Technology & Engineering
K-12 On-the-Spot Student Competitions
Explore the importance of computer science education in our schools. Check out the CA State Computer Science Standards.
Robotics/Coding Activities
Code robots to solve challenges.
Introduce coding to students.
Explore career opportunities.
Understand the purpose of robotics in daily life.
Differentiate between robots and machines.
Identify main components of robots.
Introduce building and programming robots.
Resources for the Classroom:
Hour of Code, Scratch, or similar, checkout OctoStudio by MIT for even more ideas - Free coding resources and lessons!
Earthquake Towers - Free lesson!
Rubber Band Racers - Free lesson!
Robotics Programming Lessons - Explore robots!
Competition General Guidelines:
Student builds only.
Construct projects at school.
No modifications on the challenge day.
Failure to follow directions may lead to disqualification.
Robotics Programming Challenge:
Consider teams of two or three students. Code to hit a target, move a certain distance, create a pattern or shape.
Given a built Lego Mindstorm EV3 robot and EV3 software, or design your own.
Students with varying programming skills grouped together.
Air Rocket Guidelines:
Build rockets. Rockets compete for maximum distance.
Launched at a 45-degree angle, propelled by 60 PSI.
Rockets must sleeve over a 12-inch by ¾-inch PVC pipe.
Materials: Paper and tape.
No additional materials allowed.
Richter's Revenge - Earthquake Tower:
Tower must be at least eight inches tall.
Constructed with popsicle sticks, straws, and glue.
Top platform minimum four inches by four inches.
Winner supports the greatest load for fifteen seconds.
Rubberband Racers:
Judged on distance traveled.
Linear distance measured from start to resting point.
Racers must start on their own, no assistance.
Materials: 4 rubber bands only, no "mouse trap or rat traps" allowed.
Alternative Materials: Paperclips, plastic bottle, yogurt or takeout lids, CD’s or DVD’s, recycles materials, paper/styrofoam plates, unsharpened pencils
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