FIRST Robotics Programs and Educational Robotics Platforms
FIRST Chesapeake STEM programs are driven by dedicated mentors who support students in becoming the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. Geared Up is our imitative to support our mentors needs wherever they are, providing an unparalleled opportunity for new mentors to enter the exciting world of FIRST with confidence and support.
FIRST Robotics Competition and Game Pieces
Sourcing game pieces for FIRST Robotics Competition is always a challenge. Each season, a prediction is made on how many game pieces will be needed for fields, kits, and team sales. Last season, FIRST ® Robotics Competition began allowing teams to pre-order select game pieces to address availability issues from previous seasons. We surveyed teams and ~61% of teams indicated that having the pre-order option was beneficial to teams.
For the 2026 season, pre-orders will help to forecast demand and allow additional orders to be placed if sales are higher than expected. It is important to note that REBUILT has one type of game piece and robots will be allowed to hold multiple game pieces during the match. All teams will receive game pieces in the Kickoff Kit Season Specific Box, and pre-orders will be prioritized and begin shipping January 12th in the order they were received.
Educational Platforms: LEGO SPIKE Essential and SPIKE Prime
In 2020, LEGO introduced the SPIKE Prime kit as the next-generation successor to LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3, boasting upgraded hardware, a more robust processor, and an improved programming environment designed for enhanced user-friendliness and intuitiveness. Following this, in 2021, LEGO launched SPIKE Prime Essential, specifically tailored for elementary-level students, incorporating age-appropriate components like mini-figures and mini-figure props within the kit.
Comparison of Robotics Platforms
Ultimately, your decision should align with your teaching goals and the specific needs of your students. Both platforms offer valuable learning experiences, and you can adapt your choice based on your students' age and readiness for more advanced concepts.
| Platform | Target Audience | Competition Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| LEGO SPIKE Essential | Younger students, early to upper elementary (ages 6-10) | First LEGO League Explore |
| LEGO SPIKE Prime | Upper elementary to middle school (ages 10+) | First LEGO League Challenge and World Robot Olympiad |
Mentor Support and Development
Join our 2026 cohort, a comprehensive program tailored for educators and professionals new to FRC, providing hands-on training, real-world experience, and personalized mentorship in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Cohort members will lead rookie FRC teams through a pre-season journey and their first competitive season, gaining the tools and knowledge to build thriving, sustainable teams. Attend virtual professional development session to jump start your first official season as an FRC Coach where everything from Fundamentals of FIRST to Team Sustainability will be covered.
Technical mastery workshops will cover robot design, control systems, programming, and troubleshooting. Additionally, you can access a broader network of over 500 veteran coaches who are eager to see you succeed. The cohort is valued at $5,000 for 2 mentors to join and includes all of the resources to field and compete one FIRST Tech Challenge Team for at least 2 years.
