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Primary Electronics - Build a Bot

A teacher-led, UKESF supported activity where pupils design, build, code and test their own cardboard robots. The project can be run in the classroom at your own pace.

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Overview

UKESF are offering a free primary electronics programme for UK state schools teachers - no prior electronics or STEM experience is needed.

Build a Bot comprises 5 teacher-led sessions for 9-11 year olds, complemented by a 30-minute online workshop from the UKESF. Pupils will design, build, code and test their own cardboard robots.

The live, interactive online session led by the UKESF team will introduce the activity to teachers and their pupils, and is a great way to kick off the activity.

Equipment will be posted to you, free of charge, giving you everything you need to run the project with your class at your own pace.

You will receive comprehensive presentation materials, taking you through the activities step-by-step. Each activity is simple and hands-on, designed for primary pupils.

You can do this as a standalone project or start with Primary Electronics - Snap Circuits and do this as a follow-on activity.

Ongoing support from the expert team at UKESF is available via email or call.

Why take part:

• A simple, low-prep way to enrich the Electricity curriculum
• Helps pupils understand how real-world electronic systems work
• Builds confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills
• Tried and tested with primary schools across the UK
• Opportunity to share and celebrate pupils’ work

2026/27 live session dates:

• 28 or 29 September 2026
• 11 or 12 November 2026 (Tomorrow’s Engineers Week)
• 11 or 12 January 2027
• 8, 9 or 10 March 2027 (British Science Week)
• 27 or 28 April 2027
• 14 or 15 June 2027

Choose one date. Multiple time slots are available for each option. Please note you must have a micro:bit to take part.

Details

Curriculum links: Physics: Electricity and electromagnetism

Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves: Electricity

Physics: Electricity

Sciences - Forces and energy: Using electricity

Technology & design - Control: Incorporate control systems in products
Group size: Whole class
Participation level: Hands-on
Duration: Multi-session - flexible
Dates: 28 September 2026 – 15 June 2027
Cost: Free
Location: In-school

UK-wide

Learning outcomes

Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
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

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: