The VEX Continuum

Summary

The VEX Continuum offers a comprehensive STEM and computer science journey for students, from preschool through college, using a range of hands-on learning platforms. Starting with VEX 123 for young children, the continuum progresses through VEX GO, IQ, EXP, and VEX V5, introducing coding, robotics, and engineering at each stage. VEX also provides robust support for educators through curriculum resources, professional development, coding tools, competitions, and a knowledge base. With tools, certifications, and real-world applications, VEX ensures a complete learning experience that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, preparing students for success in the world of STEM.

Takeaways

• 😀 VEX Continuum provides a complete STEM and computer science journey from preschool to college.
• 😀 VEX 123 introduces young learners (ages 4+) to coding and problem-solving through a fun, multi-functional robot.
• 😀 VEX GO (ages 7+) helps students learn robotics and STEM fundamentals through hands-on activities and challenges.
• 😀 VEX IQ offers a deeper exploration of robotics, engineering, and soft skills like teamwork and communication, ideal for middle and high school students.
• 😀 VEX EXP bridges the gap between plastic and metal robotics, using advanced technology and sensors for more complex building projects.
• 😀 VEX V5 equips students with real-world tools, sensors, and coding techniques, including AI, to design and build sophisticated robots at the high school and college levels.
• 😀 The VEX V5 Workcell offers an accessible and affordable way to learn factory automation and career technical education.
• 😀 VEX's curriculum includes STEM labs, expert-led VEX Classroom series, and real-world applications through creative challenges and competitions.
• 😀 The VEX Certified Educator Program offers free, self-paced online courses with official certification, continuing education credits, and support from a professional network.
• 😀 VEX Code provides a consistent coding environment across platforms (123 to V5), making it easy for students to progress from block-based coding to text-based coding.
• 😀 VEX competitions at various levels, from classroom to the global VEX Robotics World Championship, help students develop valuable soft skills like collaboration, time management, and communication.

Q & A

What is the VEX Continuum?

The VEX Continuum is a complete STEM and computer science journey designed for students from preschool through college, providing a structured progression of learning platforms that integrate educational subjects to improve comprehension and provide a collaborative learning environment.

How does VEX 123 support early STEM learning?

VEX 123 is aimed at students as young as four years old and uses a multi-functional robot to explore basic logic and problem-solving, allowing children to expand their understanding of coding without the need for a computer.

What is VEX GO, and what does it teach?

VEX GO is an introductory platform for students ages 7 and up that focuses on robot construction. It allows students to learn STEM fundamentals through hands-on activities, challenges, and experiments, helping them build, power, and code a robot.

How does VEX IQ enhance students' robotics knowledge?

VEX IQ is a more immersive platform that enables students to delve deeper into robotics, engineering, and competitions. It also helps students develop soft skills such as problem-solving, time management, and communication.

What is the focus of VEX EXP, and who is it designed for?

VEX EXP is designed for students transitioning from plastic to metal construction. It introduces the latest technology, sensors, and metal construction, focusing on STEM curriculum while easing the transition to more advanced hardware.

What skills do students gain from using VEX V5?

VEX V5 allows students to build robots using real-world tools and fasteners, high-tech sensors, and advanced software techniques. Students gain knowledge in robot construction, coding, and real-world technologies, including artificial intelligence.

What is the VEX V5 Workcell, and how does it benefit students?

The VEX V5 Workcell is a tool designed to teach students about factory automation. It provides an approachable and affordable way to learn about technical education and career pathways in the manufacturing industry.

What are the five foundations of the VEX Continuum?

The five foundations of the VEX Continuum are: 1) Curriculum, which includes STEM labs and the VEX Classroom series, 2) Professional Development, including the VEX Certified Educator Program, 3) VEX Code, a coding environment for all levels, 4) Competition, which fosters key skills through events, and 5) Knowledge Base, a collection of articles to help teachers and mentors.

What is the VEX Certified Educator Program?

The VEX Certified Educator Program is a free, online, self-paced certification course that provides STEM lessons, feedback through formative assessments, and continuing education credits. It also gives participants ongoing support from the VEX Professionals Network.

How do VEX competitions contribute to student development?

VEX competitions help students build soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and time management in a fun and authentic way. Competitions are held at various levels, from classroom events to the VEX Robotics World Championship, allowing students to compete internationally.