Never tried Robotics before? You can still join a Robotics competition! At last weekend’s VEX V5 event, TDSers made that possible by adapting the game rules to make the competition more accessible: less programming, more hands-on building and robot driving.
And here’s what made it even cooler: Dewey students planned and organized the entire event themselves. From building a website and writing event introductions to designing the rules and setting up the competition space, they took charge of every detail, with guidance from their teachers and the School Leadership Team.
Each team brought together experienced members of Dewey’s VEX team, who had competed in national Robotics competitions, and students trying Robotics for the very first time. Experienced members shared their know-how, while newcomers got to build and drive robots themselves. This mix made Robotics more approachable and gave students a chance to learn from one another.
When the competition kicked off, every move counted. Teams put their strategies into action, maneuvered their robots, and raced to rack up points. Even though it was an in-school event, the energy, determination, and sportsmanship were just as exciting as you’d expect from a major competition.
Mr. Trinh Gia Hien, Robotics Team Coach at The Dewey Schools, shared: “I’m truly impressed by how the students successfully turned their idea of organizing a VEX Robotics competition into reality right here at school.”
He was especially impressed by how the students brought the atmosphere of a major Robotics competition to an event they had organized themselves.
Huge congratulations to all the teams on an awesome competition!
VEX V5 was a great example of student ownership in action at Dewey. With the right support, students can take an idea, bring people together, and make something happen for their community.
Here’s to more big ideas, more hands-on challenges, and more TDSers discovering what they can do with Robotics!
