Frequently Asked Questions
Junior Bots Summer Camps
1 / What age/grade is Junior Bots for, and does my child need robotics experience?
No prior experience is necessary to have a great time at Junior Bots!
We offer 4 types of camps based on the grade the camper will be going into the following fall:
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Introduction to Robotics (full day) - Grades 2-4
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LEGO Robotics Challenge (full day) - Grades 4-6
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Evening Engineers (half day) - Grades 2-6
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Junior Game Jam (full day) - Grades 6-8
2 / What does a typical day at Junior Bots look like?
Each camp is designed to help learners development new skills in fun and engaging activities. In addition to camp activities, all full day programs have the opportunity to learn about older robotics teams, visit with the Iowa Children's Museum, and explore other STEAM experiences.
Evening Engineers and Introduction to Robotics put campers individually or in pairs as they complete small tasks with increasing difficulty. Campers learn about different sensors, block programs, and critical thinking skills.
LEGO Robotics Challenge emulates a FIRST LEGO League season in a week. Teams of 3-4 work together to build a robot that scores as many points as possible while creating a small Innovation Project and establishing FIRST Core Values.
Junior Game Jam was inspired by the Global Game Jam, a hackathon style game development program that takes place over a weekend every Spring. In this camp, middle school programmers work together to design, storyboard, and create their very own video games.
3 / What should my child bring to Junior Bots?
Campers should bring a clearly labeled water bottle and nut-free lunch that does not require heat or refrigeration.
Junior Game Jammers should also bring their own laptops when applicable.
FIRST LEGO League
1 / What is the difference between FLL Explore and FLL Challenge?
FLL Explore is intended as an introduction to robotics aimed at grades 2-4. At this stage, teams of six work together to create a model that utilizes a LEGO Spike Prime and at least one moving part. Additionally they explore themes, such as biodiversity, and learn important skills in teamwork and communication. The season ends with a showcase where all FLLE teams get to discuss what they've learned and demonstrate new skills.
FLL Challenge is the "classic" version of FIRST LEGO League. Teams of ten 4th-8th graders work together to build a robot that can complete a variety of table-top missions. Each team gets three runs to score as many points as possible in addition to developing a research project that finds innovative solutions for problems relating to the season's theme.
2 / Does my child need prior robotics or LEGO experience?
No prior experience is necessary to thrive in FLL! However, learners looking for a little extra prep prior to the season should check out our Junior Bots Summer Camps or watch our calendar for upcoming Mini Bots Workshops.
3 / How often do FLL teams meet?
Our FLL teams meet once or twice a week for 90 minutes. For the 2026-2027 season we aim to add Saturday work periods for those who wish to have additional time leading up to competition.
FRC Team 167 Children of the Corn
1 / Who can join Team 167?
Team 167 is open to all 9th-12th grade students able to regularly travel to our workspace in Coralville, Iowa.
Children of the Corn does take a couple 8th grade students annually through our Plant the Seed initiative. Email info@iowacityrobotics.org for more information.
2 / How much time does Team 167 require?
FIRST Robotics Competition is designed to simulate a real-world engineering environment, so Team 167 requires a greater time commitment than many other extracurricular activities.
Team 167 is a year-round program focused on building skills, confidence, and experience far beyond the competition season. Students who thrive on our team are typically able to dedicate one to two evenings per week from May through December and at least three days per week from January through April.
That said, we believe school always comes first. We help students learn to balance competing priorities, provide resources to support their classes, and practice communicating as a team when students cannot be together in person.
3 / How much does Team 167 cost to join?
There is no cost to be an active lab-member on Team 167.
However, to travel with our competition team there is a $200-$300 price per regional that covers meals, transportation, and lodging.
Scholarships are available and annually we seek out fundraising opportunities to help off-set this cost for our students.