About This Program
Be a part of a global community of student inventors, programmers, and engineers. The FIRST Tech Challenge is an international robotics competition for students aged 12 to 18, where the task is to design and build a robot to compete against other teams in a game themed around a current issue.
This year, The STEAM Project will be sponsoring one all-girls robotics team composed of elementary school students (Grade 6 – 8) across Richmond Hill and the GTA. This team will have weekly meetings at our state-of-the-art makerspace where they will have access to tools, tech, assistants, and a practice arena!
Additionally, there will be a team of volunteers of high school students in grades 9 to 12. This is a valuable opportunity for high school students to gain experience in robotics while working alongside younger students!
Our team welcome girls of all skill levels, willing to learn and share their skills. Join us on our build team or pit crew, or as a programmer, driver, speaking representative, or designer.
Benefits of Joining an All-Girls Robotics Team
Outcomes
Girls will gain experience in topics not yet explored in the elementary school curriculum, such as robotics, electronics, programming, marketing, and business. By gaining hands-on experience in these topics, it will help them remember and understand concepts better in high school and in the future!
They will also learn how to use and have access to advanced tools and technology such as 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and woodworking equipment. Teams will get to design their own team logo and develop their team identity, by designing t-shirts and buttons.
In addition to all the skills they will learn, the program will provide networking opportunities with girls across the GTA who are interested in STEAM. Girls will have the opportunity to work with female role models in high schools across Richmond Hill!
Gain Experience in a Variety of Areas!
Use Advanced Technology!
Make Connections With Other Girls in STEAM!
Earn Scholarships!
Pricing
The all-girls robotics team is a paid program for students in Grades 6 – 8.
The cost is $749+HST for the entire season, which includes competition registration fees, robotics & materials kit fees, mentorship, and weekly practice space.
Outcomes
Girls will gain hands-on experience in topics such as robotics, electronics, programming, marketing, and business. By gaining hands-on experience in these topics, it will help them remember and understand concepts better in the future!
They will also learn how to use and have access to advanced tools and technology such as 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and woodworking equipment. Teams will get to design their own team logo and develop their team identity, by designing t-shirts and buttons.
In addition to all the skills they will learn, the program will provide networking opportunities with girls across the GTA who are interested in STEAM. They can make friends with girls from different schools across Richmond Hill with similar interests
This program is the perfect extracurricular activity to set girls apart for future university and scholarship applications, and job opportunities!
Gain Experience in a Variety of Areas!
Use Advanced Technology!
Make Connections With Other Girls in STEAM!
Earn Scholarships!
Pricing
The all-girls robotics team is free for high school students in Grades 9-12.
Girls will be taught how to fundraise to help cover costs of competition registration fees, robotics & materials kit fees, mentorship, and weekly practice space.
Location & Time
The STEAM Project Makerspace
561 Edward Avenue (Unit 1)
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 9W6
The 2023-2024 Challenge
This year’s theme is FIRST® ENERGIZE℠ presented by Qualcomm. The energy theme addresses global challenges related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #7 — focused on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
The full details of the challenge are available on the official First Tech Challenge – Game & Season Information Page.
Season Timeline
Meetings will take place on Thursdays (5-7pm) from October through January
Week 1: Safety, introductions, and game details
Week 2: Game strategy, brainstorming, and prototyping
Week 3: First round of testing
Week 4: Reevaluation and redesign period
Week 5: Second round of testing
Week 6: Improvements and programming
Week 7: Full practice with the robot
Week 8: Final changes and preparing for competition
Week 9: Competition week!
Week 10: Competition review and robot optimization
Week 11: Dean’s list award applications
Week 12: Finished robot
Week 13: Build season wrap-up
FAQ
What will I need for the meetings?
All tools, technology, and software will be available at the Makerspace, so just bring your creativity and curiosity!
For safety reasons, you will also need to wear closed-toe shoes when working in our Makerspace.
What technology do I need?
All of the necessary software and tools will be provided to the students.
