Intermediate STEMbotics Robotics & Coding Y4-Y9 Workshop

Hyett Education

We have been delivering high quality robotics and coding sessions for years with exemplary reviews from schools, children and parents. We highly recommend visiting @hyetteducation on Twitter to see pictures and videos of these workshops in action.

Our intermediate robotics and coding workshops provide students with opportunities to apply critical thinking in both simple and complex forms through design.

Students can incorporate a range of motors, including touch sensors, colour sensors, and ultrasonic sensors, into their designs to build robots that are capable of taking on a range of instructions.

We also have bespoke challenge floor mats for students to test their coding and problem-solving skills.

We can set, build and code challenges that are tailored to your school’s needs and our sessions are adapted according to the age and experience of the students. We want to ensure all learners have a great time building and coding their robots to compete with their peers.

All 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.

We use either Entry-level block coding (For younger students), or Scratch-style programming blocks. For KS3-KS5 we use Python coding.

Intermediate STEMbotics Robotics & Coding Y4-Y9 photograph

school trip at Intermediate STEMbotics Robotics & Coding Y4-Y9

school groups Intermediate STEMbotics Robotics & Coding Y4-Y9

Intermediate STEMbotics Robotics & Coding Y4-Y9 school groups

Teacher Checklist

Risk Assessments

Where we travel to

We can visit your school in: All UK Regions

What activities are available during this school workshop?

Our Intermediate robotics workshops challenge students to design, build and code Lego robots to meet a range of age- and experience-appropriate challenges.

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

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.

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!

All 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.

Workshop Aims:

Work in teams to design and build a Lego robot to solve an engineering challenge

Structure programs to control their robot in a block-based environment

Test, debug and modify their robot design and programs to improve challenge solutions

Tech we use:

Scratch-style programming blocks with either LEGO Spike Prime, LEGO Robot Inventor Mindstorms or LEGO EV3 Mindstorms

Curriculum Objectives:

Computing

Design technology

Engineering

Science

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.

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

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

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

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

Intermediate STEMbotics Space Requirements

A recommended Intermediate STEMbotics setup for the best experience.

A hall or similar space provides the best experience for students.

In a hall or alternative large space we can set up our bespoke coding challenge mats, with various routes and tasks, catering for a wide range of abilities; some routes are simple, others are much more complex.

Each mat requires 4m x 2m and we typically set up 4-6 mats per session.

Each team will require a double-space table (or two joined exam tables).

Classroom versions of this workshop are possible. This typically involves two options: building fairground rides or building the upper half of a humanoid robot, using motors for arms, and sensors to enable to robot to interact. Challenge mats are not typically available in a classroom setting.

Which curriculum topics do we cater for?

Computing Workshop Click to expand

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 Click to expand

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?

Taster Experience:

4 x 1hr sessions/day

Up to 160 students/day working in pairs

Up to 240 students/day working in threes

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

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

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

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)

Yes. Absolutely. We believe in providing amazing education opportunities for all learners. These workshops have been delivered in a range of alternative provisions to children who have a wide range of needs. We can cater for a range of abilities and make the session fun and accessible.

We ask that teachers inform us before the session if there are any particular needs as we can ensure we make preparations to cater for those individual students.

Anything else?

We promise you 100% engagement. These workshops have been used to engage children from Pupil Referral Units, to special schools, comprehensives, grammars and independents. 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.