Robotics

Course overview

Robotics for Kids – Build, Code and Control Your Own Robots

By the end of the course, learners will be able to

1. 1Understand what robots are and how they work
2. 2Build and program robots using block-based or text-based coding
3. 3Use sensors, motors and control systems effectively
4. 4Solve engineering challenges through logical thinking and design iteration
5. 5Collaborate to build and test robots
6. 6Design and present their own robot project

Tools & platforms

10 modules

Course modules

1. Module 1Introduction to Robotics and Engineering Thinking4 hours

   • What robots are and what they can do
   • Types of robots: industrial, service, home and educational
   • How coding controls robotic actions

   Project: 🦾 My First Robot Sketch – plan your dream robot and explain what it does

2. Module 2Getting Started with the Robotics Kit5 hours

   • Motors, sensors and controllers
   • Connecting and powering the robot
   • First block-based or simple Python program

   Project: 🚗 Move and Stop Challenge – move a set distance and stop precisely

3. Module 3Programming Basics for Robotics5 hours

   • Loops, waits and conditionals
   • Controlling motor speed and direction
   • Precision, timing and iteration

   Project: 🔁 Dance Bot – code a dance or motion sequence

4. Module 4Using Sensors – How Robots See and Feel5 hours

   • Touch, ultrasonic, colour and gyro sensors
   • Using sensor data to make decisions
   • Responding to light, distance or touch

   Project: 🚦 Line Follower Bot – follow a path using colour or light sensors

5. Module 5Decision-Making with Logic and Conditionals4 hours

   • if…then…else decisions
   • Combining sensors for smart behaviour
   • Basic AI-like pattern recognition

   Project: 🧠 Smart Avoider Bot – stops, turns or changes path automatically

6. Module 6Loops, Variables and Real-World Problem Solving5 hours

   • Tracking steps, speed and time with variables
   • Optimising performance through experiments
   • Iterative design: build, test, improve

   Project: ⚙️ Delivery Robot Challenge – deliver an object from A to B avoiding obstacles

7. Module 7Building Multi-Function Robots5 hours

   • Robots with arms, claws or sensors
   • Combining motion and logic
   • Teamwork and collaborative building

   Project: 🤖 Rescue Bot – pick up and move small objects

8. Module 8Robotics in the Real World4 hours

   • Robots in medicine, farming and space
   • AI in robotics and automation
   • Responsible and ethical use of robots

   Project: 🌍 Robot for Good – design a robot that solves a community or environmental problem

9. Module 9Testing, Debugging and Optimising Robots4 hours

   • Troubleshooting mechanical and code errors
   • Testing performance and refining code
   • Documenting improvements

   Project: 🔍 Robot Fix-It Challenge – find and fix bugs in a malfunctioning robot

10. Module 10Final Project – Build, Code and Present Your Robot8–10 hours

    • Design, build and program a custom robot
    • Show creativity and engineering thinking
    • Present the robot’s purpose and logic clearly

How we teach it

Class size

8–12 learners per instructor (small groups)

Lesson format

15 mins theory → 60 mins hands-on building and coding

Teaching method

STEM-based, project-driven, collaborative learning

Assessment

Module projects, teamwork and final robot presentation

Support materials

Build guides, coding sheets, engineering logs and video tutorials

Safety

Safe handling of motors, sensors and tools

Differentiation

Younger learners use block coding; older students use Python

Encouragement

Rewarding creativity, teamwork and problem-solving — not just performance