Robotics is a popular and effective way to cover important areas of science, technology, engineering and math curriculum in a fun and engaging way. We use LEGO® education solutions where students can explore problems and invent their own solutions. They behave as young scientists and technical investigators, making their own discoveries all the way. We also encourage students to use their imagination, try out their problem-solving skills and cooperate with others. xbot Robotics uses two kits to educate students in the elementary school after school programs on robotics.

LEGO® WeDo™

Students aged 7 to 11+ get a head start on simple robotics with this concept. They build models, attach sensors and motors that are plugged into a computer, and configure behaviors using a simple programming tool. The activity pack is divided into four themes: Amazing Mechanisms, Wild Animals, Play Soccer and Adventure Stories. It covers topics within science, technology, mathematics and language.

First Lego League (FLL) introduces younger students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface. FLL teams, guided by their imaginations and adult coaches, discover exciting career possibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society. Middle school students get to design and build program robots using Lego Mindstorms technology, apply real-world math and science concepts, research challenges facing today’s scientists, learn critical thinking, team-building and presentation skills, and participate in tournaments and celebrations. Its fun, exciting and they will learn skills that last a lifetime!

LEGO® MINDSTORMS Students aged 8 to 16+ learn to design, program and control fully-functional models. They use software to plan, test and modify sequences of instructions for a variety of life-like robotic behaviors. And they learn to collect and analyze data from sensors, using data logging functionalities embedded in the software. Activity packs are developed by Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Academy and provide a series of real-life activities, covering topics within science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Team xbot hosted a middle school FIRST Lego League (FLL) teams vying for a position at the FLL State Championship in the Winter of 2009. FLL introduces younger students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface. FLL teams, guided by their imaginations and adult coaches, discovered exciting career possibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society.  

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of 25 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors.  It’s as close to “real-world engineering” as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. Students get to learn from professional engineers, build and compete with a robot of their own design, learn and use sophisticated software and hardware, compete and cooperate in alliances and tournaments, earn a place in the World Championship, and qualify for over $12 million in college scholarships.

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is designed for those who want to compete head-to-head, using a sports model. Teams of up to 10 students are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and is programmed using a variety of languages. Teams, including coaches, mentors and volunteers, are required to develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles. Awards are given for the competition as for well as for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments. Students will design, build and program robots, apply real-world math and science concepts, develop problem solving, organizational and team building skills, compete and cooperate in alliances and tournaments, earn a place in the World Championship, and qualify for $7 million in college scholarships. Franklin High School Team xbot challenges two teams of 30+ students to design, built and program a robot to compete at the FIRST Technology Competition. We use the Lego NXT Mindstorm and Tetrix robotic kits and program our robot using National Instruments’ LabView programming environment. Teams, including coaches, mentors and volunteers, are required to develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles. Awards are given for the competition as for well as for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments.


Lindburgh High School Robotics
The Robotics club competes in the BEST Robotics competition in the fall through St Louis University. The team is given a box of parts from which to build a robot and a specific game in which the robot needs to compete. We then have 6 weeks to design build and test the robot. The competition generally runs in the middle of October. In 2005 the Lindbergh team won the Biliken regional and went to Arkansas to compete in the regional competition.