To address the nationwide shortage of science and engineering professionals, the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering at UNLV is developing creative approaches to connect with high school students and prove to them that careers in engineering can be both rewarding and within their reach.
From March 27-29, the college will play host to more than 1,200 high school students on 43 teams from Southern Nevada and across the nation for the fourth annual FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition, Las Vegas Regional. Held at UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center, FIRST combines elements of sport with science and technology in a high-energy, team-driven contest that has inspired thousands of high school students to pursue careers in science and engineering.
"High school students are developing professional engineering skills through FIRST by learning to think critically and adapt to pressure situations on a moment's notice - skills that just can't be replicated in a typical classroom setting," said Eric Sandgren, dean of UNLV's College of Engineering. "The competition is not only providing students the knowledge and motivation to pursue science and engineering careers; it's also giving them the confidence needed to succeed."
FIRST challenges students, with the help of UNLV and engineering industry mentors, to design and build unique robots from an identical kit of parts to participate in the two-day event. In addition to building their bots, the students engage in computer animation, web site design and various marketing and fundraising activities.
Recent studies suggest that FIRST is much more than just a spirited competition. According to a study conducted by Brandeis University:
o Nearly 90 percent of FIRST alumni attend college, much higher than the 65 percent national average of high school graduates
o More than 40 percent of FIRST alumni report to have selected engineering as their major in college--seven times the national average among college students
Nationally, FIRST engages nearly 40,000 students in 41 regional competitions for a chance to compete in the FIRST Championship in Atlanta. When UNLV was initially awarded a FIRST regional in 2005, only three local high school teams competed. Now in its fourth year, 14 Clark County School District high schools will be represented in the competition. Among the participating teams is 2007 national champion Cimarron-Memorial High School of Las Vegas.
The theme of this year's event is "Overdrive," during which robots race around a 54' by 27' track knocking down giant inflated Trackballs and moving them around the track and over or under a 6'6" overpass. Extra points are scored by robots re-positioning the Trackballs back on the overpass before the end of each 2 minute and 15 second match.
The FIRST Robotics Las Vegas Regional is free and open to the public. More information on FIRST, including a complete schedule of this year's event, can be found online at www.usfirst.org.
