This presentation gives information on the importance of STEM education and how to increase engagement through robotics competitions.

1. The Lived Experiences of Students
with Disabilities who Participate
in Robotics Competitions
Karin Fisher, M.A.
Doctoral Student
University of Central Florida

2. Agenda
• STEM
• Autism
• FIRST Robotics

3. Objective
• Encourage teachers to utilize STEM
programs like FIRST robotics to engage
and excite all students

4. STEM
• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Math

5. STEM
• STEM is important, because it pervades
every aspect of our lives.
Image fromUniversetoday.com

6. Image from ed.gov

8. Where are our students now?

9. Image from NYTimes.com

12. What are we
going to do?

13. FIRST
• For
• Inspiration and
• Recognition of
• Science and
• Technology

14. Engage!

15. Junior FIRST® LEGO® League
INTRODUCES 6 TO 9 YEAR-OLDS to
the fun of science and technology
Photo by usfirst.org

16. FIRST Lego League
APPLY math and science concepts to
research, design, build and program
autonomous robots for grades 4-8

17. FIRST Tech Challenge
FTC is a widely accessible, hands-on high
school robotics program

18. FIRST Robotics Competition
✔Varsity Sport for the Mind™
✔Big Robot

19. Students with Disabilities
• Students with Autism Competing

21. Click on the Program of your choice

22. Menu on the right side

23. Click on Starting a team

24. Follow the directions 

25. Conclusion
• America needs to graduate more STEM
majors to keep up with demand
• FIRST robotics programs excite and
engage all students
• Students with disabilities can be
successful in STEM though FIRST
Robotics.

26. Promotional Videos
• http://youtu.be/i1QyM9WTF18
• http://youtu.be/vYuOKb3gO7E

27. Promotional Video