Intermediate OR Advanced STEMbotics Robotics & Coding Y4-Y11 Workshop

Hyett Education

Our Intermediate and Advanced STEMbotics workshop challenges students to design, build and code LEGO robots to meet a range of age appropriate challenges. Our Advanced STEMbotics uses text-based code via Python.

In Intermediate STEMbotics, students can code their robots in an interface that is very similar to Scratch, reinforcing and extending prior learning from the computing curriculum. We can cover core coding principles of sequencing, selection and iteration, with the possibility of using functions and variables in longer session formats.

In the Advanced STEMbotics, students code their robots using Python, reinforcing and extending prior learning from the computing curriculum. This is a great workshop for challenging competent block coders and introducing them to text-based code. We can cover core coding principles of sequencing, selection and iteration, with the possibility of using functions and variables in longer session formats. Depending on time allocated, students will build and code a quizzing humanoid robot or a vehicle robot with options to take on additional robotics coding/engineering challenges linked to solving real-world problems.

These robotics sessions will include use of our bespoke challenge mats, with students using motors, sensors and different mechanisms to solve problems. We can tailor sessions to meet school objectives from the Computing, Design Technology or Science curricula.

We want to ensure all learners have a great time building and coding their robots and ensure all our sessions are inclusive. These workshops are fantastic for encouraging teamwork, problem-solving and resilience in the students; there is a huge sense of achievement when a tricky challenge is met!

Intermediate OR Advanced STEMbotics Robotics & Coding Y4-Y11 photograph

school trip at Intermediate OR Advanced STEMbotics Robotics & Coding Y4-Y11

Intermediate OR Advanced STEMbotics Robotics & Coding Y4-Y11 school groups

Teacher Checklist

Risk Assessments

Where we travel to

We can visit your school in:

What activities are available during this school workshop?

Intermediate STEMbotics:
- Work in teams to design and build a LEGO robot to solve an engineering challenge, linked to real-world problems
- Structure programs to control their robot in a block-based environment
- Test, debug and modify their robot design and programs to improve challenge solutions

Advanced STEMbotics:
- Work in pairs to design and build a LEGO robot to solve an engineering challenge or create a humanoid quizzing robot
- Structure programs to control their robot in a Python text-based environment
- Test, debug and modify their robot design and programs to improve challenge solutions

Which curriculum topics do we cater for?

Computing Workshop

Coding Robotics Information and Communications Technology Algorythms and data Artificial Intelligence Cyber-security

This workshop guides students through the process of building a robot using instructions (an algorithm). When they have completed their robot we teach students how to code them to move and or make use of sensors to make their robots interactive. A significant aspect of the session is to develop students computational thinking by creating simple algorithms, testing them for bugs and then debugging them.

Coding with algorithms is a core part of this workshop and it meets the following computing curriculum objectives for KS1 & KS2.

KS1 Computing Objectives met:

- understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
- create and debug simple programs
- use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
- use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
- recognise common uses of information technology beyond school

KS2 Computing Objectives met:

- design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
- use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
- use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs

Design Technology Workshop

Mechanics and engineering Materials Materials Electronics Electronics Materials

This workshop involves students building robots from instructions that can teach them about various mechanisms including cams, levers and pulleys, and gearing.

If you would like us to focus the sessions on teaching a particular mechanism to link with your DT objectives please let us know in advance and we'll ensure we prepare with the most appropriate building instructions to meet your DT objectives.

In KS1 these sessions can cover the following Design Objectives:

- design purposeful, functional, appealing products for themselves and other users
based on design criteria
- generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing,
templates, mock-ups and, where appropriate, information and communication
technology

In KS1 this workshop can cover the following Technical Knowledge Objectives:

- build structures, exploring how they can be made stronger, stiffer and more stable
- explore and use mechanisms [for example, levers, sliders, wheels and axles], in their
products.

In KS2 this workshop can cover the following Technical Knowledge Objectives:

- apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures
- understand and use mechanical systems in their products [for example, gears, pulleys, cams, levers and linkages]
- understand and use electrical systems in their products [for example, series circuits
incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors]
- apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products.

Engineering Workshop

Engineering isn't taught explicitly as a subject in KS1 & KS2 but the skills developed through the Technical Knowledge objectives in the Design Technology curriculum provide students with the foundations required to study engineering.

We allow students opportunities to build, test and tweak their designs to improve their robot's functionality.

What size groups do we cater for?

Intermediate STEMbotics Workshop Formats

Intermediate STEMbotics can be delivered to up to 32 students in a classroom setting, or up to 60 students per session in a hall or similar.
We can deliver to up to 40 students per session working in pairs, or up to 60 students per session working in threes.
We highly recommend that students in KS3 receive their experience working in pairs in maximum group sizes of 40 students per session. Feedback from sessions with this age group overwhelmingly supports this approach for the best experience.
Best experience for all options would be in a hall space. Classroom content options are available but opportunities are limited in comparison.

