OPEF VEX Robotics is an after-school program in the Oak Park middle schools in which teams of students design, build and program robots to compete in the annual VEX Robotics Challenge Game at regional competitions. Our program brings in technology experts to work with students and enables them to explore the possibilities of science, technology, engineering and math in an entirely new way.
In 2012, three of our teams made it to the finals of the VEX Robotics National Championship in Omaha, and one Oak Park VEX team took 2nd place in the National Championship. In 2013, we sent two teams to the National Championship and they both reached the quarterfinals. One of those teams also qualified for the World Championship in Anaheim, California.
We have exciting things in store this season. Both schools will be adding two additional teams to allow more students to take part in this exciting program. Our annual inter-school competition, Battle of the Bots, will become the first and only Illinois VEX Robotics middle school qualifying tournament in February, 2014. And we’re adding a smaller inter-school local scrimmage to give our newest team members more experience for the big tournaments.
Know a Julian or Brooks student interested in joining our VEX Robotics team?
District 97 middle school students (6th – 8th grade) who are interested in participating in the OPEF VEX Robotics program this year must attend one of the following Student Interest Meetings with a parent. This includes both returning and new members. You need only attend one of the meetings. Coaches will be on hand to explain the program and application process and answer any questions. Applications as well as the full season schedule will be distributed at the meetings.
Required Student/Parent Interest Meeting for Brooks VEX Robotics:
Tuesday, September 17 or Wednesday, September 18 at 7 pm, Brooks Commons
Required Student/Parent Interest Meeting for Julian VEX Robotics:
Tuesday, September 17 or Wednesday, September 18 at 7 pm, Julian Commons
Tuesday, September 24: All completed applications are due
Thursday, September 26: Tryout for All Returning Members
Friday, September 27: Tryout for All New Members
(Details about the tryouts will be provided at the Student/Parent Interest Meeting)
Wednesday, October 2: Team members’ names posted
Julian Robotics Varsity Club will meet every Wednesday & Thursday from 3:30 – 5:00 pm starting October 3.
Julian Robotics JV Club will meet every Tuesday from 3:45 – 5:30 pm starting October 8.
Brooks Robotics Club will meet every Thursday from 3:45 – 5:30 pm starting October 17.
The season ends February 7, 2014 unless a team qualifies for the State Championship.
Qualifying teams will continue to meet in February and attend the IL State Championship on March 8.