We build leaders
STMA Robotics has a rapidly growing list of programs that now serve 1st through 12th grade. Join us for an unforgettable STEM learning adventure that nurtures innovation and introduces students to the world of robotics.
Enroll today and be part of the STMA Robotics family!
FIRST©
Lego©
League
Explore
Grades 1-4
Oct – Jan
Welcome to FIRST Lego League: Explore! This hands-on program introduces children grades 1-4 to STEM and robotics through motors, control systems, and LEGO bricks. In teams of five, students will solve real-world challenges, foster teamwork, unleash creativity, and develop essential skills in a full six week season of over 30 program hours.
Supported by the same STMA Robotics program that built the successful high school team, students will build and program LEGO models, conduct research, and enhance presentation skills. At the end of the season, teams will present their work to other local area teams at a celebratory Expo, similar to a science fair.
FIRST©
Lego©
League
Challenge
Grades 5-6
Oct – Dec
This competitive and hands-on program is designed for 5th and 6th grade students who are eager to explore the exciting world of competitive robotics. Supported by the same STMA Robotics program that built the successful high school team, teams of up to 7 students will have the incredible opportunity to delve into real-world scientific challenges, while simultaneously designing and building completely custom robots using the renowned LEGO Spike Prime platform.
Throughout the 12 week season, students will gain proficiency in programming, enabling them to command their robots’ movements, actions, and responses to a variety of situations using a visual programming language. At the end of the season, teams compete in a local area event with an opportunity to advance to state and national tournaments.
FIRST©
Tech
Challenge
Grades 7-9
Sept – Dec
FIRST Tech Challenge students design, build, and code their robots to compete against other local area teams in a full season of robotics engineering.
Every season has a unique challenge with new ways to score points that challenge builders to innovate.
There is no instruction manual to build these robots so teams must design them from the ground up.
Robots are built from a reusable platform, powered by Android technology, and must fit into an 18×18″ cube.
First Technical Challenge (FTC) is the precursor to the competitive high school robotics team, The Binary Battalion, which competes in First Robotics Competition (FRC).
FIRST©
Robotics Competition (Binary Battalion)
Grades 10-12
Sept – Dec (pre)
Jan – Apr (comp)
FIRST Robotics Competition is our hugely successful flagship program that started it all.
Joining in the Binary Battalion gives students access to three coaches, 10+ adult mentors, six shop rooms, and endless machines and tools to pursue the dream of becoming a robotics champion.
Custom built robots weighing up to 125lbs compete in teams of three in a completely new games with new challenges to solve every year. The team travels to at least two regional tournaments along with state and world tournaments (if qualified).
Students do not need to bring specialized skills to be successful and can gain experience in any field of their choice. Our team is run like a business from top to bottom, with separate divisions for Design, Programming, Build, Business, and Media.
The preseason runs in the fall and is aimed at preparing the team for the winter competition season. The preseason is not required to participate in the competition season, but is generally a good way for students to stay sharp and hone their skills so that they can make the most out of the competition season.