Middle School Robotics at McKinley features two programs, one in the fall and one in the spring. Both programs are grounded in the principles and values of the parent organization FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). For more about this amazing organization, visit their website, www.firstinspires.org, or view this introductory video.

The Fall Robotics team, team name The Resistance, is part of the FIRST Lego League (FLL) Challenge program and competes against other FLL Challenge teams in state, national, and international tournaments. It meets twice weekly in Room 080 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:15pm to 4:30pm. The FLL Challenge program is comprised of four components:

• Demonstrating FIRST Core Values (Teamwork, Inclusion, Impact, Fun, Discovery, Innovation)
• Competing in a Robot Game comprised of three 2.5-minute matches involving completing robot missions
• Presenting a short explanation of the team's Robot Design
• Research, prepare, and present an Innovation Project

For more information about FLL Challenge, visit the Challenge Overview.

The Spring Robotics program will be comprised of the first two elements - FIRST Core Values, and Robot Game - but will not include the Robot Design or Innovation Project aspects of the program, nor will there be any competition with other teams outside of McKinely. Instead, Spring Robotics participants will be divided into two teams and compete against each other. This program will be less rigorous and less demanding of students' time who are involved in other extracurriculars. 

A full break down of the differences between fall and spring robotics programs is detailed in the document posted below.