VEX robotics provides a hands-on, intense engineering experience for students ages 13-16 who love to create, experiment and build their own inventions! Experience in programming or attending a past LEGO program is not required

Registration Information

2009 VEX Robotics Full Day Session Registration Form (60KB PDF file)

Cost: $525 per student per session

Registration Deadline:Early registrations are encouraged. Space is limited. A non-refundable deposit of $105.00 must accompany the registration. Final payment and the below accepted student forms are due by July 13, 2009. If you have any questions, please contact Kari Bennett at (518) 276-6431.

Program Details

VEX robotics builds upon LEGO® Robotics technology by reinforcing engineering principles while introducing additional levels of complexity. A VEX system includes metal construction pieces, wheels, sensors and motors. The robots are controlled by a remote control transmitter or by programming a microprocessor that is built into the robot. This allows students of various skill levels to continually be challenged while using the system. The robot can be programmed in both a visual version of C programming called easyC and the C programming language itself. Students work in teams to design and create VEX robots that can accomplish engineering challenges.

Students will have one week to work in a team to design, build and program a robot. These robots will have to navigate through an obstacle course. The course will challenge students to create a robot that can identify, move, lift and push objects around. Students may also be presented with problems that encourage them to learn how to balance speed with power in order to construct the most maneuverable robot. This summer academy is sponsored by Rensselaer's Center for Initiatives in Pre-College Education.

2009 VEX Robotics Engineering Academy Schedule
8:30-8:45: Drop off –
8:45-11:00: Robotics Lab
11:00-11:30: Snack Break
11:00-1:00: Robotics Lab
1:00-1:45: Lunch
1:45- 4:00: Robotics Lab
4:00-4:15: Pick-Up

Accepted Student Forms

Check list for completing Medical History Form - Day Programs (52KB PDF file)
Medical History Form - Day Programs (58KB PDF file)
Medication Sheet Form (54KB PDF file)
Self Medication Waiver (52KB PDF file)
Authorization to Visit - Summer Day Programs (159KB PDF file)

Note for Summer program participants Medication Sheet Form and Self Medication Waiver: For children who do not have any prescriptions the parent and doctor should sign the Medication sheet for the three over the counter medications listed so they can be administered by the Health Services Office. If your son/daughter does not have any medications to self administer then the Self Medication Form is not applicable.

Transportation: All participants must furnish their own transportation to and from campus.

What to Bring?: Campers should bring bag lunches. It is not necessary to bring any additional materials this includes any LEGO® pieces.

Where is the drop off and pick up location for the robotics programs? This year there is a specific location for the robotics programs; "The JEC Circle". Continue on 15th Street to the 4th light. At that 4th light take a right onto College Avenue. Take 2nd right into campus. Continue straight towards the gated entrance. A Staff member will let you through the gate. Drive ahead to the JEC Circle, which will be directly in front of you. This is the drop-off/pick-up area. Between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., vehicular traffic entering or moving on the core campus will be prohibited for 15 minute periods between quarter to the hour and the hour. Throughout the day, all motorized vehicles located on the core campus will be required to come to a complete stop during these 15 minute periods, regardless of location. Therefore, if you arrive during that 15 minute period between quarter to the hour and the hour, you will have to park in the parking lot adjacent to the gate, and walk to the JEC Circle. If you have any questions, please contact Kari Bennett at (518) 276-6431.

To report a student absent or late: If your child will be absent please call prior to 9:00am Michele Murray in the Center for Initiatives in Pre-College Education at (518) 276-6906 or Kari Bennett in the Summer Programs Office at (518) 276-6431. Students arriving to campus late (after 9:00am) need to be escorted by a parent or guardian to the Robotics Engineering Academy classroom. If at all possible we ask that you call ahead of time to report the lateness.

Snack and Lunch: Please remember that each student should bring their own snack and bag lunch every day.

Program Inquiries/Questions: For further information about the program, Request Information, or contact, Mike Gunther, Program Manager for Recruitment, (518) 276-8351, gunthm@rpi.edu.

MAIL OR FAX MATERIALS TO:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Attn: Outreach Programs Office
110 8th Street – Low Center Suite 4011
Troy, NY 12180-3590
(518) 276-6431 (Voice)
(518) 276-8738 (Fax)
An email will be sent to confirm receipt of materials.

Special Needs: If you have any special needs please contact Kari Bennett at (518) 276-6431.

Registration Questions & Answers: If you have any registration questions, please contact Kari Bennett at (518) 276-6431.

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