So far this school year, ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY’s elementary and middle school robotics teams have competed in two VEX IQ tournaments. The 18-student program, run by Mr. Robyn Cabuslay, has been working after school throughout the semester.
The STEM-based program, which is centered on the engineering cycle of design, gives IPA students the opportunity to learn how to work collaboratively, use technology, document their process, and compete respectfully with other teams.
“I like VEX IQ because you can be creative, and it’s fun, and you can let your mind free and build whatever you want with plastic parts,” says Sebastian Banquil, a Navigator Robotics team member.
IPA’s two middle school and one elementary school teams have received eight awards so far this season. At their first tournament—the international 2016 Pan Pacific Championship—our VEX IQ teams took home the Amaze Award, Design Award, Robot Skills Champion Award, and the Teamwork Champion Award. Then about a month later, they won the Amaze Award, Robot Skills Champion Award, Teamwork Champion Award, and the Middle School Excellence Award at the Lancer VEX IQ Challenge.
At the Lancer VEX IQ Challenge year, Mr. Cabuslay and his family also received the Volunteer of the Year Award.
In-fact, after just two tournaments, IPA’s team 4442A is ranked second out of 1300 teams across the world! You can view the VEX IQ Skills World Rankings and track IPA’s progress.
“I think it’s amazing that such a small school has such a successful program,” said a Navigator Robotics parent, “It’s fascinating to sit and watch them, you can see things turning in their head, and then all of a sudden it’s a reality.”
The next tournament Navigator Robotics will be competing in is the State of Hawaii REACH – North Shore VEX IQ Tournament on December 17.
Good luck to Navigator Robotics.
