Engineering Educates: Robotics Challenge

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

Secondary

Ages 11 to 14
In-school
4 December 2024 to 31 October 2026
Flexible project work
Free Bursaries available

Run by Science & Engineering Education Research and Innovation Hub, The University of Manchester.

Enquire with provider

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 coming in 2025-2026!

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

Subjects and topics

- Biology
- Computing
- Design and Technology
- Engineering
- Physics
- Biotechnology
- Electronics, robotics and programming
- Energy and environment
- General engineering
- Materials, products and manufacturing
- Mechanical engineering, systems and processes
- Medicine and healthcare
- Space and aerospace engineering
- Structures, construction and civil engineering
- Transport

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:

Addressing the needs of each pupil
Linking curriculum learning to careers

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:

Aiming high - the ability to set clear, tangible goals and devise a robust route to achieving them.
Creativity - the use of imagination and the generation of new ideas.
Leadership - supporting, encouraging and motivating others to achieve a shared goal.
Listening - the ability to listen and understand information.
Problem solving - the ability to find a solution to a complex situation or challenge.
Speaking - the oral transmission of information or ideas.
Staying positive - the ability to use tactics to overcome setbacks and achieve goals.
Teamwork - working cooperatively with others towards achieving a shared goal.