VEX IQ is a snap-together robotics platform for elementary and middle school students that combines electronics, mechanics and coding. This course starts from zero and is not aimed at competition (it is a non-competition class). Sections run for G1–G4 and G4–G8. The year runs 30 weeks, with no class during competition weeks.

What Happens in VEX IQ Intro Class

  • Structure and mechanics: Students start by building a chassis and learn how gear ratios, drivetrains and the center of gravity affect how a robot behaves. For the same task, a sturdy build and a loose one produce very different results.
  • Sensors: Students use distance, color and gyro sensors so the robot can sense its surroundings instead of acting blindly.
  • Block programming: Students use block-based programming to control motors and sensors, moving from simple sequences to conditions and loops.
  • Task challenges: Each stage sets a specific task, such as autonomous movement, obstacle avoidance or moving objects. Students design their own solution and debug it repeatedly.

How the Two VEX IQ Intro Grade Bands Differ

G1–G4 focuses on building and basic control, with fewer steps per task. The emphasis is on hands-on habits and patience. G4–G8 introduces more complex mechanisms and programming logic, and students have to weigh options within a limited set of parts and a limited amount of time.

What VEX IQ Intro Really Trains Is Debugging

Most class time goes into asking why the robot did not behave as expected. Is the structure loose, is a sensor reading wrong, or is the program logic at fault? Checking each cause in turn, changing one variable and testing again, is a method shared by engineering and science. It is worth more than memorizing any particular build.

VEX IQ Intro Summer Camp

A two-week VEX IQ camp for beginners (G1–G8, 8 to 10 students) covers robot structure basics, sensor use and an introduction to block programming. Students work step by step toward projects such as autonomous movement and task completion.

What If a VEX IQ Intro Student Wants to Compete

VEX IQ Intro does not enter competitions. Students who want to join a team and compete should see VEX IQ Robotics Competition. For the competition’s rules and season schedule, see Robotics & Engineering Competitions.

VEX IQ Intro Enrollment and Schedule

Creative workshops come in three enrollment units: full-year classes, term classes, and summer camps. This course runs as follows; dates follow the 2026-27 program guide.

  • Full-year class: 30 weeks, September 7, 2026 to June 6, 2027, with no class during competition weeks; once a week, 90 minutes per session.
  • Summer camp: two weeks per session; see the summer section above.
  • Switching direction: a creative workshop seat can move between directions, so a child can try 3 to 4 areas in a year, with finished work shown and discussed with parents at the end of each stage. To switch, confirm the transfer timing with a course advisor.

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VEX IQ Intro: Frequently Asked Questions

What grade can an Irvine child start VEX IQ?

Sections run for grades 1 to 4 and grades 4 to 8, so grade 1 is a valid entry point. VEX IQ is a robotics competition platform for elementary and middle school students, and this course starts from zero, so enrolling by current grade is enough.

Can a complete beginner keep up?

Yes. The class is explicitly built for students starting from nothing. Electronics, mechanics and coding are taught together on the same robot, rather than requiring a student to finish a programming course before being allowed to touch the hardware, so progress is visible from early on.

Is this a competition class?

No, this is the non-competition track, with the emphasis on starting from zero and understanding how electronics, mechanics and coding fit together. Students who want to join a team and compete should look at VEX IQ competition instead.

Is it held in Irvine, and how many weeks?

EDUBUS is based in Irvine and runs this course as a small in-person group. The year is 30 weeks, with no class during competition weeks, which is why the total falls short of a standard full year. The specific weeks off can be confirmed with the teacher before the term starts.

What does the Irvine summer camp cover?

The two-week beginner camp is open to grades 1 to 8 with 8 to 10 students, covering robot structure, sensors and an introduction to block programming, and building up to projects such as autonomous movement and task completion by the end of the fortnight.