VEX IQ Robotics Coding with Coach Hickman - Private
VEX IQ Coding, Robotics, python, c++, private
Quantity
Educator Info
Class Info
All Level
Elementary School
Middle School
Private
60 mins
Course Objectives
Learn to control VEX IQ robots using Scratch (block-based programming) and understand program logic and robot actions.
Transition to Python (text-based programming), mastering basic syntax, loops, conditionals, and functions.
Understand C++ programming basics to prepare for future VEX IQ / VEX V5 competitions.
Develop problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and teamwork.
Course Schedule
| Week | Content | Programming Language | Learning Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | VEX IQ Robot Basics: Parts Introduction & Driver Demonstration | - | Understand robot hardware and movement principles |
| 2 | Scratch Basics: Interface, Blocks, Motion Control | Scratch | Learn to build the first robot program |
| 3 | Scratch: Controlling Motors & Sensors | Scratch | Use blocks to control motors, drive wheels, and use touch/color sensors |
| 4 | Scratch: Loops & Conditionals | Scratch | Learn to use loops (for/while) and conditionals (if/else) to control robot actions |
| 5 | Scratch Mini Project: Autonomous Driving & Object Pickup | Scratch | Combine loops, conditionals, and sensors to complete a simple task |
| 6 | Python Basics: Variables, Data Types, Input/Output | Python | Understand the text-based programming environment and simulate robot actions |
| 7 | Python: Controlling VEX IQ Motors & Sensors | Python | Control robot movement, pick up objects, and read sensor data with Python |
| 8 | Python: Conditionals & Loops | Python | Write loops and conditionals to make the robot repeat actions or make decisions |
| 9 | Python Mini Project: Autonomous Path & Obstacle Avoidance | Python | Combine conditionals, loops, and sensors to complete an autonomous task |
| 10 | C++ Basics: Syntax, Functions, and Comments | C++ | Learn basic C++ syntax and program structure to prepare for competition programming |
| 11 | C++: Controlling VEX IQ / VEX V5 Robots | C++ | Control motors and sensors using C++ to perform basic actions |
| 12 | Final Project: Design & Demonstrate an Autonomous Skills Program | Scratch / Python / C++ | Integrate all three programming languages to complete a small competition project |
Teaching Features
Step-by-step progression: From block-based to text-based to advanced language, helping students understand programming concepts without being overwhelmed by syntax.
Project-driven: Each week includes small tasks or projects for hands-on practice and immediate results.
Language comparison: The same task is demonstrated using Scratch, Python, and C++ to cultivate multi-language programming skills.
Competition preparation: Later lessons focus on Autonomous Skills, preparing students for VEX IQ competitions.
Teaching Features
Step-by-step progression: From block-based to text-based to advanced language, helping students understand programming concepts without being overwhelmed by syntax.
Project-driven: Each week includes small tasks or projects for hands-on practice and immediate results.
Language comparison: The same task is demonstrated using Scratch, Python, and C++ to cultivate multi-language programming skills.
Competition preparation: Later lessons focus on Autonomous Skills, preparing students for VEX IQ competitions.
Teaching Features
Step-by-step progression: From block-based to text-based to advanced language, helping students understand programming concepts without being overwhelmed by syntax.
Project-driven: Each week includes small tasks or projects for hands-on practice and immediate results.
Language comparison: The same task is demonstrated using Scratch, Python, and C++ to cultivate multi-language programming skills.
Competition preparation: Later lessons focus on Autonomous Skills, preparing students for VEX IQ competitions.
Recommended Class Duration & Homework
Weekly class: 60 minutes
Assign small tasks or practice exercises after each lesson
Encourage students to keep an engineering notebook (recording problems, solutions, and code screenshots)