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What do teamwork, creativity, and 3D printing have in common? They’re all part of Fremont Christian School’s new robotics program—an exciting after-school opportunity that’s already making a big impact across three grade levels.

Launched this year under the guidance of Student Activities Director Jimmy Fu and Mrs. Mathews (who teaches coding, AP statistics, and AP computer science), the robotics program gives elementary, junior high, and high school students a hands-on chance to explore engineering, design, and problem-solving in a fun, collaborative setting. Whether students are assembling their first motorized car or diving into 3D modeling, the program meets them at their level — and helps them grow.

From Legos to Code: Robotics for All Ages

All students meet after school in small groups, working with kits provided through a partnership with Valley Christian School and their affiliated tech organization. While younger students follow instructor-led video lessons (think: IKEA instructions meet STEM lab), older students build more complex, tank-like machines using metal parts and real tools. High schoolers even learn 3D printing and will eventually design their own parts and mechanisms from scratch.

Each class is guided in person by Mr. Fu and Mrs. Mathews, who help facilitate and coach students while the lessons are led virtually.

Learning Through Play and Purpose

While robotics is inherently technical, the real goal this year is simpler: spark creativity and build confidence.

“We want them to have fun,” says Mr. Fu. “And we want them to learn how to be creative again.”

Students aren’t just following instructions — they’re learning to think critically and improve their designs. One student took apart and rebuilt his robot four times. Another wasn’t sure how to begin but started experimenting with suggestions. Mr. Fu sees it as a reminder that play-based learning can be one of the most powerful forms of growth.

And the lessons go beyond engineering. In the younger grades, students share kits and must learn teamwork, cooperation, and communication — skills just as vital as coding and construction.

Competitions & Cross-Curricular Connections

Although FCS’s robotics program is still in its early stages, the long-term vision includes competitive events. Each year, high school robotics teams from across the region gather for competitions featuring robots with specific tasks.

“We’re not there yet,” says Mr. Fu, “but the goal is to build up to competitions.” In the meantime, students will participate in in-class challenges, and FCS may attend events hosted by its partner school as observers or participants.

As the program develops, robotics is also paving the way for interdisciplinary learning. In high school, students will use geometry and measurement to design 3D-printable parts and potentially write analytical reflections or design proposals—touching on STEM, communication, and even entrepreneurship. For elementary and junior high, early lessons focus more on visual sequencing and spatial reasoning, but connections to science and the design process are already present.

“We’re essentially using the scientific method,” says Mr. Fu. “Hypothesis, testing, trial and error — those core principles are all there.”

A Team Effort

Mr. Fu is quick to credit his co-leader, Mrs. Matthews, as the “tech guru” of the program. While he handles hardware and building, she brings expertise in coding and digital tools, including a girls’ coding club she also leads on campus. Together, they’re modeling collaboration for their students — and learning alongside them.

He also sends weekly newsletters to parents with photos and updates, keeping families connected to the program’s progress and giving students a chance to showcase their accomplishments.

With strong student interest and support from both the school and partner organizations, the future looks bright for robotics at FCS. As more students discover the joy of building, testing, and innovating, Mr. Fu hopes the program will continue to grow — alongside the young engineers it inspires.

“This is new for all of us,” says Mr. Fu, “but I’m loving it. I’ve built plenty of Legos in my day, and now I get to help kids build something even cooler.”

Or, as the kids like to say: “The hype is real.”