In Affiliation with Tzu Chi Foundation, an international non-profit charity
Tzu Chi Robotics
Student-focused STEM Engineering and Programming Course with
VEX Robotics Competition
In a world surrounded by marvelous technological innovations, I believe that an understanding of computer science and robotics is more crucial than ever before. Through this platform, I hope to share my passion for engineering with others that are excited about this field, and see each and every one of us grow as a person. Welcome to Tzu Chi Robotics!
Derrick Chen
Founder and Instructor
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Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, the four staples of many future careers. Here at Tzu Chi Robotics, we aim to provide early exposure to these fundamental concepts.
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Engineering has transformed our world in uncountable ways, and being part of this exciting frontier of innovation is a goal that we honor here. By learning ways to channel our creativity and imaginations to reality, we can change our communities and the world at large for the better.
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Programming is the key to unlocking the secrets of the computer and thus the technological future of humanity. Join us as we explore C++, Java, Python, Swift, and Vexcoding Studio.
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Join tens of thousands of students globally in VEX EDR and IQ Robotics Tournaments. Compete at the regional, state, and world level, learning the concepts of teamwork and sportsmanship along the way.
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What is Tzu Chi Robotics?
Tzu Chi Robotics is an engineering and STEM year long class under Tzu Chi Academy Irvine, a non-profit organization focused on providing aid to those in need as well as educating the youth about culture and the humanities. We are focused on bringing the science viewpoint to everything that Tzu Chi already stands for.
About Our Course
Tzu Chi Robotics promotes STEM learning, especially that of electrical and mechanical engineering, through hands-on experience. Students will learn how to apply engineering and physics concepts such as forces, kinematics, torque, angular motion, and projectile motion with physical components by designing and building their own simple machines, subsystems, and finally automation robots. They will have the opportunity to compete in VEX IQ Robotics tournaments, a great way to develop teamwork skills and utilize the engineering design process to solve complex problems.
Our Mission & Vision
At its essence, our goal is to spread more awareness of STEM ideas to those that are either underprivileged or simply interested and wish to find a comprehensive course for an early exposure to these concepts. We also aim to leave behind a legacy of like-minded pupils to proliferate our message even long after they have graduated.
Teaching Philosophy:
Making STEM Learning Fun
I believe that the best way to learn anything is hands-on practice and application. Lectures are important for a first exposure to the information, but in order to help retain that knowledge in long-term memory, application must be a part of the process. Whenever we teach a mechanical concept at Tzu Chi Robotics, we make a point to create devices that visually and physically show the concepts at hand, such as physically feeling the differences in force needed to turn a speed vs. torque gear ratio. In addition, deeper understanding of a certain subject can be assessed in a student by providing them with a novel problem where they must extrapolate their existing knowledge of the subject in order to solve it. I try my best to incorporate these philosophies in my teaching and mentoring in order to create the highest quality service possible. And of course, to keep the students actively engaged, we always try to make learning at Tzu Chi Robotics as fun as possible.
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- Derrick Chen
Course Content:
Robot Design, Build Concepts, Programming, Computer-aided Design, Robot Documentation & Engineering Design Process, Robotic Terminology, Competition Sportsmanship
Age Groups: 3rd to 8th Grade, Under 15 yrs old only
Students have opportunity to compete at the regional/state/international level with the VEX IQ Challenge
VEX IQ parts provided by teacher
In proud cooperation with Tzu Chi Foundation, an international non-profit charity focused on humanistic cultural education, medical aid, and worldwide disaster relief!
Tzu Chi Academy 2021-2022 School Year Closing Ceremony
Tzu Chi Robotics showcased its efforts throughout the year to the other students of Tzu Chi. While we introduced Pitching In to Tzu Chi at large, Team 3088T demonstrated their driving skills and autonomous programming for everyone to see.
Tzu Chi Robotics Competition Team Awards:
Tzu Chi Academy 2022-2023 School Year Closing Ceremony
Tzu Chi Robotics Competition Team Awards:
Tzu Chi Robotics held a ceremony to demonstrate what we have done throughout the year to the other students. While we introduced Slapshot and the two teams to Tzu Chi at large, Lotus and Lotus Seed did one last driving skills together for everyone.
Tzu Chi Academy 2023-2024 School Year Closing Ceremony
Tzu Chi Robotics 3088C team members were awarded by our principle at the year end closing ceremony. This is a testimony to all their hard work and perseverance at the VEX IQ World Championship!
Tzu Chi Robotics Competition Team Awards:
Tzu Chi Academy 2024-2025 School Year Closing Ceremony, May 18
Tzu Chi Robotics Competition Team Awards:
Tzu Chi Academy 2022-2023 School Year Closing Ceremony
5/21/2022
Tzu Chi Academy 2022-2023 School Year Closing Ceremony
5/21/2022
Tzu Chi Robotics held a ceremony to demonstrate what we have done throughout the year to the other students. While Jeremy introduced Slapshot and the two teams to Tzu Chi at large, Lotus and Lotus Seed did one last driving skills together for everyone.
Tzu Chi Robotics held a ceremony to demonstrate what we have done throughout the year to the other students. While Jeremy introduced Slapshot and the two teams to Tzu Chi at large, Lotus and Lotus Seed did one last driving skills together for everyone.
