Grades 7 & 8 Engineer Robots for Hands-On STEAM Challenges

Innovation, teamwork, and friendly competition came together in the Far Hills Innovation Lab as Grade 7 and 8 students took on two exciting robotics challenges that blended design, engineering, and strategy into engaging, hands-on learning experiences.

Grade 7 began the year with the Navigate the Maze project, where they designed, built, and drove VEX IQ BaseBots through a maze. The challenge encouraged creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving while giving students a real-world application of STEM concepts. Inspired by the idea of combining planning with hands-on execution, students had to think critically about robot design, control strategies, and teamwork—skills essential for future robotics competitions.

Throughout the project, students analyzed the maze layout, brainstormed strategies, and constructed robots tailored to the challenge. They experimented with different wheel types and drive systems, learning through trial and error how small adjustments in wheel alignment, weight distribution, and route planning could dramatically affect performance. Many “aha” moments emerged as students realized that precision and control often led to better results than simply racing through the maze.

Building on these skills, Grade 8 took robotics to the next level with the Capture the Flag challenge—a competitive, strategy-driven project that merged design, engineering, and teamwork in a dynamic, game-like environment. Using VEX IQ robotics kits, students designed, built, and programmed robots to compete on custom-built fields, taking on offensive or defensive roles. They sketched prototypes, tested designs, and refined their robots through multiple rounds, learning that success came from strategy and adaptability as much as speed.

Collaboration was central to the process, as teams communicated clearly, solved problems in real time, and stayed positive under pressure. “It was incredible to see how students stayed positive and supportive, learning from trial and error,” said Nick Scalera, K–8 Innovation Specialist. “Some teams created clever defensive mechanisms, while others focused on agile offensive designs. The creativity was impressive.”

Both projects strengthened students’ engineering and critical thinking skills while deepening their appreciation for teamwork, perseverance, and creativity. From navigating mazes to capturing flags, Far Hills students demonstrated curiosity, innovation, and resilience—building not just robots, but confidence and collaboration skills that will serve them well beyond the Innovation Lab.

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