S91-SU25-WD-NTN-Introduction to FTC

Program Description

Course Details: • Name: Introduction to FTC • Date: July 21, 2025 – July 25, 2025 • Time: Weekdays, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM • Location: Newton Classroom • Grades: G7+ • Prerequisite: None Build and program your own FTC-style robot while learning the core skills behind robotics with this beginner-friendly, week-long FTC Robotics program. Taught by the state record holders, Lazer Robotics, this hands-on course is designed for students in Grade 8 and up with no prior experience. It introduces the fundamentals of robot design, construction, and coding using the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) platform. Participants will work in small teams to build and program a functioning robot, explore engineering concepts, and apply their creativity toward a real-time robotics game, culminating in a fast-paced robot soccer competition on the final day. Throughout the week, students will dive into the core systems that power FTC robots, from chassis and drivetrains to servos and sensors, while learning to program using Java in a simplified FTC development environment. They’ll learn the value of modular design, test mechanical attachments, and troubleshoot challenges as they arise, all while collaborating in a team-focused environment that mirrors real FTC competitions. This program builds a strong foundation in mechanical and software systems, encourages experimentation and iteration, and most importantly, provides a fun and supportive space to discover FTC Robotics through a hands-on course. Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course, students will be able to: • Understand the structure and goals of FTC competitions • Build a basic FTC-style drivetrain and functional robot mechanism • Program robot movement and mechanisms using Java • Collaborate in small teams to solve mechanical and coding challenges • Develop strategic thinking through a game-focused design process • Participate in a friendly robot soccer match using their own robot Daily Agenda Highlights: • Day 1: Intro to FTC, hardware overview, begin building chassis • Day 2: Intro to Java, get robot driving via gamepad • Day 3: Add and code a mechanism (e.g. lift or arm) • Day 4: Expand robot design, plan for game strategy • Day 5: Final robot polish, compete in robot soccer match