4H Robotics Spin Club
The College of Lake County Explore program, in partnership with the CLC Engineering Transfer Department, offers two options for students interested in learning STEM skills using robotics.
4H Robotics Spin Club (Grades 5-8)
This class is for students interested in an introduction to robotics using the LEGO Spike Prime platform, or equivalent. Students will learn to build and program their robots to meet the challenge put forth by 4H Robotics for this year's competition. Class time will be spent with mostly hands-on building and programming activities under the guidance of the instructor and CLC Engineering Interns. The class will work in 4H Spin Club teams, with each team working toward presenting their robot at the 4H Robotics Showcase on April 26, 2025, as well as the Maker Faire Lake County on April 12, 2025.
How to Participate
- Individuals can participate by enrolling in the 12-week class for $50, funded in part by a grant from Baxter International Foundation. To register, click on the class to the right. Classes are on Saturdays from February 1 to April 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Saturday, April 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (847) 543-2980 or email CPEInfo@clcillinois.edu for assistance.
- Participants in the 4H Spin Club class will be provided with a kit to share with their team in class.
Lake County Robotics Competition - Team CLC (Grades 7-12)
This class is for students interested in learning about robotics and introductory programming using the Tetrix robotics platform. Students will participate in the Lake County Robotics Competition (LCRC), a low cost, low barriers introduction to robotics using a team-based competition framework that lasts from January through April 2025. LCRC is an alternative to the more formal competitions such as Vex or First Robotics. LCRC is a logical next step for students aging out of the 4H Robotics Showcase, but also open to 7th through 12th grade students brand new to robotics. Mentoring and technical assistance will be provided by CLC Engineering Interns during Saturday build sessions. The class will culminate with students participating in the LCRC finals at Maker Faire Lake County on April 12, 2025. Cost for participation in the 14-session class and the use of robotics kits is $50, funded in part by a grant from Baxter International Foundation.
Both classes are supported by students and faculty in the CLC Engineering Transfer program. Additional information is available by contacting the Explore program at CPEInfo@clcillinois.edu or CLC Engineering Department Co-Chair Rob Twardock at rtwardock@clcillinois.edu.