Frequently Asked Questions...

The student-to-staff ratio in our programs ranges from four to eight students per instructor, depending on the grade level. In most classes, especially for the lower grades, students work in teams of two to learn teamwork. This encourages the students to speak out and discuss their ideas.

It depends on which track and levels. Here is a link to the cost of all most school year programs.

All our classes are instructor-led. Gr. 4- 8 Robotics Projects students have been utilizing Robot Virtual World for projects since 2015. This allows students to build the fundamental robotics programming skill before investing hundreds of dollars on a single physical robot. In addition, we have found that students have made faster progress at the earlier stages.

Yes.

Researches and studies have proven its effectiveness and high value of learning, such as this one, or this one, and more.

It’s curriculum is supported by U of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Academy. CMU Robotics Academy's CS-STEM Network utilizes the "Robot Virtual World" as major learning tool.

It’s goal aligns with SR’s – to develop and strengthen students’ requisite skills in the field of Computer Science and Robotics to compete in the AI world.

More about the research:

Research, done by the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy and Learning Research Development Center at the U. of Pittsburgh, shows that learning to program in RVW is 33% more efficient than using physical robots. RVW allows them to program simulated VEX® and LEGO® robots in 3D environments using RobotC as the physical robots. It is mainly because of faster iterative cycle from the elimination of mechanical flaws. (Here is the link to the research document . )

Better yet, Storming Robots do not just use cookie-cutter programs. We further enhanced their curriculum to advance students with high potential.

Best is to get a glimpse of what they have learned through students' work - Engineer journaling and/or Portfolio. Let's take a look  here

This essential characteristics has always been a part of the learning process in our Robotics Project Track programs. Through our online programs, we have been able to further strengthen and obtain stronger result.

Starting from Spring of 2020, Storming Robots launched "The Most Developed Portfolio Recognition" to further encourage this important discipline which has been commonly neglected. Students created their portfolio - a multi-faceted way for them to organize, reflect , and substantiate on the knowledge gained throughout the term, and accomplishment.

When students reach I & II - Analytics level, students will start using the platform MakeBlock Ranger with Arduino-C . Most of our entry level competition partcipants will use this platform as well.

Using the Robot Virtual World with Mindstorms allows them to establish the fundamental skill in getting virtual robot to work through various project and learning to program in text-based C-like programming language. After that, they can migrate to another more sophisticated physical platform. If students would choose to stay with LEGO Mindstorms, they can certaintly do that.

What not Mindstorms platform?

Mindstorms costs almost 3x, but is far less expandable than Makeblock platform.

Better yet, once they get used to Arduino-C, it will lend itself nicely to a far more diversed platforms and sophisticated projects.

Absolutely.

For those whith Algorithms in C/C++ - level III experience,they can move onto Webots Simulation platform. Webots is designed for a professional use and is widely usefaqd in industry, education and research. Storming Robots has run multiple workshops, and participated in the Simulation platform World competition starting the Fall of 2020.

• Work hard, play hard, have fun in learning robotics and programming, and take pride in their efforts.
• Develop a problem-solving mentality, analytical mind.
• Love exploring how stuff works.
• Take responsibility and risks.
• Persevere and be resourceful.
• Share and have Fun in Doing and Creating.
• Be proud yet Humble.
• Immerse ourselves in opportunities.

Robotics Track (Grade 4 to 6): an online spatial and logic reasoning assessment test.

Computer Science Track (Grade 7+): high proficiency in Introduction of Algebra.

Robotics and Electronic Track :CS Track- Algorithms in C/C++ - Level B.

We highly encourage students to be committed to the robotics classes schedule and not to miss a class unnecessarily.

Our strength is to stay fluid with each individual group's interest and learning in order to allow the fullest learning potential. Due to the nature of team work, absence causes disruption to others. In addition to open-end challenge environment, no two classes are in identical pace.

Purpose of any makeup session is to ensure students to catch up with class pace, "not" to make up hours. No makeup sessions will be necessary for lower level students. It is far more productive that instructor provides extra assistance to the student for catching up at the next class.

Please review details on makeup sessions. Only advanced students, i.e. Level I & II Analytics and up, will be given make-up classes.

Storming Robots provides Performance Reports at the end of Fall and Spring Term.

Winter: Only those who experience great difficulty in catching up or have other issues that require parental intervention will receive a report. In such cases, students will most likely receive a report much before the end of the Winter term.

We are able to offer a 180-days license to work on a Robotics Virtual World, by CMU Robotics Academy, for only $10.

The competitions we choose to participate are far more demanding in programming than most other popular pre-college robotics competitions available in the States. Thus, all students must demonstrate proficiency in various levels depending on the competitions.  Learn More.

Here is a document to help you which Summer Workshop is right for your child?

• Goal Oriented, but Application-based with Open-Ended Challenge.
• Heavily focus on true engineering process.
• Roadmap to advance learning.
• Feedback Report.
• Focus on higher order of thinking, and emphasize computational thinking.

No. The contest is an opportunity for potential new members to qualify, but RVMG is not looking for a set number of new members. The qualifying test determines if the math level of the student is sufficient to benefit from RVMG. The pace and level of RVMG sessions is very challenging.

It is not feasible for RVMG to run tests at more frequent intervals, even though we have inquiries on a regular basis throughout the year. RVMG is a non-profit, volunteer run organization, and the test development, test validation, scheduling, proctoring and grading require a significant time investment. Testing is available in March and again in September. We have accepted students a priori who had already qualified for the AMO/JMO. If you would like to be on the mailing list for the next test date, please    email to the RVMG group.

The RVMG math contest emphasizes mathematical thinking and problem solving. There is no particular course or program to specifically prepare for it. Working on lots of challenging non-routine math problems and reading math books will help. Some previous contest questions are available at  RVMG website.

The exam will start and end at the appointed time. Registered latecomers may take the test, but extra time will not be given.