Robotics

9th grade though Seniors

Students may participate in CrossFire, Valley Lutheran School’s FIRST Tech Challenge Team (FTC). Here, students design, build, program, test, and drive a robot in competitions against other teams in local, regional, and world competitions. FTC focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills, but also requires business, organizational, and social skills. Anyone who is interested can contribute!  The season is typically from August – March of the following year.  During this time,
the team creates and builds a robot, while also tracking their season by developing an Engineering Notebook and judge’s presentation. The team develops a budget and fundraises to meet their season expenses. They also work to share STEM concepts within the community.

Our team started in 2015. Our recent accomplishments include:

• 2021-2022’s theme was Freight Frenzy, focused on transportation logistics. With a new team and coaches, the team was an Alliance League Champion and won the Innovate Award at our League Tournament. The team advanced to the Super Qualifiers, doing well enough to advance to the Iowa State Championship.
• The 2022-2023 season, PowerPlay, ended with the League Tournament and ideas on how to improve their robot & team for the next season.
• In 2023-2024 the theme was CenterStage. The team’s focus on the added “Arts” element for STEAM, garnered attention at several levels.  The team is proud to report they were the Motivate Award winner at the League Tournament and received the Judges’ Choice Award at the Iowa State Championship.

FTC is open to 8^th – 12^th grades. Valley’s team focuses on high school-aged students, but may accept some 8^th graders to the team, as appropriate