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3. STEM Research Challenge - Elementary School

This online challenge invites teams to create a presentation that delves into the ethics of robotics, encouraging a deeper understanding of responsible robot use with a focus on fairness and safety. Students are prompted to reflect on their learning experiences and explore how they will continue to apply ethical practices in robotics moving forward.

Visit this link for a printable summary of this challenge.

 

Prizes

One (1) Winner: $500 VEX Robotics gift certificate; if the winning entry is VEX IQ Robotics Competition team that has competed in their program with a physical robot during their competition season, they will also receive an automatic qualification to the 2025 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 two prize packages.

• Elementary

• Middle

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.

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

Requirements

This challenge aims to foster a deep understanding of ethics in robotics. It encourages students to take ownership of their learning and work, emphasizing integrity and responsibility in all aspects of their project.

Project Components

1. Understanding Ethics in Robotics: Explain what is right and wrong when using robots and technology. Discuss topics such as honesty, fairness, and how robots can positively impact people's lives.

2. Ethical Considerations: Consider what’s fair and kind when using technology. For example, ensure robots are used safely and provide everyone with the opportunity to learn about robotics.

3. Reflection and Future Goals: Reflect on what the team learned about ethics in robotics, what they enjoyed, and how they plan to continue practicing ethical behavior in their future projects.

Technical Requirements

A video 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.

Intellectual Property Rights

Your submissions help the REC Foundation further our mission. You will retain all rights to any material you submit, including ownership if applicable. The REC Foundation will endeavor to credit all submissions with the appropriate team number when used in part or in whole.

By submitting entry for an REC Foundation Online Challenge, you grant the REC Foundation and its related entities such as existing and/or potential sponsors and partners a worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive right in perpetuity to use any part of the submission for any purpose, including but not limited to:

• Display of all or part of the submission on REC Foundation websites.

• Allowing third parties, including but not limited to REC Foundation partners, sponsors, and individuals, to share all or part of the submission on social media.

• Use of all or part of the submission on the Internet and in social media in support of the REC Foundation mission.

• Use of all or part of the submission in the REC Foundation’s and related entities’ internal and external communications and marketing materials including but not limited to web sites and web publications, fact sheets, fundraising publications, advertising, multimedia, displays, presentation and membership services, annual report, and newsletters.

Upload Instructions

Note: All online 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

Enhanced Judging Information (up to 5 points for each criterion):

• Understanding Ethics (up to 5 points): Explains ethical concepts and provides numerious examples of how robots can positively impact lives.
• Ethical Considerations (up to 5 points): Deep exploration of ethical concerns, providing thoughtful insights into how they impact robotics.
• Presentation and Organization (up to 5 points): Polished, structured, and easy to follow.
• Clarity and Creativity (up to 5 points): Visually appealing and engaging submission with a clear message.
• Solutions & Conclusions (up to 5 points): Provides well-reasoned, innovative solutions to the ethical issues raised.

Current time:
Fri, Dec 6, 2024 7:31 AM CST

Opens:

Wed, Nov 6, 2024 12:00 AM CST

Closes:

Wed, Jan 29, 2025 4:00 PM CST

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