A MESSAGE FROM DAVE AND CHRISTINE ABOUT THE NEW SEASON:
Happy Summer to everyone! We know this continues to be a time of uncertainty and unpredictability for us all, especially as we begin to look to reopening schools and resuming activities across Arizona. Please know that our commitment to providing a high quality experience in FIRST Tech Challenge continues to be unwavering, and that the safety of all our teams, coaches, mentors, and volunteers is our top priority.
While we are still waiting for additional guidance from FIRST about what remote events will look like, please know that we committed to offering the opportunity for teams to participate no matter what reopening phase your school is in, be it full virtual or "business as usual." There WILL be FIRST Tech Challenge in Arizona this year!!!!
Please remember that we are here for you and your teams, along with the rest of our Arizona Planning Committee. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with questions. While we don't have all the answers yet (just like everything right now!) we will communicate to you as soon as we have information to share. Please read the message from FIRST that was sent to teams recently about events this season, check out the teaser for ULTIMATE GOAL and the other information below, and know we continue to be your biggest fans! GO TEAMS!!!
From the June 18 FIRST Tech Challenge Team Blast:
"The 2020 - 2021 season presents some unique challenges with social distancing rules likely to still be in effect in many areas. As a result, regions around the world will have the option to hold Traditional FIRST Tech Challenge events or Remote events depending on the conditions in their area.
Remote events allow teams to compete independently using half-sized fields and no alliance partner or opposing alliance to respect social distancing. These events also include remote judging across the same awards as Traditional events.
Remote events will allow for transition to Traditional events as social distancing restrictions are relaxed. Both formats can also be followed throughout the season with advancement all the way to FIRST® Championship.
FIRST® Program Delivery Partners (PDP) run local and regional events which may include physical, remote, or a combination of physical and remote elements. Your PDP may charge an additional fee to participate in their events, and those fees are set and collected by the PDP. Team Registration does not guarantee that events are available in your area. If you cannot locate an event in our system, please contact your local program delivery partner."
ULTIMATE GOAL - FIRST Tech Challenge 2020/2021 Season Teaser!
Get excited about the upcoming FIRST Season by checking out the Game Changers theme reveal and the FIRST Tech Challenge Teaser for this year's game "ULTIMATE GOAL!" Mark your calendars for the 2020/2021 Season Kickoff September 12! Check out the information on the new season here!
Registration is now open for FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge teams for the 2020/2021 season! Go to www.firstinspires.org and log in to your dashboard to register your team for next season.
Class Packs
New this season, FIRST is offering in-classroom options for FIRST Lego League (grades PreK-8) and FIRST Tech Challenge (grades 7-12). Class packs include materials for students and teachers, curriculum resources, and what you need to run an in-school event. Visit the FIRST educator resources page to find out about all that FIRST offers for schools, including professional development opportunities. The school formats are great options for schools wanting to incorporate STEM education into the regular school day, or schools that may not be able to offer after-school activities or field trips this year due to continuing restrictions because of COVID-19.
2020 Arizona FIRST Tech Challenge Recap Video
Congrats to all the teams who competed in this year's FIRST Rise Season! The CocoNuts created this short recap video of the 2019/2020 Arizona FIRST Tech Challenge season to celebrate YOU - we hope you enjoy it!
Congrats to the Class of 2020!
Congrats to all our 2020 graduating seniors! We know this isn't the end to your high school career you were expecting, but we're so proud of everything you've accomplished. Congrats to these seniors and to all our seniors on every FIRST team in Arizona and beyond! Good luck to you all in all your new endeavors.
Is your team struggling financially due to COVID-19? AndyMark is offering $500 gift certificates to FIRST Tech Challenge teams that need financial help to compete this year due to loss of funding. Donations can also be made to the Robot Relief fund to help support teams in need. See the Robot Relief page for details on the program, to donate to the fund, or to apply for funding.
FIRST Lego League Global Innovation Award
The amazing accomplishments of these young innovators was celebrated at the Global Innovation Award show on June 27. What a great way to share what FIRST is all about with potential students, schools, sponsors, or volunteers interested in getting involved! Congrats also to team Fidgety Pokemon from Arizona on being a finalist for the Global Innovation Award! Check it out here!
