FIRST Robotics: Building a better R2-D2

The X-Games may not recognize it yet, but science education nonprofit US FIRST has incited fierce competition and impressive innovation among brainy teens with its robotics competitions since 1989. At this year's Los Angeles regional FIRST Robotics Competition, 52 teams from local high schools will pit their homemade creations against each other on a racetrack in a game described by L.A. organizing committee chairperson Nancy McIntyre as "part volleyball, part soccer and part NASCAR." It'll be your chance to cheer on the home team before the victors go for the gold -- er, titanium -- at the championships in Atlanta. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., L.A. Sports Arena. Free. lafirstregional.com