Eight-Year Journey with the FIRST Program: How Robots Build Kids

May combine two claims.

Student-driven learning in PBL promotes a culture of independence, curiosity, self-discovery, and active engagement.

“The student-driven learning in PBL also promotes a culture of independence, curiosity, selfdiscovery, and active engagement [27].”

• cites [27] 27. H. D. Leas, K. L. Nelson, N. Grandgenett, W. E. Tapprich, and C. E. Cutucache, "Fostering curiosity, inquiry, and scientific thinking in elementary school students: Impact of the NE STEM 4U intervention," Journal of Youth Development, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 103-120, 2017. sourceSupported

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Reflective inquiry enhances the learning experience beyond the completion of tasks or projects.

“Furthermore, as a core component of PBL, reflective inquiry enhances the learning experience beyond the completion of tasks or projects.”

• cites [27] 27. H. D. Leas, K. L. Nelson, N. Grandgenett, W. E. Tapprich, and C. E. Cutucache, "Fostering curiosity, inquiry, and scientific thinking in elementary school students: Impact of the NE STEM 4U intervention," Journal of Youth Development, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 103-120, 2017. sourcePartly supported

  The discussion of problem-based learning (p. 2) says it engages students in the learning process and aims to improve critical thinking and retention. The student-inquiry examples (p. 9) include drawing conclusions and sharing what was learned. The paper does not specifically establish that reflective inquiry enhances learning beyond completing tasks or projects. (LLM, conf=0.82)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

PBL allows students to develop practical skills through active participation in exploration, inquiry, and problem-solving and fosters critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and practical application of knowledge across different subjects.

“Unlike traditional memorization-based methods, PBL allows students to develop practical skills through active participation in exploration, inquiry, and problem-solving and fosters critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and practical application of knowledge across different subjects [21,23,24].”

• cites [21] 21. A. Markula and M. Aksela, "The key characteristics of project-based learning: how teachers implement projects in K-12 science education," Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 1-17, 2022. sourcePartly supported

  Split into 2 atoms — 1 confirmed, 1 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [23] 23. B. J. Duch, S. E. Groh, and D. E. Allen, The power of problem-based learning: a practical" how to" for teaching undergraduate courses in any discipline. Stylus Publishing, LLC., 2001.Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [24] 24. J. A. Bellanca, 21st century skills: Rethinking how students learn. Solution tree press, 2010.Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Despite the increasing complexity of the robots, as the team accumulates experience and knowledge, the integration of PBL principles throughout the previous four seasons in FTC has expanded significantly.

“Despite the increasing complexity of the robots, as the team accumulates experience and knowledge, the integration of PBL principles throughout the previous four seasons in FTC has expanded significantly.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The team amassed a total of 1,120 hours in practice and training.

“Collectively, the team devoted a significant amount of time to their growth and learning, amassing a total of 1,120 hours in practice and training.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Following the first FTC season in 2019, the team recognized the importance of CAD design in achieving effective and efficient robot development.

“As an illustrative example, following the first FTC season in 2019, the team recognized the importance of CAD design in achieving effective and efficient robot development.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In the 2017-2018 season, the team won the first-place Champions Award at the League.

“In the 2017-2018 season, the team won the first-place Champions Award at the League.”

May combine two claims.

The team acquired technical skills including mechanical mechanisms, attachment design, EV3 programming, and use of ultrasound, touch, and color sensors.

“Technical skills acquired included mechanical mechanisms, attachment design, EV3 programming, and utilization of sensors such as ultrasound, touch, and color sensors.”

May combine two claims.

The team's dedication led to significant improvement, with the team designing their entire robot using CAD by 2022, compared to having none in 2019.

“Their dedication led to significant improvement, with the team designing their entire robot using CAD by 2022, compared to having none in 2019.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The team engaged in 212 hours of outreach activities.

“Additionally, they engaged in 212 hours of outreach activities”

May combine two claims.

Over the 8-year journey, the team's experiences with PBL have led to enhanced skills and student outcomes, as well as robot performance, as evidenced by unique longitudinal measures.

“Over the 8-year journey, the team's experiences with PBL have led to enhanced skills and student outcomes, as well as robot performance, as evidenced by unique longitudinal measures.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Robot performance in FIRST competitions directly reflects the growth of team members' technical skills.
• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Judge room presentations in FIRST competitions directly reflect the growth of both technical skills and soft skills.
• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Team members' self-evaluation, team parents' satisfaction, and impacts of team activities are valid indicators of PBL outcomes.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The team grew from 5 members in the 2015-2016 season to 7 members by the 2018-2019 season.

“The team grew from 5 members in the 2015-2016 season to 7 members by the 2018-2019 season.”

May combine two claims.

The team grew from 7 members in 2019 to 11 by 2023, with ages ranging from 7th to 11th grade.

“The team grew from 7 members in 2019 to 11 by 2023, with their ages ranging from 7th to 11th grade.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

FLL served the team during their younger years from K to 6th grade, while FTC has been instrumental from 7th grade to the current 11th, offering a continuum of learning and skill development opportunities.

