Chattanooga State has had the distinct pleasure of co-sponsoring VEX competitions for high school students interested in STEM-based robotics concepts since 2013. Ooltewah High School’s Career and Technical Education /CAD teacher Lynda Pickett approached Chattanooga State’s Beth Ruta, Engineering Technology professor and department head, with the idea of a VEX competition for any HCDE high school team. What began with three teams in 2013 grew to 10 teams in 2017.

With its popularity soaring, Chattanooga State has planned its first state-qualifying VEX EDR Competition for middle and high school students at the Volkswagen Academy on Saturday, February 10 beginning at 8 a.m. The competition is sponsored by the Regional Center for Nuclear Education and Training (RCNET) and TVA/Greater Robotics of Chattanooga.

Utilizing a Mardi Gras theme, this first-time VEX EDR competition will be full of fun as teams are encouraged to dress for Mardi Gras. Those dressed for the occasion will be entered into a drawing to receive some “cool stuff” according to event organizer Samantha Travis, ChattState’s RCNET Technical Specialist. Students may also tour the Volkswagen Academy, play with robots and will have the opportunity to purchase lunch prepared by Ooltewah High School culinary students.

Vexrobotics.com describes VEX EDR as more than an integrated system of motors, wheels, metal, and sensors that can be used to build or program robots. It's an established classroom companion for STEM learning in middle and high school and serves as a tool to help students understand crucial problem-solving concepts.

For more information on the VEX EDR Competition, contact Samantha Travis at 423-697-5514 or email Samantha.travis@chattanoogastate.edu.