Vex IQ : Foundation - Competition
Ustar Education Vex IQ offers 3 levels of courses for students having different needs.
Level 1
For students aged 7–11 with no prior experience.
Step into the world of robotics with Level 1 of our VEX IQ Foundation program, the perfect starting point for beginners! In this level, students explore fundamental mechanical and programming concepts using the VEX IQ platform.
Mechanical Construction: Learn to build basic robot components such as chassis, simple arms, directional switch structures, and entry-level modules.
Programming with VEXcode: Practice using built-in controller programs, understand joystick value thresholds, and apply direct motor control.
Hands-On Projects: Each class features one mechanism and a corresponding task, allowing students to design, build, and program a solution.
Teamwork Emphasis: Students work in pairs to build collaboration, communication, and creative thinking.
Class Schedule:
-Wednesday: 6:30-8:30 PM
-Sunday: 9:30-11:30 AM
Level 2
For students with Level 1 knowledge or similar experience.
Build on your foundational skills with more advanced mechanical design and sensor-based programming. This level introduces more complex, multi-functional robot structures.
Mechanical Integration: Combine multiple modules—such as lifting arms and intake systems—to perform complex, multi-step tasks.
Advanced Programming: Learn to program jog controls, set program-defined movement limits, use shortcut keys, and apply dual sensor logic.
Sensor Fusion: Integrate distance and optical sensors to mimic human-like decision-making.
Real-World Challenge: Complete tasks requiring coordinated mechanical and programming performance.
Class Schedule:
-Monday: 4:15-6:15 PM
-Saturday: 3:00-5:00 PM
-Sunday: 1:00-3:00 PM
Level 3
For students aiming to compete in VEX IQ tournaments.
Master robotics through real-game simulations and advanced control systems. This level prepares students to perform confidently in VEX IQ competitions.
Game Strategy: Analyze past competition games and recreate successful robot designs for hands-on learning.
Build Competitive Robots: Construct two full robots with multi-tasking capabilities and refined structure.
Advanced Programming: Implement PID control algorithms, gyroscopic turns, multithreading tasks, and variable locks.
Match Readiness: Refine your robot and teamwork for real match conditions.
Class Schedule:
-Sunday: 1:00-4:00 PM
-Sunday: 4:15-7:15 PM
Level 3-Sensor&Coding
Starting from 4/13, 8 classes per session, total $840.
Class Schedule:
-Sunday: 4:15-7:15 PM
2025 Summer Schedule
Level 1/2
Cupertino/San Jose Site
Monday/Wednesday: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Tuesday/Thursday: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 1:30 – 4:30 PM
14 lessons, 2 hours per class, Tuition $980
2025 Spring Schedule
Level 1
Cupertino/San Jose Site
-Wednesday: 6:30-8:30 PM
-Sunday: 9:30-11:30 AM
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
Level 3-Sensor&Coding
Cupertino/San Jose Site
Sunday 4:15-7:15
8lessons, 3 hours per class, Tuition $840
Ustar STEM Lab Coaches
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.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.
Mr. Michael
Robotic Teacher
Coach Michael began by climbing the ranks of a competitive robotics team, leading them to win ‘Best Engineered’ and ‘Best Designed’ awards. With a passion for mechanics and problem-solving, he has experience designing robots from scratch and rebuilding cars. He focuses on gaining more knowledge and studying to enhance his skills for teaching future generations.
Mr. Sai
Robotics Teacher
Sai is an experienced designer and builder in robotics, and has been competing for four years. He has many accomplishments in VEX VRC, from winning the state championship to becoming division champion at the world championship. He specializes in the mechanical side of robotics and is skilled at designing, building, and tuning robots. Additionally, he has a deep passion for aerospace engineering and has built many passion projects in this field. Sai is eager to share his skills with the students and help them advance in robotics by learning how to use CAD to design more efficient and competitive robots.
Mr. Ethan
Robotics Teacher
Meet Ethan Don — a passionate and experienced robotics coach with a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and over 8 years of experience in VEX robotics education. He has led teams to dozens of awards across both VEX IQ and VRC, including World Champion titles at the elementary and high school levels.
Ethan specializes in robot design, 3D modeling, and programming in C++ and Python, and is well known for his innovative thinking and original builds. With a strong focus on engineering fundamentals and competition strategy, he inspires students to build with purpose, think critically, and compete with confidence.
USTAR
1340 S De Anza Blvd, Suite 102, San Jose, CA 95129
Phone: 1 (408) 352-5488
Online: stemlab@loveustar.com
Onsite: stemlab@loveustar.com
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.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.
