Robotics Evolution Challenge

YEL Robotics Evolution Challenge

Perfect for students in 4th-8th grades who are interested in trying out robotics for the first time, or who have previous robotics experience at a younger level. The YEL Robotics Evolution Challenge introduces budding robotics engineers to the basics of robotic structure, coding, and problem solving. Why are robotics important for youngsters? Robotics is the future. Robotics has seen enormous growth in the last decade and the pace is rapidly increasing. Robotics is an excellent career path, so why not introduce the topic to your young roboticist! CLICK HERE to read more on the subject of Five Reasons Youth Robotics Education is so Important.

We use LEGO Mindstorm® components and software. Each class students design, build, program, test and modify different robots to complete assigned tasks and compete in challenges.

As the course progresses, students are introduced to different operational and coding elements. For instance, students will add a ultrasonic sensor and build and program a robot to go to the edge of a table and stop before falling off. The next day, they’ll add a light sensor and code their ‘bot to go follow a dark circle to complete a task.

YEL Robotics classes for kids feature:

Our trademarked Teach It! Practice It! Play It!® methodology
- Teach It! – Each class the our robotics instructors lead a brief lesson in computer programming and basic engineering. Topics include, chassis design and construction, basic linear code, how a robots brain works, how to write loops into your code, and much more.
- Practice It! – During the Practice It! portion of class, students will build their robot project, program it, test it, modify it, and test it again. Students are given the freedom to experiment with different programming ideas and engineering applications.
- Play It! – Kids continue to explore their robot and investigate more unique ways to program it. They then take their final robot design to the challenge stage and work to complete the challenge along with other team members in the class.
  Dynamic Instructors
Dynamic instructors – YEL Robotics Evolution Challenge instructors have a passion for robotics and teaching. Many have been on or lead robotics teams themselves or have taken computer science classes in college. Our instructors also take a team building and nurturing approach to developing their students skills and understanding. To use an analogy, we teach them how to throw a curve ball, but we don’t throw the pitch for them.
Comprehensive curriculum – The YEL Robotics Evolution Challenge course leads students towards different solutions each day. For instance, day one may feature construction and coding of a robot to drive straight down a hallway and stop at the finish line (it’s way harder than it sounds). Day two, they may be asked to clear debris from a pasture so cows can safely graze. Each day, the curriculum gets more in-depth and builds on the previous days lessons.
Inclusion and teamwork – Everyone participates all the time. Students work in teams of 2-4 with each team member covering different tasks each day. One day a student might be in charge of coding, where as the next day, they are in charge of constructing the robot, and the next they are in charge of testing and diagnostics. This program offers limitless possibilities for construction and coding.

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Robotics Evolution Challenge

Summer Camps

What a great way to keep your child’s brain engaged! Summer Robotics Camps are day camps (usually 8:30am-12:30pm, Monday thru Friday) in your area. We come right to locations within your community and teach our robotics programs in a day camp setting. A great remedy for summer brain drain.

Find Summer Camps

Other:

CLICK HERE to read more on the subject of Five Reasons Youth Robotics Education is so Important.
Looking for robotics for a younger child or sibling? CLICK HERE to learn about the next level in YEL Robotics, called Robotics Classes for Kids.

FAQ | Robotics Evolution Challenge

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Do we get to keep the robots?

Chet Gunhus19-02-2021
This is a very common question. The LEGO materials that we use are quite expensive (usually around $500 per kit) and allowing the students to take home any of the projects would drive the cost of the class up considerably. We can refer parents to places to purchase the LEGO kits we use.

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How do I register?

Chet Gunhus19-02-2021
To see a complete list of {YEL!} robotics classes at all of our schools, visit our REGISTRATION PAGE.

Step 1: enter your zip code. Then choose Robotics from Course Subject. You can filter by school, course name, start date, district, or teacher.

Feel free to email us further questions via our CONTACT PAGE.

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How much does the class cost?

Chet Gunhus19-02-2021
YEL Robotics Evolution Challenge camps vary in cost dependent on facilities fees, teacher remuneration, and supply costs of the class.

We list the fees for each class on our Registration Page. Visit our Registration Page and search for classes by your zip code and Course Subject.

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What are the grade levels?

Chet Gunhus22-02-2021
The YEL Robotics Evolution summer camp is designed for student in fourth through eighth grades. What we have found is that it doesn't seem to matter what grade level the student is in, they are thoroughly challenged. We have seen many fourth grade teams do better on challenges than eighth grade teams, and vice-versa.

Third graders and below aren't well suited for this program and should instead look into YEL Robotics Classes for Kids.

