Programming with VEX IQ
A collection of resources to support the use of VEX IQ in lessons and with robotics clubs.
- ALL
- STEM Club
- Teacher guidance
- Activity sheet
- Other
STEM Club
VEX IQ with ModKit
This sample of a teacher guide introduces basic robotics using VEX IQ robotics kits and ModKit programming software – the activities are based upon a single robot model which can be constructed from the VEX starter kit. Students learn about basic movement of the robot rover, as well as related challenges, in the context of space exploration. Activities include turning and moving to trace shapes, using a gyroscope for measuring slopes, and controlling a gripper for manipulating objects. A set of student worksheets, again using a space context, is provided. These include data collection and graphing activities, during which students learn important concepts relating to robot control. Please note – ModKit is available separately to the VEX kits.
Teacher guidance
Introduction to VEX Robotics (Mars rover)
In this full scheme of work, designed for a series of two-hour double-lessons, students develop a Mars Rover for NASA based on a standard VEX design. They learn about the components of a robotics system including control units and data communications, and work through a design process towards a prototype. The VEX robotics system is modular, allowing for students to create a common design and then develop their own ideas.
VEX IQ - exploring Modkit blocks
This resource for VEX IQ Modkit helps students to understand the basic principles of using blocks of code to create a programme. The Modkit blocks have been reproduced so that they can be printed and used by students for discussion and when planning their code. This resource contains a classroom presentation introducing some simple Modkit code, resources for students to use when planning their code and an overview of how this is used as part of a lesson.
Programming VEX IQ robots in Robot C
This resource develops coding with RobotC, in combination with VEX robotics. It provides a series of student tasks that increase in difficulty over time, developing student awareness of RobotC and its application within robotics. This resource would work as a compliment to using VEX IQ in the classroom and as a standalone unit of work.
VEX IQ robotics as a context for physics
This resource uses VEX IQ robotics as a context for physics lessons. Lesson content covers an understanding of robots and their uses, forces, pressure and moments. The resources is presented with student activities, worksheets and a classroom presentation.
Activity sheet
Silver award: build a robot
This sample project will support students to achieve a silver level CREST award. In this project, students will build a simple robot that they can steer with switches. They could then adapt it to perform a ‘useful’ task.
Other
An introduction to VEX IQ programming with Modkit
A series of six lessons on VEX IQ Programming with Modkit. The lessons include: an introduction to the world of robotics in the context of the Key Stage 2 computing curriculum, expanding on the students' knowledge on programming the drivetrain. Students will also use the Touch LED sensor to provide user feedback during the program execution, introduction to sensors: students will learn how sensors allow a robot to examine its environment and how this data can be used to make decisions, introduction to the ‘color’ sensor and its usage within Modkit, a follow-up on the introduction of the ‘color’ sensor and its usage within Modkit. The students will also learn the concept of variables, which they will set to a constant value throughout the program, revision of all the programming skills the students have learned throughout the lessons.
