McMaster University will be hosting a FIRST Robotics Canada Ontario District Competition, one of Canada’s premier science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competitions for high school-aged students, from March 28 to March 30, 2025.
Teams will compete using their STEM and collaboration skills to explore life beneath the surface of the ocean. In this REEFSCAPE challenge, teams will uncover the potential in each of us to strengthen our community and innovate for a better world with healthy oceans.
The district competition is one of several in a series of successive events FIRST Robotics runs in Ontario. Teams must compete in at least two district events where they accumulate points, working toward competing at the Provincial Championship and possibly representing Ontario in a FIRST World Championship Event in Houston, Texas.
Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.
- Mac Eng faculty, staff and alumni should register below.
- All other guests may attend without registration.
- Are you a Mac student interested in volunteering? SIGN UP HAS NOW CLOSED – THANK YOU!
For more information regarding parking, schedules, activities, etc. please explore our First Robotics at McMaster site.
Mac Eng faculty, staff and alumni are invited to FIRST at Mac with family and friends on Saturday, March 29 or Sunday, March 30….or both! You are welcome to come and go throughout the day as it makes sense to you.
Faculty, staff and alumni will have access to a refresh station area “VIP cafe” to grab a coffee/tea or treat throughout the day while visiting. If you plan on attending, we would appreciate your RSVP to plan our “VIP cafe” order numbers accordingly.
Additionally, should you choose to visit on Saturday, March 29, we have a special Fireball Family event taking place, prepared by Mac Eng Alumni and Community Outreach – separate registration in next section.
Fireball Family Event: FIRST Robotics Edition – Saturday, March 29
Registration for Mac Eng faculty, staff and alumni.
Mark your calendars for our first Fireball Family event x FIRST Robotics!
Bring the kids in your life to experience robotics up close with a session by our Community Outreach team catered to kids ages 5-10 and then head over to the FIRST Robotics matches to experience high school robotics teams in Ontario going head-to-head in fast-paced challenges.
Expect learning opportunities, excitement, community fun and lots of cheering for your favourite team.
Saturday, March 29
- 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. – STEM activity featuring ozobots with Mac Eng Community Outreach. Kids will be given a large piece of paper to design a city for the ozobot to travel through. During the design period, students will think critically about how technology can be used to develop sustainable cities.
- 11 a.m. – FIRST Robotics opening ceremony
- 11:30 a.m. – onwards – FIRST Robotics matches (stay for as long as you like!) The action continues on Sunday, March 30 if you’d like to return to watch more of the competition.
Update as of March 7 – We have received an overwhelming response to our volunteer sign up – THANK YOU! The form has closed early.
We are looking for students to volunteer some time throughout the competition weekend with roles including set up and tear down, wayfinding, and guest services responsibilities.
You will receive a special edition Robots at McMaster t-shirt, a meal with each shift block, and the opportunity to check out what Robots at Mac are all about!
Please sign-up by noon on Friday, March 14th if you are interested.
Additional Information
- Any McMaster students from any faculties are welcome to volunteer
- Volunteer roles may include:
- Event set up and tear down – roles may include but are not limited to arranging and or putting away tables and chairs, setting up signage across the event space, transporting items across campus (wagons will be provided), etc.
- Wayfinding support – assisting attendees by providing direction, answering questions about venue layout, and guiding them to parking or desired event locations. This role may be both indoors and outdoors.
- Guest services – the first point of contact for visitors entering the event space to provide a warm welcome and assist with any questions or concerns they may have.
- Other roles and responsibilities as they arise.
- Shift lengths are approximately 4 hours and will include a meal for each shift block.