that don't have robotics experience should spend a year in FLL before FTC, if age allows. I also find FLL is much stronger at teaching core values. It took us most of the season to get our team functioning well since several members lacked the FLL background.” Craig Watson Edwardsville Middle School Robotics

“I’ve been in FLL for 4 years, …would rather have moved up…Ready for something new…have heard that when move to HS FRC not many opportunities to do the hand on portion…etc.” Middle School FLL MindTwisters (8th graders)

Survey at Regional Competition of25 High School Teams 95% of members liked the idea of middle school teams with experience feeding into their high school.Rolla 2015

“I prefer doing outreach and marketing over Another science fair like project.8th Grade Bandit experience in FLL & FTC

“I really liked working withOther high school students, Especially getting help in programming”8th Grade Bandit First Robot Experience

As the parent of a middle-school-er and moderator of a high-school level FTC team, I am thrilled about having middle school students participate in FTC. We have seen FLL graduates enter our program, but the construction and coding experience is so different, it is like stepping into a whole new world. With students coming in with actual FTC experience, I can expect to reach new levels of design as that experience is viewed through the lens of new math and science coursework. The beauty of the FTC program is the accessibility it provides for students of varied backgrounds and school situations. By extending into middle schools, the accessibility is enhanced that much more.Joe HenkenCBC High SchoolFTC Teams 3505 and 6387

Conclusion:

FTC and Middle School needs to be a bigger part of the FIRST Program. WHY? Because in doing so it will propel not only the advancement of Robotics, but the pursuit of STEM academics in schools.

“The Greatest danger for most of us is NOT that our aim is too high and we miss it,but that it is too low and we reach it.” Michelangelo

Thank You from:Jennifer MartinAssumption SchoolSTEM Coordinator(FTC/FLL/FLLjr/FRC Coach/Mentor)

martingirls16@gmail.com636 240 4474 x329

Sherry ComerCamdenton RIII Afterschool Services DirectorScomer@camdentonschools.org573-346-9233

Jane MorrisCamdenton 4-H LASER FTC CoachJmorris@camdentonschools.org573-346-5651

Alicia HirschbuehlerAssumption SchoolMiddle School ScienceFLL/FTC Coach/Mentoraahirschbuehler@yahoo.com636 240 4474

Hannah MartinVisitation Academy St. LouisFRC-Mechanical Rebels 1392FTC/FLL Mentor Former FLL Memberhrmartin16@gmail.com

Ashna MahadevSt. Dominic High SchoolFTC Current Team MemberFormer FLL MemberAshna.mahadev@gmail.com