🤖  This year, LEST is excited to feature a hands-on Robotics Competition where students will build and operate their own robot!

Working in teams of 2–3 students, participants will construct a VEX IQ Clawbot and compete in fun, fast-paced block stacking challenges. These robots are human-controlled, allowing students to directly apply their problem-solving and teamwork skills in real time.

The competition uses the VEX IQ system — a middle school version of the VEX V5 robotics platform used by the Robotics Program at Crean Lutheran High School. With guidance from engineering teachers and student mentors, participants will:

• Learn how VEX robotics parts work

• Build a functioning robot step-by-step

• Practice collaboration and strategic thinking

• Compete in an exciting engineering challenge

No prior robotics experience is needed, and all materials are provided.

This event gives students a fun introduction to what high school robotics programs are like — inspiring creativity, confidence, and curiosity in STEM fields. It’s an exciting opportunity for young engineers to build, compete, and discover what they’re capable of!