Our Program
What is Robotics?
We use robotics to introduce children to Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Teamwork as they build and code their own robots for competition. Our organization provides an opportunity for children from all backgrounds to get STEM education through Robotics. There are many robotics programs available. ROV focuses on the VEX programs.
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The VEX IQ Challenge, provides elementary and middle school students with exciting, open-ended robotics and research project challenges that enhance their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills through hands-on, student-centered learning.
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Want to see some SCHOLARSHIPS?
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Robotics of Vermillion (ROV) was founded in late 2018 to be the means through which Vermillion area school-aged children become engaged in science, technology, engineering, math, and teamwork.
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Our organization is INCLUSIVE. All students should be allowed and encouraged to get involved in robotics. We built our organization on that premise. Only through participation do children gain experience and confidence, and make new friends.
We are DEVELOPMENTAL. Everything we do is about learning. We have fun times but we also have frustrating times. It is not easy to work with other people who have different ideas. It is not easy when we cannot figure out problems. Handling these frustrations, learning to work together, and overcoming challenges are part of the developmental process. Finding success makes it worth it.
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We are COMPETITIVE. In our first year our teams won more VEX IQ awards than any other organization in SD, NE, or IA and more than most other organizations in the world. In our second year, our teams won 60%+ of the top awards at the tournaments we attended (not including the 2nd or 3rd place awards). This includes earning 6 of the 10 top awards offered at the SD State Championship. We had 4 teams invited to the US Open and 3 teams invited to the World Championships.
Sports Vs Robotics?
What are the chances your child will earn a sports scholarship to pay for college? Will they be able to make a career out of it and play professionally?
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Chances are very low...almost impossible with the competitive levels of Vermillion's sports organizations. In larger cities, there is a higher level of training and competitiveness that helps develop high-end athletes. But even so, the chances are are still extremely low. Still, learning teamwork and competitiveness are very useful in our society and physical activities are great for health.
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How about thinking? Could they use their brains to get academic scholarships?
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Yes they can!
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But what are the chances that they can use their brains to get careers that will last the duration of their lives?
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Very High!
If you can think, you can do anything!
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With robotics, do they still learn to be competitive or work with a team?
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Absolutely.
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Luckily, you don't have to choose. Your child can do robotics and many other activities! We encourage it! But how many other activities in Vermillion allow your child to represent the USA and compete for the World Championship? That is pretty cool, isn't it?
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-LD Herrera, Exec. Director
