Vex IQ : Foundation - Competition
Ustar Education Vex IQ offers 3 levels of courses for students having different needs.
Level 1- Mechanical foundation
For students aged 7–11 with no prior experience.
This level focuses on hands-on mechanical engineering using VEX IQ hardware. Students learn how core mechanical systems work, including gears, gear ratios, chains, bevel gears, gearboxes, lifts, pneumatics, flywheels, PTO systems, and pulleys. Each class is project-based, allowing students to apply what they learn by building real-world models such as vehicles, cranes, elevators, and lifting systems. Through guided builds and creative challenges, students strengthen their understanding of mechanical design, problem-solving, and engineering thinking while gaining confidence working with VEX IQ components.
Teamwork Emphasis: Students work in pairs to build collaboration, communication, and creative thinking.
15 lessons, $1050
Class Schedule:
Monday：4:15–6:15pm
Tuesday (Los Altos)：6:30–8:30pm
Thursday (Los Altos)：6:45–8:45pm
Saturday：9:00–11:00am
Sunday：10:00am–12:00pm
Level 2-Software foundaiton
This level focuses on robot programming and control systems using second-generation VEX IQ software. Students learn how to control robot movement, mechanisms, and behaviors through structured coding and sensor integration. The course covers chassis control, claw mechanisms, LEDs, and multiple sensors including bumper, ultrasonic, optical, and inertial sensors. Students are introduced to PID control to improve accuracy in driving, turning, and autonomous navigation. Through hands-on, project-based challenges, students build a strong foundation in software logic, sensor-based decision making, and autonomous robot control.
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.
15 lessons, $1050
Class Schedule:
Monday 6:30–8:30pm
Thursday 6:30–8:30pm
Saturday 2:00–4:00pm
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.
15 lessons, $1050
Class Schedule:
- Saturday 2:00–4:00pm
- Saturday 4:00–7:00pm
Level 3-Sensor&Coding
15 classes per session, total $1050.
Class Schedule:
Wednesday 5:00–8:00pm
Saturday 9:00–11:00pm
Sunday 1:00–3:00pm
2026 Spring Schedule
Level 1
Cupertino/San Jose Site
- Monday：4:15–6:15pm
- Tuesday (Los Altos)：6:30–8:30pm
- Thursday (Los Altos)：6:45–8:45pm
- Saturday：9:00–11:00am
- Sunday：10:00am–12:00pm
15 lessons, 2 hours per class, Tuition $1050
Level 2
Cupertino/San Jose Site
- Monday 6:30–8:30pm
- Thursday 6:30–8:30pm
- Saturday 2:00–4:00pm
15 lessons, 2 hours per class, Tuition $1050
Level 3 Robot Competition Prep
Cupertino/San Jose Site
- Saturday 2:00–4:00pm
- Saturday 4:00–7:00pm
14 lessons, 3 hours per class, Tuition $1470
Level 3-Sensor&Coding
Cupertino/San Jose Site
- Wednesday 5:00–8:00pm
- Saturday 9:00–11:00pm
- Sunday 1:00–3:00pm
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.
