Robotics Club

Vex IQ Robotics for 3rd-5th

Robots and robotics are everywhere in our lives. This club will explore the world of robotics through the building and testing of your own robots. We will use VEX IQ robotic kits to learn about what makes robots tick, from the actual nuts-and-bolts of robotics to the math, science and culture behind them. We will create our own robotics design challenges and compete as teams, against and in collaboration with other teams. We will compete in SVVSD district level VEX IQ competitions, the Colorado State Championship, and if we have a winning team, Worlds! 

The Vex Club will run throughout the school year.  The first segment will focus on PRACTICE:  Our time will be spent on building and learning how to use the robots, learning how to play the challenges for the tournaments, and introduce programming of robots for those interested.  In addition, we’ll focus on creating an Engineer Designer’s Notebook and work on a voluntary STEM Project for competition.  The second segment of the club will focus on PREP:  Students will prepare for the SVVSD tournaments.  We’ll refine our practices, our programming, our notebooks and our STEM project.  We’ll compete in 3-4 different competitions all at the SVVSD level.  The final, and shortest, segment of the club will be to PREPARE FOR STATE:  Students will focus on all they have learned, from strategizing with other teams, to developing driving skills, and everything in between.  We’ll use these skills to show our energy, enthusiasm and knowledge at the Colorado State Championships.  These events have been held in Pueblo and Ft. Collins in the past.  

We’ll finish up the year with a Vex Cleaning Party- a final celebration and time to dismantle our robots for the year and put them away for the next group of learners!  Classes will start in September or October.  Even though your child will be enrolled for the entire year, the dates for each segment of the class will change, depending on the needs of students, the time needed to reach our goals, and the availability of our Vex Coaches / Teachers.  Check your child’s Thursday Folder for sign up information at the beginning of the school year.  **There will be a charge for this class.  Fees can be made in full (and receive a discount) or can be made in installments by Segment.  See the STEM Coordinator for more information. 

Cubelets Club for K-2nd Grade 

Robots and robotics are everywhere in our lives. This club will explore the world of robotics through the building and testing of your own robots. We will use Cubelets to learn about what makes robots tick, from the actual nuts-and-bolts of robotics to the math, science and culture behind them. We will create our own robotics design challenges and use robotics to solve problems we encounter in our environment.  Multiple sessions will run throughout the school year.   Check your child’s Thursday Folder for sign up information at the beginning of the school year.  **There will be a small charge for this class. Scholarships are available-please see the STEM Coordinator for more information. 

Coding Classes:  All grades

We go behind the scenes in coding classes to show students how robotics and computers actually “know” how to do what they do!  Students in all grades can explore coding apps, Beebots and more.  Students will engage in technical and “un-plugged” coding activities that will get their brains thinking critically, get them to apply math strategies and help them understand more about the world in which they live.

Robotics in the Classroom

In addition to extra-curricular activities, we work hard to integrate technology and robotics in the classroom as much as possible.  Students in preschool use cubelets to understand their environment, kindergarteners are using Beebots to support reading and math growth, and 1-5th graders participate in coding and robotics activities that connect to their school day.  As we grow in our knowledge and application of STEM, what we will be able to do in the classroom with technology will become more and more exciting!  Come check us out and join our journey!

Alpine Elementary School