Coding and Computational Thinking with VEX IQ teaches the fundamentals of programming, problem-solving, mathematics, and robotics. The curriculum provides a structured sequence of programming activities in real-world project-based contexts. The projects are designed to get students thinking about the patterns and structure of computational thinking.
About the Curriculum
Coding and Computational Thinking with VEX IQ is broken down into 9 units:
- Getting Started
- Programming the Brain
- Robot Movement
- Digital Sensors
- Analog Sensors
- Loops
- Discrete Decisions
- Capstone: Subterranean Challenge
- Continuous Decisions.
Each unit of the curriculum is strategically scaffolded with videos, animations, and step-by-step lessons designed to help learners foster Computational Thinking using the VEX IQ hardware and VEXcode programming software.
Learners are introduced to some of Carnegie Mellon University’s robots built to provide solutions in space exploration, manufacturing, defense, and mining. Challenges and activities in the curriculum are themed around these robots so students are given the task to develop their own solutions to these real-world problems.
Virtual Options
Coding and Computational Thinking with VEX IQ can also be completed through a virtual version of the curriculum. Learn more about Coding and Computational Thinking with a Virtual VICE Robot.
Teacher Training and Certification
Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy offers both Onsite Teacher Training for VEX IQ and Online Teacher Training for VEX IQ for formal and informal educators and competition coaches to help them reach valuable and transferable learning outcomes with their students. Educators who have been trained and certified are able to offer Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy certifications in their own classrooms.
This training course offers a range of benefits for teachers and coaches who want to teach robotics and STEM concepts using VEX IQ robots and the VEXcode Blocks (Scratch-based) programming software. The course is particularly well-suited for teachers and coaches who are new to programming and wish to learn the fundamentals of robot programming as well as the pedagogy associated with CS-STEM concepts. However, experienced teachers with programming and robotics backgrounds will also benefit from the course, especially with its focus on the VEX IQ, hands-on practice in troubleshooting student errors, and integration of STEM concepts. Teachers and coaches who support students in robotics competitions, such as the VEX IQ Challenge (VIQC) will find the course invaluable for gaining knowledge, techniques, and community. The course offers a practical approach to learning, with a focus on hands-on activities and problem-solving exercises that will help educators better understand the concepts and develop effective teaching strategies.
Implementation Guidance
Coding and Computational Thinking with VEX IQ is designed for student self-pacing individually, or in small groups, (preferably pairs). Each individual or group should work together at one computer, with one SPIKE Prime robot. The exact number of contact hours provided in the curriculum will vary, given the self-paced nature of the materials, along with other factors such as class length and frequency.
One of the biggest challenges facing teachers today is meeting the needs of each individual student in their classroom; that is the core of differentiated instruction. Differentiated instruction asks teachers to approach students at their instructional level, and requires students to show evidence of growth from their instructional level. Differentiated instruction encompasses more than just assessment. It involves all aspects of instruction: classroom delivery, overall learning environment, learning content, and assessment. The curriculum provides many opportunities for students of all abilities.
Curriculum tasks are designed to involve some – but not extensive – mechanical consideration, so that hands-on design tasks may remain authentic without becoming logistically difficult.