Code in motion
Empower students to design, build and code robots using Scratch and Python with this free, curriculum-aligned STEM robotics workshop at Baylab!
The Neon quality mark shows this activity has been reviewed and meets Neon's quality standards.
Overview
This interactive robotics coding session is designed to develop secondary students' digital-critical thinking and problem solving - all while having fun!
Over the course of the workshop, they will work together to build and code an automated farm tracker—a robot that detects weeds, navigates terrain, and supports more sustainable farming. It’s not just about making something that moves, but about solving a real-world problem using motors, sensors, lights, and sound.
Students will build and program LEGO Spike robots, use Scratch and/or Python to solve real-world challenges, see coding in action and understand how coding is used in everyday technology, and develop key skills such as team building, problem solving and communication.
The workshop supports key elements of the National Curriculum for computing at Key Stage 3 and 4. It’s a strong foundation for future studies in computing, engineering, or D&T (Design and Technology).
National Curriculum Links – Key Stage 3
- Computational Abstractions: Design and evaluate models of real-world problems.
- Key Algorithms: Understand key algorithms reflecting computational concepts.
- Programming Languages: Use block coding and Python.
- Boolean Logic: Learn basic Boolean logic (e.g., AND, OR, NOT) and its programming applications.
- Computer Systems: Understand hardware and software components and their communication.
- Instruction Execution: Learn how instructions are stored and executed.
- Creative Projects: Engage in projects using multiple applications.
Key Stage 4 - GCSE Specifications: AQA and OCR
- Programming: Teach core programming concepts with block-based and Python coding.
- Computational Thinking: Build robots to practice decomposition, pattern recognition, and algorithm development.
- Systematic Problem Solving: Promote systematic approaches in testing, debugging, and refining code.
- Data Representation: Illustrate binary representations through practical tasks with sensors and motors.
Location
The workshop takes place at Baylab, an onsite teaching lab in Bayer's UK headquarters in Reading.
Baylab
Bayer plc
400 South Oak Way
Reading
RG2 6AD
Important information
This is a free, 3-hour workshop.
Capacity is between 10-18 participants per workshop.
Resources and worksheets provided.
Aligned with Gatsby Benchmark 4 & 5 and the National Curriculum.
Fully supported by trained STEM facilitators with enhanced DBS.
Details
- School subject
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- Design and technology
- Engineering
- Curriculum links
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- Design and technology: Cooking and nutrition
- Computing
- Physics: Electricity and electromagnetism
- Engineering
- Technologies - Food and textile technology
- Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves: Electricity
- Computing science
- Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics: Application of engineering
- Biology
- Physics: Electricity
- Design thinking and engineering: Engineering
- Sciences - Organisms and health: Interdependence of plants and animals
- Technology & design - Communication: Use of ICT tools (including 3D modelling)
- Sciences - Forces and energy: Using electricity
- Technology & design - Control: Incorporate control systems in products
- Technology & design - Control
- Group size
- Small groups
- Participation level
- Hands-on
- Duration
- Half day
- Cost
- Free
- Location
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Offsite
- Baylab, Reading RG2 6AD
Learning outcomes
- Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
- Attainment and progress
- Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
- Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering
Frameworks
Gatsby benchmarks
The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:
- 3 - Addressing the needs of each pupil
- 4 - Linking curriculum learning to careers
- 5 - Encounters with employers and employees
EqualEx
- Introduce and Inspire
Essential skills
The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:
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Enrichment framework
- 5 - An accessible and engagement enrichment offer
- 6 - An enrichment offer that works in partnership
- 7 - An outcomes-focused enrichment offer