Ninth grade and older students are welcomed to join with the caveat that they will be in the same classroom as young students.

NOTE: If your community is looking to offer this program to only 6th-12th grade, or a variation, please email us at info@yelkids.com for details about that.

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Do you offer scholarships?

Chet Gunhus22-02-2021
Yes, we offer scholarships on an as-needs basis. This is also contingent on the current enrollment in the class.

Reach out to us at info@yelkids.com for more information.

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What will my child learn?

Chet Gunhus22-02-2021
The YEL Robotics Evolution Challenge will stretch your child's learning no matter what their level of coding or robotics experience. Students will learn all four phases of robotics: design, construction, coding, testing and modifying. Each student will be assigned a lead role in each phase at some point during the camp. Then for the final challenge, students will be assigned to a phase of development while assisting their team in all phases of the final challenge.

Building challenges include: Chassis design, sensor management, diagnostics, mobility, and more.

Coding challenges include: loops, nested loops, my blocks (student build their own blocks of repetitive tasks), and, if they are ready, parameters. Coders will also learn how to code robot movement and sensors.

This will long camp will thoroughly challenge your child.

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Where can I buy the kits?

Chet Gunhus22-02-2021
{YEL!} purchases our kits from LEGOEducation.com (https://education.lego.com/en-us/shop).

We use a variety of materials from LEGO Education starting with PreK kits all the way through middle school EV3 kits.

A quick note from experience. These kits are educational and fantastic. I've purchased one for a nephew and one for a son. Although they are intrigued at first, they tend to lose interest because it is so open ended. They build one robot, program it, and then never want to take it apart. As a metaphor, my kids love math, but I don't buy them a math book and say, "Play with it". They like to learn math in school, but don't want to "Play" math.

That being said, kids love these classes. They learn a ton, hang with friends, and build new things each class.

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Does my child need to know code for the robotics classes?

Chet Gunhus22-02-2021
No, we teach the code during the camp to all students. The coding language is designed by a LEGO Education partner and is specific for the robotics classes.

Whether it is Robotics Junior, Robotics 2.0, or Robotics Evolution, the code is taught in class. The code uses a drag and drop method that is easy for students to incorporate quickly.

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What if my child only wants to code, or only wants to build?

Chet Gunhus22-02-2021
We ask all students to participate in each phase of the robot. So, even if a student has a proclivity towards coding, we will still ask them to participate in design, construction, testing and modifying the robot. We strongly feel this gives the students a better wholistic understanding of the robot process and will help them later in the business world where collaboration is vital.

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How difficult are the projects?

Chet Gunhus22-02-2021
This class is very challenging. We rarely have had students involved who thought they needed more coding, more construction, or more challenges.

Younger students still can learn a lot, although they may not have as many nuances as an older group. For instance, an older group may add a second motor, a second loop in the code for spinning that motor, and design an arm for that motor. That's great. A collaborative learning environment can help students learn from each other.

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I can't find a class. What do I do?

Chet Gunhus22-02-2021
If you can't find a class near you on our Registration Page, we suggest you reach out to us at info@yelkids.com. Perhaps we don't have classes in your area at this time, but we could soon, with your help.

YEL does offer franchise opportunities in dozens of states. We'd love to talk to you if you are interested in owning your own local YEL franchise! Visit our FRANCHISE PAGE for more information.

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My child is younger than the listed grades. Can I still sign up?

Chet Gunhus22-02-2021
We have found with the Robotics Evolution Challenge that students entering third grade and younger just aren't ready for this level of engagement. And the maturity it takes to be a part of a team at this level is just a bit too much for younger students.

Students entering fourth grade have had an extra year of exposure to team sports, team activities in school, and an additional year of mental growth and are better suited for this camp.

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Can I see my child's robots?

Chet Gunhus22-02-2021
Absolutely! We encourage parents to visit classes 10-15 minutes before the end of each day of class so their child can share what they built in class that day. Kids love this (their least favorite part of class is taking their projects apart).

We will also have a Robotics Challenge Showcase on the last day of class. Ask your child's robotics teacher for details.

You can always take pictures or ask your child to with their own device. Tag us on FB at @youthenrichmentleague/ or on IG at @youth_enrichment_league/

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Why YEL Robotics?

Class Features

Find Classes

Summer Camps

Robotics FAQ

Other

Robotics Evolution Challenge

YEL Robotics Evolution Challenge

YEL Robotics classes for kids feature:

Find Classes

Summer Camps

Other:

FAQ | Robotics Evolution Challenge

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