Robotics Education & Competition Foundation
Inspiring students, one robot at a time.

Girl Powered Challenge Sponsored by Google - Elementary School

Girl Powered is an initiative to redefine the face of STEM and make robotics look more like the diverse world we live in. Google and the REC Foundation are committed to highlighting how exciting it is to be involved with STEM, showcasing examples of how women are changing the world, providing tools for success, and creating environments where all students' confidence and abilities can flourish. Entries for this challenge will help show the robotics community at large just what it means to be a Girl Powered robotics team!

Share your compelling, engaging stories that give us insight into how you’ve incorporated the Girl Powered initiative into your experience on a VEX IQ or VEX Robotics Competition team. How does your team recruit a diverse set of members and support them in trying new things and reaching outside their comfort zones? Your individual stories will highlight and encourage new experiences, a diverse culture, and a more inclusive definition of what a roboticist looks like.

Visit this link for a printable summary of this challenge.

 

Grade Level Requirements
Elementary School Middle School High School College / University No Grade Level Restrictions
Program Requirements
VEX IQ Robotics Competition

Prizes

One (1) Winner: $500 VEX Robotics gift certificate; if the winning entry is from a VIQRC team that has competed in their program with a physical robot during their competition season, they will also receive an automatic qualification to the 2024 VEX World Championships

Four (4) Finalists: $100 VEX Robotics gift certificate

Finalists and winners will be selected at each of the following grade levels, for a total of four (4) prize packages:

  • Elementary School

  • Middle School

  • High School

  • University

Eligibility

Teams must be part of a registered VEX Robotics team for the current season.

  • This page is for Elementary School entries only - if you are any other program or grade level, please refer to the Online Challenge listings to find the correct page for your program and grade level.

  • Only one entry per team is permitted. However, each team in a multi-team school or club program may submit one entry. For example, teams 123A and 123B could each submit an entry, but team 123A could not submit two entries. Entries must vary in content and presentation to be considered separate entries. 

  • Entries submitted in previous years’ Online Challenges are not eligible for submission this year.

By uploading a submission to an REC Foundation Online Challenge, you agree to follow the Submission Guidelines and certify that you understand the Intellectual Property Rights held by you and the REC Foundation regarding your submission. Please review the Submission Guidelines and Intellectual Property Rights information at this link before uploading your submission.

Requirements

Challenge Details

Tell us what makes your team Girl Powered. Your video should feature your team and the work you do to create a dynamic, diverse, and Girl Powered environment that is welcoming to all.

Things to keep in mind for a successful submission:

  • When you hear the phrase “Girl Powered,” what comes to mind? How is it reflected in your team’s approach to robotics?

  • How does your team take initiative to create a more inclusive environment that attracts a diverse group of students?

  • Do team members try various roles on the team (designing, building, driving, programming, strategy, awards, etc.), and what do they learn from this experience?

  • How do you believe diversity of perspective changes your robot design, your team chemistry, and even your ability to succeed?

  • Who is your STEM role model, and why? Does this person inspire you to have a more inclusive team/program? How?

Minimum Requirements

A submission must meet these minimum requirements in order to be judged.

  1. Entry is created and produced solely by student team members. It is acceptable for adults to help with the technical aspects of creating and submitting a video to YouTube, and adults are encouraged to assist in completing any task that would be difficult or inappropriate for students in their age group.

  2. Format: One link to a video file posted on YouTube, SchoolTube, Youku, or equivalent video-streaming platform. Links to Google Drive, Dropbox, or other storage locations are not acceptable and will not be reviewed.

  3. Size: Up to three (3) minutes, including title, credits, and any other content.

  4. Credits:  Each video must include:

    • Title of submission

    • Names of students who participated (using first names only is acceptable)

    • Team number 

    • Location of team

  5. Music must be in the public domain.

Upload Instructions

Note: Beginning with the 2023-24 season, challenge entries must be uploaded by the primary contact for a registered team. This individual should ensure that the submission meets all requirements and criteria before uploading.

  1. Click the green Submit an Entry button on the right side of the screen.

  2. Fill out the submission form and add an optional description of the entry to the Short Description field.

  3. Ensure you are entering the correct team number and letter, with no spaces.

  4. Click Save.

  5. Click the blue Links / Videos button in the upper right of the screen.

  6. Enter the URL, title, and description of the video.

  7. Click on Add Link.

Judging Information

  • Up to 5 points for describing what the phrase “Girl Powered” means to the team and how it impacts their approach to robotics

  • Up to 5 points for showing how the team takes initiative to create a more inclusive environment that attracts a diverse group of students

  • Up to 5 points for showing how team members are encouraged to try various roles on the team (designing, building, driving, programming, strategy, awards, etc.), and what they learn from this experience

  • Up to 5 points for explaining how diversity of perspective influences robot design, team chemistry, and ability to succeed

  • Up to 5 points for describing a STEM role model and how this person inspires a more inclusive team/program

  • Up to 5 points for a video that is well-edited, structured, and presented with clear, appropriate and well-balanced sound

  • Up to 5 points for a video that is easy to understand, clearly presented, creative, and enjoyable to watch

     

Deadline Information

Current time:
Mon, Dec 2, 2024 2:32 PM CST

Opens:

Wed, Nov 1, 2023 12:00 AM CDT

Closes:

Wed, Jan 31, 2024 4:00 PM CST