Basic Information

Robotics Team Information

WHAT IS VEX ROBOTICS?

VEX Robotics is a worldwide game and competition program where teams design, build, program, and operate a robot in an arena. Teams compete with and against each other to achieve game objectives, earning points for reaching specific goals. This program provides students an opportunity to learn about areas rich with career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Beyond science and engineering principles, VEX robotics encourages teamwork, leadership, and group problem solving with peers. General VEX Robotics information can be found at vexrobotics.com and also at roboticseducation.org. The SLHS Robotics team competes with the VEX V5 system.

VEX Robotics offers a team-oriented, hands-on learning experience for your child. Team members make a commitment to contribute to the team so it can accomplish its objectives. Team members work together toward a common goal and contribute in a positive way to prepare for the competitive tournaments. Roles and responsibilities within a team differ based on the requirements of the tournament and the skills/experience of the team members. An effort is made to place students in an area of interest or a position where they demonstrate skill or aptitude. Designers, builders, drivers, and programmers are the most common roles but others such as demonstration, presentation, and public speaking exist as well.

Coaches and mentors guide and assist students in the engineering and building process, but adults do not design or build the robots. That is the student's (player's) role.

HOW IS VEX RUN AT SLHS?

VEX Robotics is an extracurricular activity and participation is voluntary and open to all students. There is an activity fee of $120/student to participate.

Students wishing to join the SL Robotics program must complete a permission/code of conduct form. That document can be accessed here: Code of Conduct & Permission Form.

TEAM FORMATION

Teams typically consist of 4-6 players. Teams are encouraged to assemble themselves into groups of 4-6 and consider each other’s strengths and weaknesses. It is important to have a variety of team members that exhibit skills in the following areas: design, construction, coding, documentation, communication, and leadership.

Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Mielke, and Mr. Nolte serve as coaches. Mentors (advisors) are also needed to serve as lab session supervisors and to offer other help and guidance. Mentor roles are typically filled by parents, but can also be other interested individuals.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The coaching staff will set a Lab Schedule after consulting with each team’s players and parents. Tournaments can start as early as November and run through February. Tournaments are typically a full Saturday. SLHS Robotics will pay the tournament entry fees for the tournaments we enter from our activity fees and our other funding sources.

For a tournament to count only 2 team members need be present. It's okay for team members to miss some practices and even some tournaments. This, however, should be the exception rather than the rule. Overall it's a lot more informal than a tournament sports team, but for a team to function well it will need its team members to be fully committed to the team.

Through performance at regular season tournaments, teams can qualify for the VEX State Tournament which is usually held in Appleton in late February or March. At the State Tournament teams can qualify for the World Championship in Texas. The World Championship is usually held in April or May. SLHS Robotics will pay the entry fee for teams that qualify for State and World competition, but travel expenses and hotel are the responsibility of the team members.

VEX Robotics Competition Game

The game for next season is always revealed at the conclusion of the VEX VRC World Championship. The game for the current season can be seen at https://www.roboticseducation.org/teams/vex-robotics-competition/