FIRST
Robotics
Building Pioneers, One Robot at a Time
🔍 Program Overview
At Clare Public Schools, FIRST Robotics is more than building robots—it's about building leaders, critical thinkers, and creative problem-solvers. Through a full K–12 pathway, students begin as curious explorers and grow into world-class innovators.
As part of our Pioneer Fusion STEM initiative, Clare proudly supports a complete progression through four FIRST Robotics levels. Each level builds age-appropriate STEM skills while preparing students to collaborate, compete, and lead.
FLL Explore
Grades K–2
Discover | Create | Share
Teams:
- Clare Hummingbirds
- Clare Nuclearactive Batman
Coach
Mrs. Amber Hull
Our youngest Pioneers begin their STEM journey by exploring real-world topics with LEGO® kits and imaginative play. Teams build simple moving models and present what they've learned at low-pressure festivals designed to build confidence and curiosity.
Skills:
- Creativity
- Teamwork
- Presentation
🎥 What is FLL?
🔍 Season Teaser
🚀 Season Reveal
Team Application
📝 View Team ApplicationFIRST Parent Portal
- Login
- Parent/Guardian Section
- Youth Options
- Sign Consent
- Join Team
- Create Parent Account
- Create Youth Account
- Youth Options
- Sign Consent
- Join Team
FLL Challenge
Grades 3–5
Design | Program | Present
Teams:
- Clare X-Treme Builders
- Clare ???
Coach
Ms. Amy Sklenar
In FLL Challenge, students use LEGO® Spike Prime kits to design and program robots that solve missions on a themed game field. They also research a real-world problem and present a creative solution as part of the innovation project.
Skills:
- Mechanical design
- Teamwork
- Programming
🎥 What is FLL?
🔍 Season Teaser
🚀 Season Reveal
Team Application
📝 View Team ApplicationFIRST Parent Portal
- Login
- Parent/Guardian Section
- Youth Options
- Sign Consent
- Join Team
- Create Parent Account
- Create Youth Account
- Youth Options
- Sign Consent
- Join Team
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)
Grades 6–8
Engineer | Compete | Document
Teams:
- Clare Shockwave
Coach
Ms. Beth Mujtaba
FTC introduces middle school students to real-world engineering with custom metal-frame robots, advanced sensors, and game strategy. Teams use a controller-based system to build robots that compete in alliances on a field-based game.
Skills:
- Building
- Driving
- Problem solving
🎥 What is FIRST?
🔍 Season Teaser
🚀 Season Reveal
Team Application
📝 View Team ApplicationFIRST Parent Portal
- Login
- Parent/Guardian Section
- Youth Options
- Sign Consent
- Join Team
- Create Parent Account
- Create Youth Account
- Youth Options
- Sign Consent
- Join Team
Students maintain a comprehensive Engineering Notebook to document their design process and compete for judged awards
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
Grades 9–12
Innovate | Lead | Inspire
Teams:
- Clare Chaos Theory – Team 7109
Coaches
Nick Winter & James Winkler
FRC is the flagship robotics program at Clare High School. Teams have six weeks to build a 125-pound robot to meet that year's game challenge. From mechanical design to electrical wiring, media to fundraising, FRC teams mirror real-world companies in motion.
Roles:
- Engineering
- CAD
- Electronics
- Project management
- Scouting
- Marketing
🎥 What is FIRST?
🔍 Season Teaser
🚀 Season Reveal
Team Application
📝 View Team ApplicationFIRST Parent Portal
- Login
- Parent/Guardian Section
- Youth Options
- Sign Consent
- Join Team
- Create Parent Account
- Create Youth Account
- Youth Options
- Sign Consent
- Join Team
Students compete in high-energy matches and are eligible for technical and team-based awards
🏅 Why Join FIRST at Clare?
📝 Get Involved
There's a FIRST Robotics team waiting for you—whether you're just starting school or preparing for graduation.
We also welcome volunteers who want to assist at any level—whether you're a parent, community member, or professional with STEM experience. Please inquire about volunteer opportunities!
Teams form in the fall. Space is limited—don't wait to join!
📬 Contact Information
For more information about Clare's FIRST Robotics programs, reach out to:
🤝 Thank You to Our Sponsors
Our FIRST Robotics programs are made possible through the generous support of our community partners and sponsors.
Interested in sponsoring Clare Robotics? Contact us to learn more about partnership opportunities!
Current FIRST Robotics Members
Access member resources, team history, and competition archives