“FLL served the team during their younger years from K to 6th grade, while FTC has been instrumental from 7th grade to the current 11th, offering a continuum of learning and skill development opportunities.”

May combine two claims.

The team developed soft skills including teamwork, gracious professionalism, public speaking, and presentation abilities.

“Strong soft skills such as teamwork, gracious professionalism, public speaking, and presentation abilities, were also developed.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In the 2018-2019 season, the team received an invitation to the Arkansas Razorback International Invitational.

“an invitation to the prestigious Arkansas Razorback International Invitational”

May combine two claims.

Each senior member contributed about 3,522 hours to practice and competition, with an additional 780 hours in outreach efforts assisting 10 FIRST teams and engaging thousands of individuals.

“Each senior member contributed about 3,522 hours to practice and competition, with an additional 780 hours in outreach efforts assisting 10 FIRST teams and engaging thousands of individuals.”

May combine two claims.

Through multiple iterations of the PBL process, the team has continuously enhanced both the robot design and personal communication skills year after year.

“Through multiple iterations of the PBL process, the team has continuously enhanced both the robot design and personal communication skills year after year.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Robot performance in FIRST competitions directly reflects the growth of team members' technical skills.
• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Judge room presentations in FIRST competitions directly reflect the growth of both technical skills and soft skills.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

As a direct result of the PBL experience, the team has had 1 Presidential Volunteer Service Award Gold Winner for three consecutive years, 1 Congressional App Challenge Winner, 5 FTC Dean's List Semifinalist, 1 FTC Dean's List Finalist, 1 NJHS member, 1 SNHS member, and 4 NHS members.

“As a direct result of the PBL experience, the team has had 1 Presidential Volunteer Service Award Gold Winner for three consecutive years, 1 Congressional App Challenge Winner, 5 FTC Dean's List Semifinalist, 1 FTC Dean's List Finalist, 1 National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) member, 1 Science National Honor Society (SNHS) member, and 4 National Honor Society (NHS) members.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The team conducted its third annual global podcast event, featuring 15 episodes with 10 mentors, 4 world-class teams, and 40 international teams.

“Additionally, the team conducted its third annual global podcast event, featuring 15 episodes with 10 mentors, 4 world-class teams, and 40 international teams.”

May combine two claims.

In the 2022-2023 season, the team organized robot demonstrations for sponsors, positively impacting 280 engineers and inspiring some to enroll their children in FIRST programs or mentor local teams.

“In the 2022-2023 season, the team organized robot demonstrations for sponsors, positively impacting 280 engineers and inspiring some to enroll their children in FIRST programs or mentor local teams.”

May combine two claims.

The team hosted Minibot summer camps for two consecutive years, educating over 60 children who expressed a desire to return.

“They successfully hosted Minibot summer camps for two consecutive years, educating over 60 children who expressed a desire to return.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

All team members have chosen STEM as their career path.

“All team members have chosen STEM as their career path.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Each season, the team dedicates 142 hours to promoting STEM and robotics education.

“Each season, they dedicate 142 hours to promoting STEM and robotics education.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The team's YouTube channel accumulated 18,000 views.

“The team shares their robot progress, outreach events, and tech-talk podcast series on their YouTube channel, accumulating 18,000 views.”

May combine two claims.

The team initiated and hosted the first local FTC conference, with 8 teams, 29 presenters, and published the conference proceedings.

“They also initiated and hosted the first local FTC conference, with 8 teams, 29 presenters, and published the conference proceedings.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

All PBL activities were documented in engineering notebooks, team event reports, and reflections on each activity.

“All PBL activities were documented in engineering notebooks, team event reports, and reflections on each activity.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Students who gain technical skills in high school are better prepared for both the job market and higher education opportunities.

“It has been reported that students who gain technical skills in high school are better prepared for both the job market and higher education opportunities [15][16][17].”

• cites [15][16][17]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

Innovation in STEM is essential for the prosperity of the US economy and its job sectors.

“Advancement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) serves as the foundation for innovation, a pivotal component for future economic success, and fundamental to core employment sectors in the United States (US) [1,2].”

• Also stated in: § Abstract · plain

  “Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is essential for the prosperity of the US economy and its job sectors.”

• cites [1] 1. National Research Council, Successful K-12 STEM education: Identifying effective approaches in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. National Academies Press, 2011.Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [2] 2. National Economic Council and Office of Science and Technology Policy, "A strategy for american innovation," The White House, December October 2015. [Online]. Available: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED590474.pdfNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The team's performance and robot games were assessed by judges in FIRST competitions.

“The team's performance and robot games were assessed by judges in FIRST competitions.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Quantitative data were analyzed to demonstrate the improved outcomes resulting from the implementation of PBL.

“Quantitative data were analyzed to demonstrate the improved outcomes resulting from the implementation of PBL.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

These robotic competitions focus on K-12 students, forming an international community where participants can build robots with hands-on experiences, develop STEM and soft skills, and have fun.

“These robotic competitions focus on K-12 students, forming an international community where the participants can build robots with hands-on experiences, develop their STEM and soft skills, and most importantly, have fun [10][11][12][13][14].”

