Teacher Info

 Mr. Jason

  Class Info

LEVEL  

No Experience

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

CLASS SIZE

4-6

DURATION

2 hours Per Class 

Free 2 Hours practice

TYPE

In Person

What Include

Assessment

Homework

Syllabus

Course Overview

This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of robotics using the VEX V5 system and prepare them to participate in the VEX Robotics Competition (VRC). Students will gain hands-on experience in mechanical design, programming, and teamwork while developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the rules, objectives, and structure of the VEX Robotics Competition.

2. Build and program a functional VEX V5 robot.

3. Apply principles of engineering design to optimize robot performance.

4. Develop coding skills using VEXcode V5 (block- and text-based).

5. Collaborate effectively as part of a robotics team.

6. Compete in practice matches simulating real competition scenarios.

Target Audience

• Middle school and high school students (Grades 6–12).

• Students with interest in robotics, programming, or STEM.

• Overview of VEX V5 system (hardware & software).

• Introduction to VEX Robotics Competition rules and scoring.

• Team roles: builder, programmer, driver, project manager.

• Safety and tool usage.

Mechanical Design & Basic Build

• Hands-on practice with VEX V5 components.

• Building a basic drive base (chassis, wheels, motors).

• Understanding gear ratios, torque, and speed.

• Introduction to engineering notebook documentation.

Programming Foundations

• Introduction to VEXcode V5 (Blocks → Python/C++ transition).

• Motor control, movement, and sensor integration (gyro, vision sensor, bumper switch).

• Writing basic autonomous routines.

Advanced Build & Mechanisms

• Designing manipulators: arms, claws, intakes, and lifts.

• Using gears, sprockets, and chains effectively.

• Structural reinforcement for competition reliability.

Advanced Programming

• Autonomous routines with multiple steps.

• PID basics for precise movements.

• Sensor-based navigation and object detection.

• Driver control programming with competition templates.

Strategy & Teamwork

• Understanding competition strategy: offensive vs. defensive play.

• Alliance selection and collaboration.

• Driver practice and refining autonomous code.

• Iterative design improvements.

Practice Matches

• Running full practice matches under official rules.

• Time management and driver communication.

• Troubleshooting hardware and software under pressure.

Final Tournament Simulation

• Team presentations of design process.

• In-class competition with alliance matches.

• Reflection and feedback session.

• Preparing for official VEX competitions.

Assessment & Evaluation

• Participation and teamwork (20%)

• Engineering notebook documentation (20%)

• Robot performance (30%)

• Programming and autonomous design (20%)

• Final competition performance (10%)