Several Horry County schools have six weeks to build basketball playing robots for the FIRST competition. 

FIRST, an acronym that means For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, is a national organization that aim to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders.  By engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, innovation is inspired and well-rounded life capabilities, including self-confidence, communication, and leadership, will be fostered.

The Academy for the Arts, Science and Technology is the only local school to have competed in this competition before, but is now joined by Carolina Forest, Conway, St. James and Socastee High Schools. Students have until February 21, 2012 to ship their basketball playing robots. 

Students were given their task and starter kits this past week live via a NASA satellite telecast. Hop on over to The Sun News to read their write-up on the competition. 

Check out the video below from FIRST's YouTube channel explaining this year's competition the “Rebound Rumble."