• cites [10][11][12][13][14]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Student-driven learning allows students to take on an active role in shaping their educational experiences.

“Student-driven learning allows students to take on an active role in shaping their educational experiences [25].”

• cites [25] 25. J. Thomas, "A review of research on project-based learning," ed: San Rafael, CA: Autodesk, 2000. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

The combination of PBL and hands-on robotic competition empowers a promising direction that can go beyond traditional educational models, making STEM fields accessible and appealing to K-12 students.

“The combination of PBL and hands-on robotic competition empowers a promising direction that can go beyond traditional educational models, making STEM fields accessible and appealing to K-12 students.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: PBL can serve as an effective vehicle to facilitate student-driven knowledge acquisition, skill practice, and reflective inquiry.
• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Diverse themes in annual robotic competitions facilitate project-based learning (PBL) opportunities tailored to children of varying ages.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Longitudinal comparisons of PBL outcomes were performed considering the team members' self-evaluation, satisfactory level of team parents, and impacts of team activities.

“Longitudinal comparisons of PBL outcomes were performed considering the team members' self-evaluation, satisfactory level of team parents, and impacts of team activities.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

This integration of technology, including Lego EV3, Arduino, touch sensors, and a Bluetooth module, marked a unique approach to alleviating homesickness in space.

“This integration of technology, including Lego EV3, Arduino, touch sensors, and a Bluetooth module, marked a unique approach to alleviating homesickness in space.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Team performances were obtained from the FIRST website.

“Team performances were obtained from the FIRST website.”

May combine two claims.

Programming skills showed significant enhancement, leading to improved performance in the automation aspect of competitions.

“Additionally, programming skills showed significant enhancement, leading to improved performance in the automation aspect of competitions.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

These three fundamental principles of PBL make it a promising approach to facilitate participants in robotic competitions for knowledge acquisition, hands-on practice, and reflective inquiry for both STEM and soft skills.

“These three fundamental principles of PBL make it a promising approach to facilitate participants in robotic competitions for knowledge acquisition, hands-on practice, and reflective inquiry for both STEM and soft skills.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: PBL can serve as an effective vehicle to facilitate student-driven knowledge acquisition, skill practice, and reflective inquiry.

May combine two claims.

The PBL structure within FLL and FTC facilitated acquisition of knowledge and skills and inspired a generation of learners to see beyond their immediate environment.

“Reflecting on the impact of these eight years, the PBL structure within FLL and FTC has not only facilitated the acquisition of knowledge and skills but has also inspired a generation of learners to see beyond the confines of their immediate environment.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Factors such as learning from failures, perseverance in competitions year after year, and collaboration among team members despite differences are essential for team success in competitions and for individuals' future career paths.

“Factors such as learning from failures, perseverance in competitions year after year, and collaboration among team members despite differences in personality, background, and schedules are not only essential for team success in competitions but also for individuals' future career paths.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The study had a relatively small sample size.

“Despite our relatively small sample size”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Through challenges and milestones, students built a foundation for lifelong learning and success.

“Through the challenges faced and the milestones achieved, students have not only built robots but have also built a foundation for lifelong learning and success.”

May combine two claims.

The findings supported the concept of a growth mindset, suggesting that accumulating STEM skills from an early age is akin to training an athlete from childhood.

“Additionally, our findings supported the concept of a growth mindset, suggesting that accumulating STEM skills from an early age is akin to training an athlete from childhood.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Implementing long-term, regular PBL at an early stage presents challenges for educators and parents.

“Implementing long-term, regular PBL at an early stage presents challenges for educators and parents alike.”

May combine two claims.

Using PBL principles, FLL and FTC robotics programs enhance technical skills and promote community involvement and global impact.

“Using PBL principles, FLL and FTC robotics programs not only enhance technical skills but also promote community involvement and global impact.”

May combine two claims.

The results confirmed the effectiveness of early exposure to STEM in attracting children to STEM fields, fostering early identity, and improving self-esteem.

“our results confirmed the effectiveness of early exposure to STEM in attracting children to STEM fields, fostering early identity, and improving self-esteem.”

May combine two claims.

Consistent, long-term engagement in robotic competitions plays a crucial role in enriching learning experiences, shaping character, and fostering self-development for children.

“Consistent, long-term engagement in robotic competitions plays a crucial role in enriching learning experiences, shaping character, and fostering self-development for children.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

PBL was instrumental in ensuring each challenge and project was an opportunity for growth, reflection, and real-world application.

“PBL has been instrumental in ensuring that each challenge and project was not just another task but an opportunity for growth, reflection, and real-world application.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Students emerged as young innovators ready to contribute to their communities and the broader world.

“Students have emerged as more than just participants in a robotics program; they are young innovators, ready to contribute to their communities and the broader world.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The PBL approach in this study required extensive resources from professionals, the FIRST community, educators, and parents.

“The PBL approach in this study required extensive resources from professionals, the FIRST community, educators, and parents.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

The experiences and lessons from this journey affirm the vital role of hands-on, project-based learning in education.

“As we look to the future, the experiences and lessons gleaned from this journey affirm the vital role of hands-on, project-based learning in education.”