Minnetonka Community Education

Grades 7-8

What is FIRST Tech Challenge?

Collaborate with your peers to build and program a robot that competes on a 12’ by 12’ field. Each year the challenge is designed to encourage you to think critically and expand your knowledge of the engineering process.

FIRST® Tech Challenge in MN (MN FTC) is part of an international robotics program that includes more than 3,000 teams globally. 

What a team does.....
The FTC challenge is released at the beginning of September and qualifying events will occur from November through January. Teams will typically meet two to three times per week, designing, building and programming their robot. Teams do not have a restrictive build season.

Another aspect of FTC is the engineering notebook; a tool for teams to document their robot design iterations, programming changes, community outreach, team brainstorming sessions, and team meetings.

Teams also participate in community outreach and connect with their engineering community. Outreach occurs in many ways, from starting other FIRST teams to demoing at the local library to volunteering in a school to demoing at a local company and an infinite number of other possibilities.

This team-based, hands-on, competitive robotics program provides challenging and exciting learning opportunities for young people. It develops teamwork and leadership skills and promotes excitement in science and technology. Visit the FIRST website for more program details.

Minnetonka FTC:

• Team meeting dates and times will be set according to the coaches' and participants' schedules once teams are formed.
• All required materials (Tetrix FTC set, control & communication set, electronic modules and sensors set, game elements) and tournament registrations are included in the course fee.
• Each participant will receive a FIRST Tech Challenge t-shirt.

Minnetonka FTC Season Outline:

Challenge Released & Kickoff: Date tbd - Typically early September at the U of M (more information can be found here)

Registration Deadline: Friday, September 6th

Minnetonka Teams Released: Tuesday, September 10th

FTC Regional Tournaments: November - January (Exact dates will be released soon)  

FLL State Tournament: February (Exact date will be released soon) 

Parents: We need volunteer coaches. Please indicate your desire to coach on the registration form. We will provide you with all the materials you need, training, resources and support.