The VEX IQ Challenge (VIQC) Pitching In game, and the accompanying VIQC Pitching In Lessons, can be used as part of your curriculum. The five-lesson unit breaks down each method of scoring for students, with instruction through a combination of videos, hands-on coding exploration, and gameplay.
VIQC Pitching In Lesson Format
This video begins by breaking down the common lesson format, explaining the organization and purpose of each section. It then highlights implementation strategies for various educational settings, as well as Teacher Resources, like a Pacing Guide, that pairs VIQC Pitching In with other VEX platforms and curricular materials.
Watch this video to learn more about VIQC Pitching In, and the structure of the lessons.
Overview of the VIQC Pitching In Lessons
Each lesson in the five-lesson unit is built around a way to score in VIQC Pitching In. After decomposing the goal of the lesson, students build a project to see the scoring in action. They then apply those skills to a mini-challenge, to score on their own. The lessons also include Check Your Understanding questions and Extension Activities, to make progress monitoring and differentiation simple.
In Lesson 1, students are introduced to the 2021-2022 VEX IQ Challenge (VIQC) Pitching In game. They will see an overview of the game, Fling – the year’s Hero Bot, and VIQC Pitching In within VEXcode VR.
In Lesson 2, students will learn how to drive and turn Fling to score a Ball into the Low Goal. They will then apply these skills to complete a mini-challenge and score two Balls into the Low Goal.
In Lesson 3, students will learn how to score a Ball into the High Goal using the Catapult Arm on Fling. They will then apply these skills to complete a mini-challenge to score a different Ball from the Field into the High Goal.
In Lesson 4, students will learn how to score two Balls into the High Goal by adjusting the tension of the Catapult Tension Motor on Fling. They will then apply these skills to complete a mini-challenge to launch three Balls into the High Goal by adjusting the tension.
In Lesson 5, students will learn how to adjust the Catapult Arm to drive under the Hanging Bar, and then have Fling complete a low hang to score. They will then apply these skills to a mini-challenge to score a Ball from each side of the Field, then low hang to end the Match.
By the end of the unit, students will be able to complete all of the scoring actions in VIQC Pitching In, and can begin to apply them to build their own strategies and projects.
Teacher Resources in VIQC Pitching In
The Teacher’s Portal for VIQC Pitching In offers videos and resources to support the content and implementation of the lessons in a variety of educational settings. Resources include:
- A Pacing Guide with recommendations for pacing instruction based on combining VIQC Pitching In, the IQ STEM Labs, the Computer Science Level 1 – Blocks course, or VEXcode VR Activities.
- Standards Alignment for VRC Pitching In, including a listing of the standards reached, and also where and how those standards are met through the curriculum.
- A Letter Home that is an editable Google Doc that can be shared with your classroom community to communicate what students are doing and learning with VIQC Pitching In.
- VEX Library articles related to VIQC Pitching In, as well as facilitation support, pair programming, and building resilience.
- And more!