Robotics at Stephen Decatur Elementary

The Robotics Team at Stephen Decatur Elementary is back in action this year! Robotics started at Stephen Decatur pre-pandemic, and has been brought back this school year by Assistant Principal, Mr. Chris Low, who previously coached teams in Ft. Wayne before coming to Stephen Decatur. 

What does a robotics team do?

The Stephen Decatur Robotics Team practices and participates in Vex IQ Robotics competitions with teams from other central Indiana schools. “Every year they get a new game, and the objective is to solve complex problems that don't have clear solutions,” explained Mr. Low. “Students learn to design, engineer, build, and code robots to solve these problems and perform tasks.” 

This year’s game involves driving the robots on a “field” to collect objects and place them in different goals, also clearing areas and parking the robots. Student teams have 60 seconds to score points with these tasks, collaborating with a team from a different school, who they met moments before the competition! Students must design strategies, use critical thinking, and collaboration to compete. 

How does robotics benefit students?

“In addition to coding, engineering, and design, the biggest benefit for students are the skills of teamwork, communication, critical thinking, handling of stressful situations, and persevering through challenges on the fly,” said Mr. Low. These skills are important for any career path students may take down the road.

What do students love about robotics?

5th grade student Aubriella shared, “I love that you can create stuff and drive it in the competition, working with other teams to get the points.The competitions are the best!” The Stephen Decatur Team has partnered with the Decatur High Ability Academy to host two tournaments this year, one in January and one coming up tomorrow February 10th at Stephen Decatur. 

Sebastian, 5th grade student explained, “The best thing about robotics is the mix of competition and teamwork, so it brings people together.” He also shared that robotics has been so much fun, “I will definitely do it again next year!”

Aubriella and Sebastian, 5th grade members of the Robotics Team.

Mia, a 6th grader, shared her thoughts on robotics: “I like to build things, and not just out of cardboard. We build robots that can actually work!”

Mia, 6th grade member of the Robotics Team

This year, the team was open to 5th and 6th grade students who applied, and they are starting a second round of robotics club open to 3rd and 4th grade students, so that they can learn the foundation of engineering the robots and prepare to compete next year. 

How can you support Stephen Decatur Robotics?

The robotics program at Stephen Decatur is always looking for community partners, both for sponsorship and expertise. With the assistance of leaders in the community with knowledge of design and engineering, students can learn and apply even more. Please contact Mr. Low at Stephen Decatur Elementary if you would like to support the team. (317-241-0183)

Mr. Low and some members of the team.

Good luck to the Stephen Decatur Robotics Team at their tournament tomorrow!!