Overview

The middle school Coda Competitive Robotics Team gives students a hands-on, immersive experience in STEM through annual FLL (First Lego League) competitions. As the highest level of robotics offered at Coda, this invitation-only team challenges students to design, build, and program robots while developing advanced problem-solving, teamwork, and creative thinking skills. Students meet weekly starting in early fall and compete in December. If the team places among the top three in the state, they continue training in the spring and compete again in the summer at an international level in another state.

Perfecting Skills for the Future

Over the past three years, the team has consistently placed in the top three in the state and competed internationally in New Jersey, Boston, and Daytona. They now work with the Spike Prime robot and program in Python, gaining hands-on experience in advanced robotics and industry-relevant coding skills. In addition to programming and robot design, teams tackle a real-world problem, developing innovative solutions while being evaluated on teamwork and team culture.

Coda Robotics offers five progressive levels for students, beginning with two levels of WeDo for younger learners, followed by Mindstorms, Spike Prime, and culminating in Competitive Robotics. Entry-level robotics is available for students as young as 3rd grade through regular after-school programs open to all age-appropriate students in public, private, or homeschool settings. Competitive robotics builds on this foundation, providing top students the opportunity to engage at the highest level of challenge and competition.

Beyond technical knowledge, participation fosters confidence, perseverance, and collaboration. Students learn to tackle complex challenges, think creatively under pressure, and celebrate collective success—skills that serve them well both in and out of the classroom.