Vex IQ : Foundation - Competition
Ustar Education Vex IQ offers 3 levels of courses for students having different needs.
Level 1
Fundamental knowledge suitable for students having Zero knowledge about robotic and machine coding age from 7-11.
Students will learn the basic knowledge of how to use motors, gears and sensors and learn the corresponding coding.
Teaching will focus on one building mechanism or module in each class and the robot will be programmed to process one task or 2 at a time. 2 students will be grouped as partners in each class to encourage them to collaborate, communicate and develop soft skills. (14 weeks)
Class Schedule:
-Friday: 6:30-8:30 PM
-Saturday: 1:00-3:00 PM
-Sunday: 10:00-12:00 PM
Level 2
2 or more building modules or mechanical structures will be combined so the robot is able to finish 2 or 3 tasks (more complicated tasks) at a time.
Advanced coding skills will be taught to support the complicated building mechanism. 2 or more sensors will be combined so the robot will be able to act more like a human. For example: distance sensor and optical sensor combined acting like a human’s eye to guide a robot to finish the task. (14 weeks)
Class Schedule:
-Monday: 4:15-6:15 PM
-Saturday: 3:00-5:00 PM
-Sunday: 1:00-3:00 PM
Level 3
Review of Classical games or tournaments in the past: select some of classic games in the past, review the game in detail about building mechanisms and coding.
Students will be expected to build two competitive robots used in the past to test. This level of course will equip students with knowledge, confidence, and skills to be ready for a real competition. (14 weeks)
Class Schedule:
-Sunday: 1:00-4:00 PM
-Sunday: 4:15-7:15 PM
2025 Spring Schedule
Level 1
Cupertino/San Jose Site
Friday: 6:30-8:30 PM
Saturday: 1:00-3:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00-12:00 PM
14 lessons, 2 hours per class, Tuition $980
Level 2
Cupertino/San Jose Site
Monday: 4:15-6:15 PM
Saturday: 3:00-5:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00-3:00 PM
14 lessons, 2 hours per class, Tuition $980
Level 3
Cupertino/San Jose Site
Sunday 1:00-4:00
Sunday 4:15-7:15
14 lessons, 3 hours per class, Tuition $1470
Ustar Robotics Teachers
Dr. Liao
Robotics Teacher
• 9 years teaching robotics, developing curriculum for various institutions.
• 4 years leading VEX teams, including referee and translator roles at World Championships.
• Expert in VEX rules, strategies, and providing guidance in design, programming, and teamwork.
Ms. Sara
Math / Robotic Teacher
Teacher Sara has a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Graduated from De Anza Collage in Computer Science and Child Development certificate. She got advanced certificate from UC Santa Cruz ex in Internet and web programing. She has more than 10 years experience working with various stages and levels of teaching starting child level from pre-school, elementary school through college student in-person and online classes. She is ready to get a Teacher Director California License from Commission teacher credentialing. Her specialty is teaching Mathematics(pre-algebra, Algebra, Calculus, geometry), Physics, Astronomy, Game Design, Computer Programming such as Python and Java, and Robotic with the play-based method. She strives to make learning fun for children.
Mr. Selahittin
Math/Physics/Robotics Teacher
Mr. Selahittin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from UC Santa Cruz, specializing in cryptographic systems and AI. With a robust background in software development and extensive teaching experience, he brings both knowledge and enthusiasm to the classroom. His expertise includes advanced calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, kinematics, electricity and magnetism, computer science, and robotics. Proficient in Java, Python, C, C++, Unix, Linux, ROS, and PostgreSQL, Mr. Selahittin excels at guiding students through the software development life cycle. His teaching philosophy centers on creating an engaging, supportive, and confidence-building learning environment, making education a rewarding and enjoyable journey for all students.
Mr. Parker
Robotics Teacher
Parker obtained a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering and a Master in Computer Science from UIUC. In the past he has worked on autonomous vehicles and swarm robotics. He currently works in cybersecurity, with a focus on creating AI applications. He enjoys teaching children about programming and advancing human robot interactions.
Ms. Payal
Math / Robotic Teacher
Mrs. Payal Gandhi, a Bachelor’s degree holder in Information Technology from the University of Mumbai, India, brings expertise in cloud technologies such as AWS. Currently enhancing her skills with advanced courses, she aspires to integrate her IT background and passion for robotics into her teaching methods, aiming to provide top-notch education in the field of robotics.
Ms. Ruchitha
Robotics Teacher
Ms. Ruchitha Pellakuru, is an innovative Lead software engineer and dedicated educator with a Master’s degree in Computer Science from University of California, Riverside and a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. She specializes in distributed systems, AI, and robotics, and is proficient in key computer science domains including Java, C, databases, web development, data structures & algorithms, and SQL. Her professional background encompasses extensive software development and cloud infrastructure projects using technologies like Docker, Flask, Python, and AWS. As a STEM mentor at UCR’s Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement Program, she has effectively integrated hands-on projects and learning sessions, substantially enhancing students’ practical understanding of technology. Her educational ideology is committed to nurturing creativity and critical thinking, preparing students to meet the future challenges of technology with her style of creating fun and practical teaching environment around.
Mr. Alec
Robotics Teacher
Alec’s background ranges from Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Prototyping, to Technical Instruction and Curriculum Design. He has created car-sized Combat Robots for Comedy Central’s “BattleBots”, fabricated gear for Discovery Channel’s “Prototype This”, and designed test equipment for the Sunpower Corporation and Panasonic. In 2007 Alec changed gears (pun intended), and has since focused entirely on Early Technical Education.
Mr. Nathaniel
Robotics Teacher
Nathaniel Esquivel is a STEM educator with years of experience teaching mechanical engineering and software engineering to younger students. He uses VEX and LEGO to coach both competitive and recreational robotics teams. Nathaniel continues his passion in college at Mechanical engineery and hopes to use his degree to educate the minds of future engineers.
Mr. Michael
Robotic Teacher
Mr.Caleb
Robotics Teacher
Meet Caleb, an enthusiastic and skilled coach at our robotics lab school, dedicated to teaching and inspiring young minds. With a communication B.A. and a master’s degree in urban planning. He is also pursuing a second master in computer science, Caleb brings a unique mix of technical and communication skills to the classroom. He specializes in Python programming, graphic GIS, and robotics, while also training VEX teams in driving and teamwork. Caleb’s passion for teaching and his ability to engage and excite students make him an exceptional mentor in the world of robotics education.
USTAR
1340 S De Anza Blvd, Suite 102, San Jose, CA 95129
Phone: (650)-686-2012
Online: ustar@loveustar.com
Onsite: onsite@loveustar.com
