VEX Robotics [V5/VRC]
Robotics is an amazing way to engage students of all ages in dynamic, meaningful STEM learning. Students learn about design and fabrication, electro-mechanical engineering, applied engineering, and computer science. They also develop durable skills like project management, collaboration and communication, persistence and dealing with ambiguity.
Our team has worked hard to develop a robust, dynamic program that is available to all Flagstaff Academy middle school students. We want to inspire educators, students and community members by providing engaging, challenging and transformative robotics experiences, both during and outside of the school day. Through this, we hope to demonstrate the value of robotics in developing motivated, skilled and future-ready students capable of competing on the global stage.
What does VEX lead to?
Elementary students who participate in VEX are introduced to basics about engineering and coding. When they enter middle school, they have the opportunity to either take classes in both fields, participate in an extracurricular club, or do both. Flagstaff Academy middle school offers courses in both robotics and computer science. When students enter high school, their options expand to include participating in focus programs like Skyline’s STEM Academy, any of the district’s existing PTECH programs, or taking classes at the district’s Innovation Center and Career Elevation and Technology Center, many of which allow students to earn industry certifications or concurrent enrollment credits.
At Flagstaff Academy, we pride ourselves on being a feeder program for the Up-A-Creek Robotics team in Longmont. In the spring of 2023, Up-A-Creek Robotics was the first Colorado team to win a world championship. This team was led by two Flagstaff Academy alumni, Olga Rokhlenko and Alex Fong, and supported by countless more.
In addition to participation in Up-A-Creek Robotics, students can participate in numerous work-based learning project teams at the Innovation Center, such as Aquatic Robotics, Aeronautics or IoT/Edge Computing teams. All of these paid opportunities combine to provide students with authentic, client-based opportunities and help them start charting an individual career path.
