FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) ROBOTICS
This is a playful introductory STEM program that instigates natural curiosity and builds habits of learning. The program helps children to gain more confidence, get better equipped to face the challenges of the future while they enjoy learning. The program builds a bridge between the real world, STEM skills, language and literacy. The children work in teams and use LEGO parts to build solutions to the challenges given while celebrating discovery and teamwork. GTCF implemented foremost FLL Discovery program in Africa in 2019.
The FLL Explore is focused on building an interest in science and engineering in children aged between six and ten (ages 6-10). This is a hands-on program designed to capture young children’s inherent curiosity and direct it toward discovering the possibilities of improving the world around them. The program features a real-world challenge, to be solved by research, critical thinking and imagination. Guided by adult coaches and the FLL Core Values, students work with LEGO elements and moving parts to build ideas and concepts and present them for review.
The FLL focuses on developing children aged between 9 (nine) and 16 (sixteen), to be innovators who also practice imaginative thinking and teamwork. The FLL teams, guided by an adult coach above eighteen years of age, research a real-world problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc., and develop a solution. They also must design, build, program a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS, then compete on a table-top playing field. It all adds up to tons of fun while they learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and math concepts (STEM), plus a big dose of imagination, to solve a problem. Along their journey, they develop critical thinking and team-building skills, basic STEM applications, and even presentation skills, as they must present their solutions with a dash of creativity to judges. They also practice the Program’s Core Values, which emphasize discovery, teamwork and good sportsmanship.
Problem-Solving, Creativity and Communication
Explore aims to cultivate children's interest in STEM fields and develop critical thinking skills and teamwork skills
Provides an immersive and challenging learning experience that combines robotics, project research and teamwork
The program challenges learners to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. The learners develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles (like keeping an engineering notebook), while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and sharing ideas. The teams use a variety of programming languages, including Java.GTCF supports efforts to set up FTC teams and host provincial to national competitions.
3D printing enables additive manufacturing which involves the construction of a three-dimensional object from a CAD model or a digital 3D model. Additive Manufacturing (AM) reduces energy consumption and enables more environmentally friendly practices. It can be applied to various fields including construction, prosthetic limbs, dentistry, beauty, ornaments, arts, auto-body parts, drones and robotics products generally.
FIRST ROBOTICS IN SOUTH AFRICA
organized and hosted the inaugural Limpopo FLL Competition at the University of Limpopo on 20 August 2022 (25 x teams took part)
GTCF hosted the 2nd Limpopo FIRST LEGO LEAGUE (FLL) Challenge competition at MASTEC - Seshego, on 22 April 2023 under the theme "SuperPowered" (32 x teams participated)
