Please note, this class is different than the class titled "PLTW Automation and Robotics". If you are signed up for PLTW Automation and Robotics instead of Robotics, please head on over to the PLTW: Automation and Robotics tab.

This page is for the Tournament Robotics class/club combo. Robotics is a class where students research, build, and test robots to compete in VEX tournaments. Students meet in class, and also after school as a club on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 4:45.  Students who wish to take part in the club must be part of the class, and vice versa. 

The class/club is student driven, with students researching strategies and ideas, building their robots, and learning through trial and error. Students practice problem solving skills as they get their robots competition ready. Students learn to take charge of their education and develop life long learning skills, with guidance and assistance from their teacher. Interested students can contact the office and fill out an application to be considered.  

Upcoming Events:

January 22nd -  Madison Highland Prep Tournament

Location:                                                                      Timing:

1431 East Campbell Avenue                                        7:15am to 5:00pm

Phoenix, Arizona 85014                                                Lunch from 12 to 1pm

February 12th -  DRHS State Qualifier Tournament

Location:                                                                      Timing:

Desert Ridge High School                                            7:15am to 5:30pm

10045 East Madero Avenue                                        Lunch from 12 to 1pm

Mesa, AZ 85209

February 26th -  Arizona State Championship

Location:                                                                      Timing:

Desert Ridge High School                                            7:15am to 5:30pm

10045 East Madero Avenue                                        Lunch from 12 to 1pm

February 19th - Chandler Innovation Fair

• Location: Downtown Chandler

• Time: 10am to 3pm

May 3 to 5th -  VEX Robotics World Championship 

• This will take place in Dallas Texas! 
• Teams must win one of the following awards at State in order to attend/compete at Worlds:
• Tournament Champions
• Excellence Award
• Design Award
• Robot Skills Champion 
• In early February we will hold a parent meeting to discuss plans if your students’ team qualifies for Worlds. I’ll send out more info soon.

Class/Club Syllabus: 

Syllabus

Thank you to the 2021/2022 sponsors!

If you are interested in sponsoring, please reach out to Michelle Mohrweis at mohrweis.michelle@cusd80.com

This years tournament: 

Tipping Point

 Class/club Jobs: 

These are the jobs students may pick when in teams.  Students may have more than one job.  All students are encouraged to help their builders build when they have nothing else to work on for their job. 

Drivers – These students control the robot during the tournament.  Driver jobs include:

• In the Class: Practice driving your robot.  Fill out weekly sparing match analysis. When not driving, review the rule book or help your builders build.
• At the Tournament: Drive the robot in the various matches.  When Skills is open, drive your bot in Skills. Shake hands with opponents at end of every match.

Builders -  These students build the robot.  Builder jobs include:

• In the Class:Help build the robot.  Fill out weekly building analysis.  When the robot is being tested, update group notebook and brainstorm future upgrades. 
• At the Tournament: Be ready to help fix the robot if something breaks.  Talk to other teams and learn how they built their robots.  Sketch out the good ideas you see to try when back in class/club.

Programmers - These students are the brain of the robots.  Programmers write the code that makes the robot work.  Programmer jobs include:

• In the Class:Work on programming your bot.  Try programming and refining your autonomous period code.  Create new code for your bot and test it.  Fill out weekly programming log.
• At the Tournament:Watch your matches and record how the robot does. Watch other teams and see what their robots do for the autonomous period.  Brainstorm ways to strengthen your autonomous code.  Communicate with your drivers.  What works with the controls and what would be easier if changed?  Can you make some of the controls faster or move buttons so the ones your team needs to push are closer together?  Help Builders and Marketers when you have nothing else to work on.

Marketers- These students are the friendly face of the VEX Teams.  They will communicate with other teams and build relationships to help in tournaments.  Their jobs include: 

• In the Class:Create information like Robot Business Cards and flyers you can give to different teams.  Practice with each other how you will talk up your build to the other teams and convince them to ally with your team.  Fill out weekly Marketer Analysis Sheet. Help plan and brainstorm school fundraisers.
• At the Tournament: Talk to different teams and build friendships.  Ask questions about their bots and share information about yours.  Try to secure alliances for the tournament matches.  Build friendships with other teams for in the future tournaments.

Supply Manager - These students keep class supplies organized and make sure the teams have everything they need to succeed at competitions.  Their jobs include:

• In the Class:Keep supplies organized.  Find parts that your builders need and (with teacher assistance) cut or modify parts as needed.  Make sure batteries are always plugged in and charging and swap out batteries for your driver.  Help builders when needed.  Fill out weekly Supply Organization Analysis.
• At the Tournament: Make sure supplies stay organized and at our pit table.  Bring new batteries to your team before each match and make sure the old batteries are charging.  If our team is missing a needed supply, ask other teams about borrowing one.  When nothing to do between matches, help the marketers talk to other teams.