FIRST Robotics BC is honoured to partner with the Vancouver Aquarium this year to host a number of exciting events to tie into the FIRST Dive season theme. Recently in October, we hosted a FIRST LEGO League Challenge event at VAQ, where we offered a hands-on experience with LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robots and the SUBMERGED Field Set for aquarium attendees. The event was designed to spark curiosity and introduce young minds to the world of coding and robotics. The aim of the event was to promote the values of FIRST and create awareness among the youth about the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
The event brought together over 500 attendees passing by and doing hands on programming with robots, performing some cool underwater maneuvers on the competition field. Kids got an engaging, hands-on experience trying out the different underwater conversation related themes on the mat.
The atmosphere at the aquarium was electric as kids and parents explored the interactive exhibits, each carefully crafted to make coding and robotics fun and accessible. Stations were set up throughout the venue, allowing participants to engage directly with technology, learn basic coding skills, and see the magic of robotics in action. It was a perfect blend of learning and play, designed to inspire young learners to think creatively and problem-solve through technology.
The event’s success was largely due to the dedicated efforts of volunteers like Garvit Singh, a regional volunteer coordinator for FIRST BC, who played a crucial role in organizing and executing the event. Reflecting on the day, Garvit shared, “It was an amazing experience to see kids light up with excitement as they tried coding for the first time. Our goal was to make technology approachable and show how fun learning can be. Seeing so many young people engaged and eager to learn was truly rewarding.”
Barish Golland, Garvit’s mentor and the FIRST Senior Mentor for BC, worked alongside him to ensure everything ran smoothly. Barish emphasized the importance of such events in building interest in STEM fields among the younger generation: “At FIRST Robotics, we believe that hands-on learning is the best way to ignite a passion for STEM. This event at the Vancouver Aquarium gave kids a chance to explore new skills in a fun and relaxed environment, and I’m proud of how our team brought that vision to life.”
The event not only provided an educational experience for the children but also offered an opportunity for families to learn about the mission and values of FIRST Robotics. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving, the event highlighted the potential of STEM education to shape future careers. Volunteers and staff engaged with parents to discuss the broader impact of robotics and coding, helping them understand how these skills can open doors for their children’s futures.
Parents expressed their appreciation for the event, noting how it sparked their children’s interest in technology. “My daughter has never been so excited about coding before,” said one parent. “It’s wonderful to see her exploring something new in such a fun way. This event really made a difference.”
FIRST Robotics is committed to continuing this mission, creating opportunities for young people to explore the wonders of STEM. As the Vancouver Aquarium event demonstrated, when children are given the tools and encouragement to learn, they can achieve incredible things. With the support of mentors like Barish and passionate volunteers like Garvit, FIRST Robotics looks forward to hosting more events that inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of innovators.
If you are an FLL Team Member or Coach, and would like to present your Innovation Project to the general public at the Vancouver Aquarium in the next few months, please contact Barish Golland at bgolland@firstinspires.org. Also look out for information on an FLL Scrimmage event at the Aquarium planned for January 5th, 2025!
