Is the robotics program part of Potomac's curriculum or is it an extracurricular activity or club?
In the Upper School, the robotics program counts as an activity credit in the fall, winter, and spring seasons. Robotics in the Intermediate and Middle Schools are a part of the ETC (Education that Continues) after school program. You can also try a Vex IQ club during the winter season in either 7th or 8th grade.
Is robotics a year-round commitment?
For our both VEX Robotics and VEX IQ teams, the end of the season depends on each of the team's successes during the season. Teams must qualify for states at a regional tournament by winning Tournament Champion Award, the Excellence Award, or Design Award, or placing by having a high enough skills score. For Vex IQ teams, the STEM award also qualifies. If a team qualifies at states, they will go to the World Championship, which takes place in April. For some Vex teams, you can qualify for the US open during the regional competitions, this is around 2 weeks before the Worlds championship.
When do your teams meet?
Our VEX Robotics members meet on Sundays from 9am to 5pm. Teams are welcome to stay the whole time, but they can come and go as they see fit. During the weekdays, the robotics lab is typically open all day and after school during the week. Students usually utilize this time by coming in during their free blocks and lunch periods. Our VEX IQ members meet after school on Wednesdays from 3:30pm to 5:30pm and our FLL members meet after school on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.
What specific roles do students on your teams play?
As stated in our mission statement, our program encourages all members to participate in all aspects of preparing a robot for competition as robotics is a multidisciplinary field. Naturally, everyone falls into their own roles on their team, but we don't want to formally confine anyone to any specific role.
What program does your website run on?
The website runs on Weebly with custom code and plugins.