Taster Experience:

4 x 1hr sessions/day
Up to 160 students/day working in pairs
Up to 240 students/day working in threes (Y4-7 only)
Students build a vehicle robot from instruction, modify it, and code it around a challenge mat course

Standard Experience:

3 x 90 min sessions/day
Up to 120 students/day working in pairs
Up to 180 students/day working in threes (Y4-7 only)
Taster experience plus opportunity for students to code additional motors and sensors

In-Depth Experience:

2 x 2 hr sessions/day
Up to 80 students/day working in pairs
Up to 120 students/day working in threes (Y4-7 only)
Recommended experience plus options to re-design robots to complete engineering/coding challenges linked to real-world problems. i.e pick-up and move nuclear waste barrels, rescue stranded astronauts, remove ocean waste etc.
Possibility of more bespoke content

All Day Experience:

- 1 x 4 hr session/day
- Up to 40 students/day working in pairs
- We do not recommend this format for working in threes
- In-Depth experience plus additional coding concepts and challenges. Possibility to include gearing and multiple sensors
- Possibility of more complex challenges and bespoke content

Advanced STEMbotics Workshop Formats

The Advanced Python STEMbotics workshop can be delivered to up to 30 students per session working in pairs.
We do not deliver this version of the workshop to bigger teams.

Standard Python Experience:

- 2 x 2 hr sessions per day
- Up to 60 students/day
- Students will build and code either a quizzing humanoid robot or a vehicle robot capable of navigating our bespoke challenge mats
- Additional use of motors and sensors is possible depending on students' abilities and/or progress
- Session covers sequencing and selection, with possibility of including iteration and functions depending on students' abilities and/or progress

In-Depth Python Experience:

- 1 x 4 hrs session/day
- Up to 30 students/day
- Students will build and code a quizzing humanoid robot and a vehicle robot with options to take on additional robotics coding/engineering challenges linked to solving real-world problems
- Additional use of motors and sensors will be included within this session
- Session covers sequencing and selection, iteration and functions

Access for visitors with disabilities

This workshop has been used in Special Needs settings and there are ways for us to support children with particular needs. Please make us aware of any particular needs before the session and we'll do our utmost to ensure our activities are accessible to those students.

Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

ll our workshops are run by experienced instructors, and we can tailor sessions to include all children, including those with SEN, so that the children can access all activities. When you make any additional needs of your group known, our team can explain how they can encourage, support, and motivate each and every child.

Anything else?

Still need convincing to book? Check out our feedback from workshops we have recently delivered in school:

"We loved it! We ran 2 sessions, GCSE DT Students to cover part of their specification in their understanding of programmable components and GCSE Computing to solidify their understanding of programming and Python.
The GCSE Computing students LOVED the session, they were able to apply their Python learning in a practical way and they did an amazing job, they responded really well to Richard because they could follow and I do feel they got a lot out of it.
The equipment was really well set up and easy to use, the format of the session made it easy to adapt to the differing needs of the 2 groups.
Both myself and the Computing teacher were very impressed with the setup, the content and the delivery."
- Mount Carmel RC High School

"Our Year 3s and 4s LOVED the Intermediate STEMbotics workshop. Richard was brilliant and extremely knowledgeable. We particularly liked how he managed the class and had them hanging off every word.
The workshop itself reinforced a lot of what we had done in Computing lessons so it was great to see the children applying this to their fairground rides.
We will definitely be inviting Hyett back next year!"
- Ipswich Prep School

We promise you 100% engagement. These workshops have been used to engage children from Pupil Referral Units, to special schools, comprehensives, grammars and independent schools. It's completely cross-curricular and adaptable to all children and abilities.

Please visit our website to explore our range of workshops and get more details on how we could help your students. It's always worth visiting our social media (hyetteducation) to see what we're up to in schools and to get an idea of what the day and experience will look like when we visit.

We bring with us a staggering amount of equipment and appreciate a parking space onsite, with best access to the room we'll be working in.

We need a screen/projector to connect to for modelling the instructions and coding but if this is not available, please let us know and we'll bring our own projector along.

We provide all of the equipment necessary to run this workshop.

Who are Hyett Education?

Welcome to Hyett Education: Igniting Curiosity and Fostering Innovation
At Hyett Education we're committed to transforming how students engage with STEM and Computing education across the UK.

Tailored STEM Workshops:

From the early years in primary school through to Key Stage 5, our workshops are designed to cater to every educational stage, ensuring that learning is both relevant and engaging. Whether it's coding drones, exploring robotics, or diving into the wonders of science, our programs are crafted to spark curiosity and encourage a deeper understanding of technology and science.

Fully Funded Opportunities:

Thanks to our partnerships with the RAF & DNE, eligible schools can benefit from fully-funded STEM workshops. This initiative not only makes advanced education accessible but also introduces students to potential career paths in STEM, broadening their horizons beyond the traditional routes.

Expert Facilitators:

Our team isn't just about teaching; they're about inspiring. With backgrounds ranging from university graduates in science to experienced teachers and dynamic presenters, our facilitators bring real-world experience into the classroom, making learning not just educational but thrilling.

Curriculum Support:

Beyond workshops, we offer comprehensive support for schools looking to enhance their computing curriculum. Our CPD (Continuing Professional Development) sessions, consultancy, and in-person training are tailored to empower teachers, ensuring they have the confidence and knowledge to deliver cutting-edge computing education.

Real Impact:

The feedback we regularly receive from schools highlights the transformative effect of our workshops. Students not only engage with the material but are inspired to pursue further studies in STEM, showcasing the real-world impact of our educational approach.

Community and Beyond:

While our primary focus is on UK schools, the ethos of Hyett Education resonates globally. We're about creating a community of learners, innovators, and educators who are equipped to face the future with confidence.

At Hyett Education, we don't just teach; we ignite a passion for learning that lasts a lifetime. Whether you're a school looking to enrich your curriculum or a student eager to explore beyond the textbook, we offer a gateway to discovery, innovation, and endless possibilities. Join us, and let's shape the future of education together.