Inspiring the Next Generation
Ask your learners to describe an engineer. For most, they will describe someone male, who works with machinery. The reality? Engineering is creative, diverse, and shaping the world around us, from medical breakthroughs to space exploration. Yet, many young people don’t see themselves as future engineers. The Engineering Educates: Robotics Challenge is changing that, breaking down stereotypes and making engineering exciting, accessible, and relevant to all learners.
Aligned with the National Curriculum for Design & Technology, Science, and Computing, the resources help teachers bring real-world engineering contexts into their classrooms. By focusing on hands-on learning, problem-solving, and meaningful contexts, we show learners that engineering isn’t just about equations and blueprints — it’s about creativity, curiosity, and designing solutions to real-world challenges.
Engineering that sparks excitement
At our event in March at The University of Manchester’s MakerSpace, we saw the power of engineering in action. A 14-year-old aspiring biologist exploring the Motion in the Ocean challenge discovered the magic of animatronics and biomimicry, opening up an entirely new career path for her. Teachers watched in delight as quiet pupils became natural leaders, thriving in a collaborative, hands-on environment. The Engineering Design Cycle gave them the freedom to innovate — no predefined answers, just real problem-solving.
“Introducing Engineering Habits of Mind to learners as early as possible is crucial in nurturing the problem-solvers and innovators of the future. Seeing young people tackle real-world challenges at the Engineering Educates Event was fantastic. The level of creativity was outstanding — especially the girls’ stingray-inspired robot with pneumatics and moving parts. It was also wonderful to hear teachers say that some of their typically quiet pupils came into their own, taking on leadership roles and thriving through the engineering design process. This is exactly why these opportunities are so important.” Prof. Andy Weightman, Professor of Medical Mechatronics at The University of Manchester and Chair UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems (UK-RAS) Network.
Professor Andy Weightman presenting achievement certificate at event for primary schools
Empowering teachers, transforming classrooms
Many teachers lack confidence in teaching engineering. With Engineering Educate’s free, curriculum-aligned resources and expert-led CPD training, we make engineering simple, accessible, and inspiring.
Teachers tell us our resources and training:
boosts their confidence in delivering engineering lessons
saves planning time with ready-to-use resources
gives them the tools to advocate for engineering education in their schools
A smart teaching approach
Our challenges aren't just about cool robots — they are built on solid pedagogical principles:
Engineering Design Cycle (EDC): Encourages a systematic approach to problem-solving across subjects, guiding pupils through the iterative process of Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, and Improve.
Engineering Habits of Mind (EHoM): Embeds critical learning habits such as creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and resilience—skills that are essential not only in engineering but in all areas of life and learning.
Engineering Progression Framework: Provides teachers with a clear structure to integrate engineering concepts into their curriculum, ensuring progressive skill development and deeper understanding over time.
This framework bridges subjects, fuels curiosity, and builds future-ready skills.
Start early, inspire for life
The earlier that learners explore engineering, the bigger the impact. At Warrington’s Coder Dojo, a five-year-old programmed a micro:bit using our ‘Re-engineering Rehab’ challenge, proving that young minds are more than ready to dive into engineering.
Get Involved – try it in your classroom!
Download the free-to-access resources at www.engineeringeducates.org
Show us your learners’ creations! Tag us on socials with #EngEdChallenge
Got questions? Email us at engineeringeducates@manchester.ac.uk
Who We Are
The Engineering Educates: Robotics Challenge is supported by the UK-RAS Network, a collaboration of engineers, researchers, and educators shaping the future of robotics. Developed by The University of Manchester’s Science & Engineering Education Research and Innovation Hub, this initiative brings cutting-edge robotics challenges into the classroom—showing young people that engineering is for everyone.
What’s in the Challenges?
For ages 7-14 – non-competitive, fully inclusive
8 hands-on challenges – co-created with teachers
Full teacher guides and resources – mapped to the curriculum
Practical, engaging contexts using the Engineering Design Cycle
Expert-led CPD – designed to boost teacher confidence
Diverse career profiles – showcasing real-world engineers
Ready to inspire the next generation of engineers? Join us today at www.engineeringeducates.org.
