Ontario government backs FIRST Robotics competition

More Ontario schools will put their technology skills to the test through the expansion of the FIRST Robotics Canada competition across the province.

Ontario is helping FIRST Robotics Canada offer its competition to all school boards by fall 2010.  

The competition is designed to increase student interest in science and technology careers through team challenges based on design, manufacturing, programming and testing. 

Students who participate in FIRST Robotics competitions are more likely to attend postsecondary education, pursue a career in science, technology or engineering, and volunteer in their community according to a study by Brandeis University in Boston. Through the competition, students also develop their problem-solving, leadership and teamwork skills.

The winners of the two recent Ontario regional competitions — 10 teams in total — will be heading to Atlanta, Georgia, for the Robotics World Championships on April 15 to 17, 2010, where they will face 340 teams from around the world.