FIRST Makes a Splash at Farnborough International Air Show in Hampshire, UK
FIRST teams and sponsors combined efforts this past July to bring FIRST to a global audience at the Farnborough International Airshow and International Youth Day, held in Hampshire, UK.
Sponsored by BAE Systems, FIRST UK, and Exscitec, the purpose of the event was to foster FIRST awareness among UK students, schools, and companies. In addition, by participating in the event, FIRST hoped to generate interest in a UK regional competition, as well as create more UK FIRST teams.
The three-day event attracted large crowds, including hundreds of children who had an opportunity to drive a robot and view 2008 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) matches. In addition to many local families, there were representatives from industry, education, and the government. A special appearance by British Parliament’s Chairman of the Select Committee on Science and Technology, M.P. Phil Willis, was a highlight of the event.
According to Fiona Palfrey of Exscitec, “This year, five UK teams from schools in London, Cambridge, and Doncaster competed in FRC in the US. The teams returned to the UK with various trophies of achievement! FIRST UK hopes the Showcase at Farnborough International Airshow has spurred more school and industry support for FIRST with the aim that an official FRC Regional event can be hosted in the UK by 2012.”
"The effort was a win/win for BAE Systems," said BAE Systems Engineering Manager and FIRST Chair Sue Peckham. "The idea of inserting FIRST teams into a premiere global air show made perfect sense because the forum not only showcases current technology but seeks to encourage future interest in aerospace science and technology. We weren't surprised when our area was the most popular place for the families and students!" BAE Systems has supported FIRST for more than 15 years and, last year, entered into a long-term strategic partnership.
FRC teams participating from the US were Team 341 “Miss Daisy” and Team 217 “The ThunderChickens,” along with Team 122 “NASA Knights” mentor Joanne Talmage. Representing the UK were Team 1884 “The Griffins,” Team 2120 “The Yorkshire Terriors”, and Team 2448 “Ingenuity London.” The FIRST exhibit included a 2008 playing field, an interactive FRC driving area, and several information booths with handouts and video displays.
“Miss Daisy” from Wissahickon High School in Ambler, Pennsylvania, demonstrated its 2006 machine outside the Main Tent to attract a crowd, while “The ThunderChickens” and UK teams played simulated FIRST Overdrive matches inside the tent. “Miss Daisy” was invited to attend the show because it is known for mentoring other FIRST teams and producing large-scale robot demonstrations. In 2004, “Miss Daisy” created an instructional DVD called “Team in a Box” to help new teams get started with the FIRST Robotics Competition. The DVD, which was handed out at the air show, explains how to build a robot, as well as what happens during a competition. This DVD can be ordered, free of charge, by visiting www.team341.com and clicking on the “Team in a Box” banner.
As a member of “Miss Daisy,” Wissahickon 11th grader Gina Triolo said that she has learned valuable communication skills, as well as technical knowledge during her two years on the team. She added that because of her participation on the team, she is considering a career in engineering. “It has given me a better idea of what I want to do with my life.”
Team member Evan Ostrow said he thought teamwork was an important aspect of the FIRST program. “I don’t think I would work as well with a group if I hadn’t been doing this,” added the 10th grader, who is also the son of the team’s leader.
“This event was truly a team effort and shows what a handful of dedicated FIRST people can achieve when they share a common vision. As always, we are thankful to our sponsors and would also like to recognize the US Embassy in Britain for their special welcome to the FRC teams,” said Alan Ostrow, Team Leader of “Miss Daisy” and a physics teacher at Wissahickon High School.
FIRST has been dubbed a “unique varsity sport of the mind” designed to help high-school students understand what researchers and engineers do. Team Leader Ostrow said that in addition to providing inspiration to the students, the FIRST program teaches them valuable lessons in community involvement and cooperating with people from diverse backgrounds.
Adds Team 341’s assistant coach and former team member, Kirsten Jahn, “Our goal is to inspire people to start new teams.”
Ostrow said that “Miss Daisy” was honored to receive a congratulatory note from Pennsylvania State Representative Kate Harper, who applauded the efforts of FIRST and has posted photographs from the airshow on her official website.