Robotics can be intimidating for a lot of people, even those already involved in STEM, but parent Domi Flores-Wong says that even for those coming into it with no previous experience, there are several opportunities and resources available to help you get started.
Julien, Cyber Tigers Robotics Team, Kissimmee, Fla.
News Hour Classroom spoke with Flores-Wong and her son Julien, who competed as part of the robotics team "Cyber Tigers" at last year's VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas.
"When we started, my husband and I, when my son was in first grade, we knew nothing," says Flores-Wong. "There are just so many resources available online. There's even more resources for you as a parent if you're starting your own team or if you're in school and you're an educator."
Even when you get to a competition like VEX, the learning doesn't stop. Julien says robotics is all about trial and error and learning from your mistakes.
Domi Flores-Wong and husband with rest of the fans at VEX Robotics World Championship, Dallas, Texas, May 2024.
"We started this year as a rookie VRC team with a very small robot and we got pushed around a lot," says Julien. "We took inspiration from other teams that we learned about at the competition and built our way up. We've overcome, we've persevered, we've built a much better robot and now we're actually a formidable opponent."
You can learn more about how to get started with robotics and invention education for students of any age on the VEX robotics webpage and by reaching out to your school to see if there is a program available.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Lesson plan: Starry creations—exploring constellations with art and robotics
Lesson Plan: Using robotics to support high-speed internet in rural communities
Read: Educator Voice: How robotics can help students in special education learn social skills
Read: Student Voice: Robots bring mothers and daughters together
Be sure to check out PBS News Hour Classroom's Invention Education collection full of lessons and video stories featuring student inventors and their teachers.
Invention is just one more problem-solving approach in which young people can solve challenges locally or around the world. We also have an Invention Educator Network (no experience necessary!), which brings together teachers from various subjects and grade levels to discuss all things invention & innovation. Sign up here to learn more.
By News Hour's Victoria Pasquantonio and Gianfranco Beran, production assistant.
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