Robotics
First Tech Challenge (FTC)
Be Part Of Something Awesome!!!!
First Tech Challenge (FTC) empowers students to apply STEM concepts in real-world situations and inspires tomorrow’s innovators and entrepreneurs. Participants develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles while they deep dive into robotic design and construction, CAD modeling, coding, 3d printing, CNC fabrication, laser cutting, graphics design, technical writing, and more. Participants custom design and build innovative robots powered by Android technology and programmed using Java. There are over 180 competitive FTC teams in the state of Iowa with upwards of 10,000 teams globally.
Team Manufactured Chaos meets at the Forest City Y and competes regionally with the goal of reaching state and national level competitions. We have tons of fun but take our season seriously so we can compete at a high level. Hard work, innovation, and teamwork are of upmost importance. This being said, there is no experience necessary. You just need curiosity, work ethic, willingness to learn, and ability to work well with others! Participants must be grades 8-12 and 12-18 years old.
Team practices will officially start in early September. Our practice schedule is dependent upon the availability of the team members and the work that needs to be done but is typically Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5:30pm and Sunday afternoons either 3:30-5:30 or 5:00-7:00pm. The team will evaluate schedules to make practices times work as best as possible for everyone.
Competitions will begin in October and will involve travel to various communities around North Iowa. Typical travel time is 60-90 minutes with tournaments held on Saturdays. We try to attend 5 regular season meets, our league qualifier…and hopefully the FTC State Championships.
Regional and state championships will be held in late February and early March. A full schedule of events will be available in late September.
Learn more about First Inspires and First Tech Challenge here: https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/ftc
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
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2025-2026 | 5/12/25 | 10/15/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 75.00 | $ 75.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | ||
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09/06/25 - 03/14/26
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Register Closes 09/20/2025 |
Lego Explorer (Ages 6-9)
Come build and learn!
Participants will gain experience in robotics by building with Legos and using sensors and motors to make things happen!
You won’t want to miss this fun and educational program designed to encourage budding interests in all things robotic!
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
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5/12/25 | 6/1/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 25.00 | $ 35.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | ||
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06/02/25 - 06/20/25
Mo,We,Fr - 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
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Register Closes 06/01/2025 |
Mayhem Robotics
Mayhem Robotics will provide a hands-on, competitive robotics experience that simulates real-world robotics competitions—without the need for travel. Students will explore the fundamentals of engineering, programming, and robot driving through guided challenges and team collaboration.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
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5/12/25 | 5/30/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 30.00 | $ 40.00 |