Robotics

From coding and design to teamwork and competition, Thompson School District's robotics programs inspire creativity and critical thinking for elementary and middle school students.

The Thompson School District is dedicated to providing elementary, middle and high school students with access to engaging extracurricular robotics programming and enrichment opportunities. Our school clubs meet after school 1-2 times a week, allowing students to work collaboratively in teams.

Just like in team sports, our robotics program emphasizes the value of teamwork. Students rely on one another's strengths and contributions to successfully program their robots and tackle the challenges at hand. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of camaraderie and encourages students to support and learn from each other.

By combining hands-on experience with robotics, teamwork, and friendly competition, our program provides students with a comprehensive learning environment that promotes critical thinking, technological proficiency, and the development of important interpersonal skills.

If your student is interested in participating in robotics, please contact your school’s administrator.

If you have questions, please contact TSD Robotics Coordinator, Isabelle Stewart.

In This Section

FIRST® LEGO® Scrimmage League - Grades 4-5

Inspiring Future Innovators Through Hands-On Robotics

At the elementary level, Thompson School District introduces students in grades 4 and 5 to the world of robotics through engaging, team-based

enrichment clubs. These after-school programs meet 1–2 times a week and provide a structured but creative space for students to explore STEM through hands-on learning with LEGO® SPIKE Prime robots.

Students testing LEGO robot with coach guidance

Using age-appropriate tools and guided instruction, students develop skills in:

Coding and programming
Mechanical design
Creative problem-solving
Teamwork and collaboration

Each season, students take on a new robotics challenge, encouraging innovation and critical thinking as they work to develop functional robot designs that can perform specific tasks. The elementary robotics season runs from January through April, culminating in a district-sponsored scrimmage event. While not a FIRST Robotics formal competition, this event offers students the opportunity to showcase their robots, demonstrate what they've learned, and engage in friendly, supportive competition with their peers from across the district.

Our elementary robotics program serves as an exciting introduction to engineering and teamwork, laying a strong foundation for continued involvement in middle school and beyond. Students build confidence in their abilities, learn to collaborate with others, and experience the thrill of seeing their creations come to life.

FIRST® LEGO® Competitive League - Grades 6-8

Challenging Minds Through Innovation and Competitive Spirit

Middle school students in Thompson School District take their robotics skills to the next level through our competitive FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) program. Open to students in grades 6–8, these after-school robotics clubs meet 1–2 times per week and challenge students to build, code, and test fully functional robots using LEGO® SPIKE Prime kits.

Hands-on robotics practice with mentor support

Participants develop a broad range of STEM and soft skills, including:

Advanced coding
Engineering design and troubleshooting
Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
Project-based teamwork and leadership

Each year, teams tackle a brand-new themed challenge issued by FIRST® LEGO® League. Working collaboratively, students design robots that must complete a variety of missions on a challenge field. The season runs from August through November, with teams competing in regional qualifiers, where they have the chance to advance to the Colorado state tournament.

The middle school program is ideal for students who enjoy hands-on projects, solving real-world problems, and the excitement of friendly competition. In addition to technical skills, students gain experience presenting ideas, working under pressure, and supporting one another as a unified team.

FIRST® Tech Challenge - Grades 6-12

Where Innovation Meets Competition

The FIRST^® Tech Challenge (FTC) program offers an exciting and advanced robotics experience for students in grades 6–12 who are ready to

push their engineering and programming skills to the next level. FTC teams are tasked with designing, building, and programming robots capable of completing complex missions in a highly competitive arena. Students work together to develop creative solutions, troubleshoot challenges, and refine their designs through iterative processes.

Student-built robots launch paper props during FTC game

Throughout the season, students:

Work with advanced robotics kits that include motors, sensors, and specialized tools
Gain hands-on experience with Java programming or block-based coding
Collaborate in teams to strategize, design, and build robots that can perform in a high-stakes environment
Compete in local, regional and state events, with the chance to qualify for the World Championship

The FTC program emphasizes the importance of teamwork, innovation, and gracious professionalism. As part of the FIRST® community, students learn not only technical skills but also the values of teamwork, leadership, and communication. They gain valuable experience that prepares them for future STEM careers and higher education, all while having fun competing against other teams from across the region and beyond.

Whether students are new to robotics or have previous experience, FTC offers an opportunity to challenge themselves and take their skills to new heights!

FIRST® Robotics Competition - Grades 9-12

Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology

High school students team members start with a kit of parts, design, program, and build industrial-sized robots to play an action-packed game

which is released in January. They compete on a themed field as part of a three-team alliance in the spirit of Coopertition^®.

In 360-degree learning guided by adult mentors, each FIRST® Robotics Competition team also creates a team identity, raises funds to meet its goals, and advances appreciation for STEM in its community. This varsity-level experience offers something for everyone—from coding and CAD to marketing and media.