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STEM BRIDGE CENTER
FIRST® Tech Challenge | Design, Build, Program, Compete
Ages 9-16 | Grades 4-8
Team-Based · Engineering Design · Programming · Real Competitions
What Your Child Gains from FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC)
By participating in the full FTC program, students will:
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Develop advanced STEM skills by designing, building, and programming classroom-scale robots to solve complex, real-world challenges.
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Build and program autonomous and driver-controlled robots, applying coding, sensors, and strategy in dynamic two-on-two matches.
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Apply the engineering design process through research, prototyping, testing, and iteration.
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Grow as team members and leaders by collaborating, planning, and making decisions under real competition conditions.
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Build resilience, responsibility, and confidence through hands-on problem-solving, iteration, and competitive play.
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Learn and practice FIRST Core Values: Discovery · Innovation · Impact · Inclusion · Teamwork · Fun
Most importantly, students learn how to think critically, code purposefully, work as part of a team, and rise to challenges - skills that prepare them for success in high school, college, and future STEM careers.
FIRST® Tech Challenge Learning Path
FTC Robotics Foundations
Intro Camp
FTC Robotics Foundations
Core Program
FTC Robotics Advanced
Invention Program
Unit 1: Life Hacks
Data & Programming | 6 Lessons
In Life Hacks, students step into the role of young programmers and problem solvers. They learn how to:
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Create and use variables and lists to represent real data
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Perform basic math operations to make programs meaningful
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Use cloud data reliably and responsibly
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Combine hardware and software to collect and share information
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Improve programs by testing and refining solutions
Through hands-on coding and guided experimentation, students learn that programs don’t have to be perfect the first time — improvement comes through iteration and curiosity.
What parents will notice:
✔️ Clearer logical thinking
✔️ Growing confidence with coding concepts
✔️ Pride in building programs that “actually work”
Unit 1 | Session 1: Saturdays, 10:00–11:30 AM | Jan 10 – Mar 21, 2026
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Unit 2: Kickstart a Business
Problem-Solving & Coding | 7 Lessons
n Kickstart a Business, students think like innovators and system thinkers. They learn how to:
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Break complex problems into smaller, manageable steps
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Plan solutions using pseudocode before jumping into coding
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Recognize patterns by learning from existing code
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Debug programs methodically and confidently
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Use conditions to make smart, responsive decisions in code
By designing solutions with real constraints, students learn that problem-solving is a process — not a guess.
What parents will notice:
✔️ More organized thinking
✔️ Greater patience when facing challenges
✔️ Increased independence in solving problems
Unit 2 | Session 1: Saturdays, 1:00–2:30 PM | Jan 10 – Mar 21, 2026
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Unit 3: Invention Squad
Engineering Design| 7 Lessons
In Invention Squad, students become engineers and designers. They learn how to:
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Define problems and success criteria clearly
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Build multiple prototypes and compare solutions
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Test designs systematically and collect data
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Analyze results to improve performance
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Explain why their solution works best
Through hands-on design and reflection, students learn to trust evidence, not just opinions.
What parents will notice:
✔️ Stronger critical thinking
✔️ Confidence in explaining ideas
✔️ A mature approach to feedback and improvement
Unit 3 | Session 1: Saturdays, 2:30–4:00 PM | Jan 10 – Mar 21, 2026
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Unit 4: Competition Ready
Robotics & Teamwork | 8 Lessons
In Competition Ready, students step into the world of robotics teams and competitions. They learn how to:
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Build and program autonomous robots using sensors
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Test and refine code through repeated trials
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Apply the engineering design process to real missions
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Collaborate effectively under time and performance constraints
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Practice teamwork, responsibility, and perseverance
Working toward shared goals, students experience what it means to contribute to a team — and celebrate progress together.
What parents will notice:
✔️ Strong teamwork and communication
✔️ Improved focus and resilience
✔️ Excitement about real-world challenges
Unit 4 | Session 1: Saturdays, 4:00–5:30 PM | Jan 10 – Mar 21, 2026
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Unit 5: Training Trackers
Data Analysis & Science | 6 Lessons
In Training Trackers, students act as young scientists and data analysts. They learn how to:
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Collect and interpret data related to motion and energy
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Create graphs and models to explain scientific relationships
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Explore statistics and probability to answer questions
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Understand measurement error and data limitations
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Improve accuracy through better tools and repeated trials
By working with real data, students learn that science is about curiosity, evidence, and thoughtful analysis.
What parents will notice:
✔️ Improved data literacy
✔️ Stronger analytical thinking
✔️ Confidence using math to explain the world
Unit 5 | Session 1: Saturdays, 4:00–5:30 PM | Jan 10 – Mar 21, 2026
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🌈 Learning Through FIRST Core Values 🌈
Students grow through Discovery, Innovation, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Fun, building not only skills—but character, confidence, and joy in learning.