Engineering Educates and The National Robotarium
In a dynamic collaboration between Engineering Educates and The National Robotarium in Scotland, primary-aged pupils and their teachers were immersed in a hands-on day of engineering exploration that brought real-world challenges to life through robotics. This inspiring event showcased how early engagement with engineering principles can spark creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration among young learners.
Engineering in Action: Real-World Challenges
The day centred around two innovative challenges: the Motion in the Ocean Challenge and Re-engineering Rehab Challenge. Each activity was carefully designed to introduce pupils to the Engineering Design Cycle (EDC) where they ask, imagine and create, using robotics contexts.
Ask: Pupils began by exploring a real-world problem supported by an existing robotic solution. They were encouraged to ask thoughtful questions to deepen their understanding, an essential skill in any engineer’s toolkit.
Imagine: Working collaboratively, pupils used a design specification to scaffold their ideas. They visualised their solutions through annotated sketches, demonstrating both creativity and technical thinking.
Create: The final stage saw pupils bring their ideas to life. In the Motion in the Ocean Challenge, pupils developed their Design & Technology skills by measuring, cutting, and joining materials to create an articulated grabber for their animatronic. Meanwhile, in Re-engineering Rehab Challenge, pupils explored computer programming and sensor integration by coding a micro:bit to control a rehabilitation game, highlighting the intersection of engineering and healthcare.
“Hosting Engineering Educates at the National Robotarium has given us a front-row seat to witness the transformative impact this programme has on young people. Seeing students light up as they engage hands-on with robotics and engineering challenges, many for the first time, reinforces why initiatives like this are so vital. The programme doesn't just teach technical skills; it opens doors to possibilities that many of these students didn't know existed. Engineering Educates is doing exceptional work in breaking down barriers and inspiring the next generation of engineers, and we're proud to have played a part in bringing that experience to Scotland. These are the kinds of collaborations that genuinely make a difference in widening participation in STEM.”
Blair Wilson – Industry and school engagement lead – The National Robotarium
Empowering Teachers and Pupils Alike
This event wasn’t just about pupil engagement; it also provided teachers with a valuable opportunity to experience engineering education in action. By participating alongside their students, educators gained insights into how robotics and design thinking can be embedded into the curriculum to foster STEM learning from an early age. They were also shown how the resources in the Toolkit area of the website can support and build confidence in less experienced teachers.
“The scaffolded approach to the Ask, Imagine and Plan stage of this project ensured the protypes created were purposeful and well thought through, providing opportunities for the pupils to collaborate, think critically and problem solve throughout.”
Teacher of 9-10-year-olds.
A Vision for the Future
The collaboration between Engineering Educates and The National Robotarium exemplifies the power of partnerships in education. By connecting classroom learning with cutting-edge technology and real-world applications, this initiative is helping to cultivate the next generation of engineers; curious, capable, and ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
