Entry Points to VEX and the REC Foundation
Classroom and competition students will find resources and articles to get started with VEX Robotics and the REC Foundation. VEX Robotics designs and produces robotics kits, robot parts, coding software, and curriculum; the REC Foundation is a non-profit organization that manages VEX Robotics competitions. Whether you’re using VEX Robotics in your classroom or through one of the REC Foundation competitions, you’ll find what you need to succeed.
Welcome to VEX and REC
Hi, my name is Grace.
I would like to welcome you to the VEX Library and the REC Library! Whether you are a new student or a VEX Robotics veteran, you have come to the right place! This directory is your best friend for accessing information for all things VEX.
In VEX Robotics, the skills we learn are useful beyond the robotics competition. For example, the engineering design process enhanced my problem-solving skills. Early on, it was challenging for me to remember the steps of the engineering design process. My coach amazed me by answering all my questions with information from the VEX website. When I would ask him questions about the competition game, he would always say, “Read the game manual.” After countless repetitions of that one phrase, I finally got it. I would automatically consult the VEX website because I learned research was a game changer for solving robotics challenges.
So be curious! Be plucky when searching for answers! The VEX Library and the REC Library were designed by the same great minds who developed the VEX platforms. Their 24/7 accessibility is invaluable; plus, you will be your coach’s favorite student when you consult the online resources instead of pestering them the night before a competition. We all face challenges, but we love robotics because our greatest challenge can become our greatest success story!
Best of luck to you and your team!
Grace Meyer - Team 3547H
Engineering
Learning to be an engineer can be a lifelong journey. This section will help you get started with engineering long before you go to college. We will add more information to this section continually.
This section includes:
- Introduction to Engineering
- Interviews with Student
- Hero Robots
- Building Beyond the Hero Robot
- Engineering Design Process
- Get Inspired by Past Robot Reveal Videos
- Strategy Dictates Design
- Mechanical Knowledge
- Electronics Usage
- Coding Your Robot
Learn more at engineering.vex.com
Notebooking
An Engineering Notebook provides a place for you to practice writing skills, express ideas through drawing, and create a chronological account of your team's use of the Engineering Design Process. We will add more information to this section continually.
This section includes:
- Introduction to Notebooking
- Enhanced Access enabled by Digital Notebooks
- Interviews with Student
- Rubric for Engineering Notebooks
- Resources for students
- Resources for coaches and educators
Learn more at notebooking.vex.com
Coding
Coding is a critical part of modern life, and key to a successful robot design.
This section includes:
- Introduction to coding
- Accessing VEXcode
- Learn coding with video tutorials
- Use VEXcode help
- Start with Virtual Skills
- Should I use Blocks, Python, or C++?
- Learn coding by reading articles
- Learn coding with virtual robots
- Use the CS Curriculum
- VEX Visual Studio Code Extension
- Coding support
Learn more at coding.vex.com
Competing
There’s a lot for teams to understand about robotics competitions and how to succeed at them. This collection includes resources for competition teams to review before a robotics competition.
This section includes:
- Game manuals
- Tournaments & leagues
- The Judging process
- Attending a tournament
- Robot inspection checklist
- VEX Robotics World Championship
- Safety
Learn more at teams.vex.com
Code of Conduct
The Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation considers the positive, respectful, and ethical conduct of all students, teachers, mentors, parents, and other event attendees an important and essential component of all REC Foundation-sanctioned events.
We expect the following behavior and ethical standards at all REC Foundation-sanctioned events:
- Act with integrity, honesty, and reliability
- Behave in a respectful and professional manner with event staff, volunteers, and fellow competitors
- Exhibit maturity and class when dealing with difficult and stressful situations
- Respect individual differences
- Follow all rules as listed in the current game manual(s)
- Student-centered teams with limited adult assistance
- Safety as a top priority
- Good sportsmanship, which includes supporting your alliance partners
These expectations apply to all team members and all adults associated with a team including, but not limited to, teachers, mentors, parents and guardians. This Code may also apply to behavior outside of REC Foundation-sanctioned events where inappropriate actions are related to an event or participating individuals.
Read more about the Code of Conduct
VEX Library
Documentation, resources and information about all things VEX—organized and in one place. The VEX Library is the place to find detailed information on building, electronics, coding and troubleshooting.
The VEX Library includes information on:
- How to use VEX electronics
- How to use VEX mechanical products
- Drivetrain and mechanism design
- Installing and using VEXcode
- Coding tutorials
- Troubleshooting guides
- Safety guidelines
Learn more at library.vex.com
REC Library for Teams
The REC Foundation and VEX have collaborated to consolidate all the resources a team needs into one place. This site will become your go-to place for information on starting a team, game manuals, policies, equipment, events, robots, coding, and the engineering design process.
REC Library for Teams includes:
- Getting started guides
- Design process and engineering notebooks
- Competitions
- Tournaments
- Forms and policies
- Robots
- Coding
- VEX Robotics World Championship
- Competition history
Learn more at teams.vex.com
More Student Resources
The REC Library provides a number of resources for students who wish to take early steps toward their future STEM careers, including industry certifications and internships.
- Learning resources
- The new REC Foundation Ambassadors program
- Internship program
- Alumni Association
- Industry certifications
- International Robotics Honor Society
Learn more in the REC Library / Students & Parents
Parent and Guardian Resources
This set of resources and articles helps parents and guardians encourage and support their student’s STEM journey.
Topics include:
- Parent/Guardian interviews
- Supporting STEM students
- Scholarships
Explore the content at parents.vex.com
Scholarships
The REC Foundation partners with over 50 organizations, universities, and colleges to offer a scholarship program.
Explore the content at scholarships.vex.com