COSAM News Articles 2023 June SCORE Spotlight: VEX GO Robots - Working together to learn and build new skills during the summer

SCORE Spotlight: VEX GO Robots - Working together to learn and build new skills during the summer

Published: 07/11/2023

By: Maria Gebhardt

During the second week of Southeastern Center of Robotics Education’s (SCORE) summer camps, participants were challenged to work together so they could compete with their robots. Entering second and third grade students built VEX GO robots and applied the engineering design process as well as math and science skills needed for continuous improvement of their design.

“I really enjoy seeing the kids persevere without giving up,” said Tina Williams from Yarbrough Elementary School. “They are building VEX GO robots and learning how to work as a team.”

Williams also encouraged the students to support each other during the robot competitions. Instead of only focusing on their group, each team supported each other making an environment where everyone felt they could create a more complex robot.

“These students are finding at least one thing that makes their robot better,” explained Williams. “They can work together to improve the connectors, to change the shaft or to change the arm design of the robots. No matter what they choose to do, they are learning how to work together and make improvements to their design as a team.”

The students competed on a Mars themed playing field to pick up game elements and traverse the field during timed rounds.

On Friday, all camp participants had finished their robots and were able to compete. Although the teams were assigned points, the groups cheered for everyone making all the competitions exciting allowing everyone to feel like a champion. Campers had fun while learning valuable math, science, teamwork, and communication skills.