By Kaitlin Andorfer

Over 1,000 students from 40 high schools around the nation competed in the Long Island FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Regional Competition at the University arena on March 18 and 19.

The game for this year’s competition, “Triple Play,” challenged students to make robots pick up tetras or triangular shaped plastic pieces and place them on goals forming a tic-tac-toe board.

The students had six weeks to work with a professional mentor to design a robot that solves a problem using a kit of parts and a standard set of rules. The competition measured the 130-pound robot’s effectiveness, power of collaboration and students’ determination.

Students competed to earn a spot at the championships in Atlanta, GA. The competition was sponsored by the School-Business Partnerships of Long Island (SBPLI) and provided an opportunity for students to compete for honors and recognition among other schools, businesses and communities.

FIRST was founded by inventor Dean Kamen, who introduced the Segway Human Transporter in 2002. He created FIRST with the goal of inspiring an appreciation of science and technology in young people, their schools and communities. In its 17th year, the FIRST Robotics Competition will expand to reach over 25,000 students representing teams from all over the United States.

“The FIRST Robotics Competition is not just about the design and building of sophisticated robots. These students also develop maturity, professionalism, teamwork and mentoring skills that enrich their lives,” Fred Breithut, president of SBPLI and sponsor of the competition, said.

“Many of our students develop an affinity for their science and math courses, go on to study engineering, technology or science in college and also pursue employment opportunities with sponsoring companies,” Breithut said.

“I love this competition. I’m going on to major in engineering at Oswego State University next year,” said Andrew Popeil, a senior at Plainview Old Bethpage High School, whose team made it to nationals last year. “You don’t learn anything by reading an instruction manual, you learn from hands on experience like this competition.”

FIRST has had a positive influence on students and academic communities, according to a study. Surveys conducted by the Center for Essential Management Services found participating students’ attitudes about science, teamwork and math significantly improve after taking part in the program.

This year, participating FIRST students are also eligible to apply for over $1.75 million in scholarships from colleges, universities and companies that will be announced at the FIRST championship in April.