A Parent’s Guide to Robotics
You don’t have to be a robotics expert!
You just need to be in their corner. Learn what students do, what competition day feels like, and how to help them grow—without building the robot for them.
Imagine
Read the rules, study the field, and choose a strategy.
Build & code
Turn ideas into mechanisms and programs.
What parents often ask:
Does my student need experience?
No. Teams need curious builders, coders, drivers, designers, organizers, communicators, and notebook keepers. Beginners belong
Why are competition days so long?
Teams rotate through inspection, judging, matches, repairs, skills runs, and alliance selection—often across a full day.
What does the coach need from me?
Usually dependable logistics, clear communication, snacks, fundraising help, and encouragement. Ask your coach for more specifics!
Test
Collect evidence, find problems, and learn from failure.
Iterate
Improve the design—again and again.
Why does the robot keep changing?
Iteration is the work. A design that fails gives the team evidence for its next decision.
What if my student is frustrated?
Listen first. Ask what they have tried, what they learned, and what their next small step could be.
Is robotics only for future engineers?
No. Students practice creative problem-solving, project management, public speaking, leadership, and collaboration.
Two organizations.
More ways to compete.
Beginning in 2026–27, Indiana families may hear about robotics competitions operated by either the Global Robotics & Science Foundation or the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation. Both keep students at the center of designing, building, coding, and explaining their work.
Global Robotics & Science Foundation
Operates the VEX IQ and VEX V5 Robotics Competitions, including the Level Up and Override games.
GLOBAL ROBOTICS · VEX IQ
Level Up
Elementary & middle school
60 SEC▲●■
Two robots cooperate in 60-second matches, moving bean bags into increasingly high goals. Students also compete in driver and autonomous skills challenges.
REC FOUNDATION - RECF Engage
Tier Takeover
Elementary & middle school
60 SEC●▲●
Robots navigate a 6-by-8-foot field to collect bean bags and place them in or on matching goals. Teams participate in driving, coding, and cooperative alliance matches.
Which program is my student in?
Robotics Education & Competition Foundation
Operates RECF Engage, Achieve, and Inspire competitions with multiple eligible building systems.
GLOBAL ROBOTICS · VEX V5
Override
Middle & high school
2:00 MATCH♢↕♢
Two alliances of two teams compete on a 12x12-foot field. Robots stack pins and cups, control toggles, and finish at midfield after autonomous and driver-controlled periods.
REC FOUNDATION - RECF Achieve
Pinnacle
Middle & high school
60 SEC SKILLS♢▣♢
Robots score cups and stack colored pins on goals, with higher-value scoring at the center goal. Teams compete through driving, coding, and alliance challenges.
Look for Global Robotics with VEX IQ or VEX V5 game names
Look for RECF Engage or Achieve on REC Foundation materials. Your coach can confirm the team’s registration and ruleset.
Global evidence.
Local impact.
95%
of VEX participants report increased interest in STEM subjects and STEM-related careers.
100%
86%
of surveyed middle school students said robotics improved problem-solving skills.
90%
of surveyed high school students reported stronger STEM technical skills.
of parent respondents were likely or very likely to return.
Robotics In Indiana
“Robotics has helped build his confidence and given him a true sense of purpose. He takes pride in his contributions, feels empowered by his accomplishments, and continues to grow both academically and personally.”
The Parent Playbook
Be the pit crew,
not the engineer.
The most helpful adults create the conditions for students to solve the problem themselves.
Do
Ask questions before offering answers
Praise effort, iteration, and teamwork
Help with rides, meals, schedules, and fundraising
Learn the team’s communication channels
Celebrate every role—not only the driver
Competition Day
Try not to
Touch, repair, or redesign the robot
Coach from the stands during a match
Compare your student with teammates
Make winning the only measure of success
Solve conflicts before students try
said understanding the program, rules, or how to help was a challenge—the most common challenge in our local survey. Asking the coach what support is useful is a great first step.
50 Families
Long day.
Big learning.
Expect early arrival, inspection, practice, qualification matches, alliance conversations, judging, repairs, and a lot of waiting. Plans will change. That is part of the experience.
On The Car Ride Home
The car ride home is a great opportunity to help your student reflect on their robotics experience. Ask open-ended questions that encourage them to share what they learned, what challenged them, and what they’re proud of.
Your experience can shape what comes next.
Parents and caregivers see changes that a scoreboard cannot capture. Share what worked, what was difficult, and what support your family needs.