Also, check out the "Six STEM Posts" newsletter where I share 6 updates from science, engineering and math each week. I scroll so you don't have to.
Sign-up and read all previous issues at Six STEM Tweets
FIRST Robotics is one of the leading youth robotics communities in the world with programs for kids in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Judges and Referees are key volunteers at these events and official FLL-C Qualifiers. Judges evaluate teams on their progress through the season how they have used the Engineering Design process to come up with a solution for a real-world problem and designed robot to solve problems on a thematic playing field.
Referees oversee the Robot Game and evaluate a teams robot performance based on successfully meeting certain requirements.
Both roles are essential and volunteers are needed for both roles. No experience with robotics or engineering is nessecary though. Training is provided for these key roles and experienced volunteers will be on hand to for guidance and reassurance. All you need is few free hours on a Saturday and a passion for working and inspiring our youth.
Each event will need a minimum of 8 judges and 4 referees. Below are registration links for events, or you can login to your FIRSTinspires.org account and search for the events.
| FIRST Tech Challenge League Tournament - North F&T League | |
|---|---|
| When | 01/31/2026 |
| Where | Robinson Middle School 6701 Preston Meadow Dr, Plano, TX 75024 Plano, TX |
| Details | FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a global robotics competition
for middle and high school students (grades 7-12) where teams design,
build, program, and operate robots to compete in themed challenges,
fostering STEM skills, teamwork, innovation, and community outreach
through a sports-like model with alliances and awards. Teams use a
reusable kit, program with Java, and develop strategic skills while
learning about engineering, marketing, and fundraising.
This is a league tournament for teams in Plano and surrounding areas. There are many roles that do not require any prior robotics experience. Sign-up details: https://my.firstinspires.org/Volunteers/Wizard/Search/2?EventId=77804 Volunteers will need to create an account on the FIRST website. |
FIRST Robotics Competition (grades 9-12) gives teams of 10 or more high school students and their adult mentors the opportunity to work and create together to solve a common problem.
Challenged to design and build a robot using a standard "kit of parts" and within a common set of rules to play a sophisticated field game brings out the best in students and adults alike. The robot "game" changes every season and is always exciting.
(Source: https://firstintexas.org/first-robotics-competition)| When | March 19 - 21, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Where | Nolan Catholic High School - 4501 Bridge Street, Fort Worth, TX 76103 |
| Details | Coming soon... |
| When | March 27 - 29 2026 |
|---|---|
| Where | Farmersville Arena - 499 South State Highway 78, Farmersville, TX 75442 |
| Details | Coming soon... |
| When | Jan 17 - 18, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Where | Irving Convention Center |
| Details |
The Robot Rodeo DFW Signature Event is a brand new Signature Event and the first to be held in DFW (following the exit of the VEX Worlds Championship from Dallas). The team behind the local event For the Love of Bots is excited to bring this elevated level of competition to the DFW area. We have 92 teams coming from 9 states, with about half of those being from the DFW area, many of which have never attended a Signature Event before. More information may be found at
RobotRodeoTX.com
or on our robotevents.com page.
It takes many volunteers to make an event like this happen, and we need everything from Judges and Scorekeepers to Practice Field Monitors. Please fill out the volunteer information form at https://forms.gle/1rxZEKDyvAXhVh1r9 and our team will match you to a volunteer role.
More information about Vex V5 Robotics Competition
The VEX V5 Robotics Competition, presented by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, is the largest and fastest growing middle school and high school robotics program globally with more than 20,000 teams from 50 countries playing in over 1,700 competitions worldwide. Each year, an exciting engineering challenge is presented in the form of a game. Students, with guidance from their teachers and mentors, build innovative robots and compete year-round. |
| When | Sat, Nov 1 20225 - 9:00am - 5:00pm |
|---|---|
| Where | Lovejoy High School, 2350 Estates Pkwy, Lucas, Texas 75002 |
| Details |
FTLOB is a Vex VRC Tournament for high school teams hosted once or twice annually by the Lovejoy High School Robotics program and its Booster Club. Our next event will take place on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
Details about the tournaments we host and information about registering may be found on robotevents.com, or email us at boosterclub@lovejoyrobotics.com. It takes many volunteers to run these events, and we need your help! If you're interested in volunteering, click here (SignUp genius form) or please email boosterclub@lovejoyrobotics.com . |
| When | Nov 7 - Dec 10 |
|---|---|
| Where | Anywhere you want - your couch, library, anywhere! |
| Details |
We are excited to invite you to be part of the 2025 BEST Robotics Competition as an Engineering Notebook Judge.
BEST Robotics exists to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math and to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers through hands-on, project based robotics competitions. Each year, middle and high school students design and build robots to tackle real world engineering challenges. Along the way, they document their process from brainstorming and design to testing and reflection in an Engineering Notebook. That is where you come in. Notebook Judges are more than scorekeepers. They are mentors, professionals, and role models who help students understand that the engineering process matters just as much as the robot itself. Your feedback teaches students how to think critically, communicate like engineers, and continuously improve. For many participants, your comments are the most valuable part of their entire competition experience. As a Notebook Judge, you will review student notebooks submitted as PDFs, score them using a straightforward rubric, and provide encouraging, constructive feedback. Judging can be done entirely online, on your own schedule, typically taking about 30 to 45 minutes per notebook. Most volunteers review 3 to 6 notebooks, but any amount of help is appreciated. Notebook judging will take place November 7 through December 10, 2025, and all materials including a one page judging guide and the official 2025 scoring sheet will be provided before judging begins. No prior robotics experience is required. If you are ready to inspire the next generation of engineers, please reach out to the Executive Director Johannes Starks to get started at Johannes.Starks@bestinc.org. Thank you for helping make BEST Robotics a transformative experience for students. Your time and expertise make a lasting difference. |