Back

Engineering Educates: Robotics Challenge

Inspire 11-14 year-olds to think as engineers, finding solutions to real-world problems and challenges using robotics.

The Neon quality mark shows this activity has been reviewed and meets Neon's quality standards.

Overview

Ready…Set…Robotics! Inspire 11-14 year-old learners to think as engineers, finding solutions to real-world problems and challenges in the context of Robotics engineering.

Developed by educational specialists, this is a non-competitive and inclusive campaign aligned to curriculum learning in Design & Technology, Science, Computing and Literacy.

All resources are free-to-download and provide teachers with:

  • ready-to-use, curriculum-aligned resources that contextualise curriculum learning in real-world Robotics solutions

  • rich opportunities for learners to use the Engineering Design Cycle, engaging in practical learning, designing and making

  • teacher professional development delivered by subject experts and teacher specialists

  • Careers Chat resources profiling diverse engineers and innovators. You can’t be who you can’t see!

Choose your Challenge!

Each Challenge is written by teachers for teachers and provides teacher notes and pupil guidance for 3 x 2 hour sessions that lead learners through the engineering design process in the exciting context of Robotics.

They are not sequential, so you can choose those that suit your pupils’ interests and how much time you have available. Use them to:

  • contextualise Design & Technology, Science and Computing time in the curriculum

  • integrate them into STEM club enrichment time

  • collapse them into STEM days

  • use talk tasks as daily openers.

Which is for you?

  • Shop-a-bot
    Delivery robots are not the future – they are here now! Learners explore the different ways in which robots are used to make deliveries, before designing their own delivery robot for a specific user.

  • Motion in the Ocean
    With 95% of the world’s oceans remaining unexplored, engineers are developing robots to explore this hostile environment. Learners look at robot designs that have been influenced by nature and make mechanisms to work in the same way engineers do.

  • Re-engineering Rehab
    From regaining strength after injury to rebuilding fine motor skills, rehabilitation robots are transforming patient recovery. Engineers design these robots to support movement, track progress, and keep patients motivated. Learners take on the role of engineers, creating their own robot concepts to assist patients on their road to recovery.

  • The Secrets Within
    Some of the world’s most fascinating places remain out of reach — from ancient pyramid shafts to underground tunnels. Engineers are creating robots to explore these hidden spaces, drawing inspiration from nature and developing new technology. Learners become engineers, designing their own robots to navigate challenging, hard-to-reach locations.

More Challenges available on the website!

Details

School subject
  • Biology
  • Technology/computing
  • Design and technology
  • Engineering
  • Physics
Curriculum links
  • Biology
  • Computing
  • Physics: Electricity and electromagnetism
  • Biology: Material cycles and energy
  • Physics: Energy
  • Engineering
  • Physics: Space physics
  • Design and technology
  • Sciences - Biological systems
  • Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves: Electricity
  • Computing science
  • Sciences - Planet earth: Energy sources and sustainability
  • Sciences - Planet earth
  • Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics: Application of engineering
  • Sciences - Planet earth: Space
  • Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics
  • Physics: Electricity
  • Physics: Energy transfer
  • Design thinking and engineering: Engineering
  • Physics
  • Sciences - Organisms and health
  • Technology & design - Communication: Use of ICT tools (including 3D modelling)
  • Sciences - Forces and energy: Using electricity
  • Technology & design - Control: Incorporate control systems in products
  • Sciences - Earth and universe: The environment and human influences
  • Sciences - Forces and energy
  • Technology & design - Manufacturing
  • Technology & design - Control
  • Sciences - Earth and universe: The solar system and universe
  • Technology & design - Design
Group size
Whole year group
Participation level
Hands-on
Duration
Multi-session - flexible
Dates
4 December 2024 – 31 October 2026
Cost
Free
Location
In-school
  • UK-wide

Learning outcomes

  • Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
  • Learning what the engineering workplace is like
  • Develop engineering employability skills
  • 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

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:

  • Planning - Setting goals and designing routes to achieve them
  • Creativity - Using imagination and generating new ideas
  • Leadership - Supporting, encouraging and motivating others to achieve a shared goal
  • Listening - Receiving, retaining and processing information
  • Problem solving - Finding solutions to challenges
  • Speaking - Transmitting information or ideas
  • Adapting - Overcoming challenges and setbacks to achieve goals
  • Teamwork - Working cooperatively with others to achieve a shared goal

Enrichment framework

  • 5 - An accessible and engagement enrichment offer

How to book

Enquire with provider