Phone: 925-473-2390

E-mail us: frc5430@gmail.com

FAQs

Q: How much time a week do you spend in Robotics?

We usually spend 5-10 hours in Robotics every week.

Q: Do you only build robots?

No. We program, do graphic design, pursue grant writing, and we build robots.

Q: Will I have to spend my own money for competition?

Yes, and no. The travel and housing are paid for but students need to bring money for food and souvenirs.

Q: Can I join a sport/band while in robotics?

It depends on the activity. Very rarely, it's possible to juggle both. However, most of the time it is really difficult.

Q: What types of robots are built?

Our class has now moved to doing exclusively FRC robots the whole year, with VEX robots being saved for outreach event only. We have not done VEX robotics an event since 2019. 

Q: What period is Robotics?

Robotics is a 7th period class.

Q: Is Robotics dangerous?

Sometimes, but we have a rigorous safety course before any building begins.

Q: How far does the team travel?

We tend not to travel too far, but to answer the question it depends on where the tournaments take place.

Q: When does the team usually travel?

This depends on when the tournaments are. Off season events are in the October/fall and our team participates in FRC competitions (March/ April).

Q:  How long does it take to build the robot?

FRC robots have a 6 week time frame for building, we aim to finish a week ahead of schedule so that we can debug and test drive. VEX on the other hand isn’t timed, you can start building the second you watch the trailer.

Q: How many people work on one robot?

During our building period for FRC everyone works on the robot in their own ways, from actually physically building the robot, to drafting code, to writing grants for future projects.

Q: How can we help Robotics?

You can’t directly assist with construction and such, but you can help by donating! This can be done by donating food/snacks, donating money, helping guiding our students with their ideas/what they are doing, transporting students/things we need for competition, and many more ways. We always appreciate support from parents!!

Q: What are sponsors used for?

We use sponsors for registering for competitions, buying tools, buying food, paying for hotels for us to stay at while we’re at competitions, and buying materials to make our robot.

Q: How similar is this class to a normal class?

This is close to a normal class. We usually meet 5 hours a week like most classes although we don’t meet every day. We usually meet 2 hours for 3 days a week. But robotics is unlike any other class- students will learn skills here that they will not have the opportunity to learn in a regular class!

Q: Does this count towards college A-G  requirements?

This class counts as a G-type (college prep elective) class. 

Q: What is FRC?

FRC stands for "FIRST Robotics Competition".

This is an international competition that involves teams all around the world. Each year a game is released at "Kickoff", which starts the new season. Teams only have a six week period to design, build, and test a robot to compete with. 

Q: What is FIRST? 

FIRST stands for "For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology". It is a global organization that promotes youth involvement in science, technology, and innovation through FRC and FTC (First Tech Challenge) competitions.