Botball Educational Robotics
The Botball Educational Robotics Program engages middle and high school aged students in a team-oriented robotics competition based on national science education standards. By designing, building, programming, and documenting robots, students use science, engineering, technology, math, and writing skills in a hands-on project that reinforces their learning.
Today's Botball Kids are Tomorrow's Scientists and Engineers.
I firmly believe that Botball is the reason why I am an engineering student today. — Anna, 19, Rensselaer Polytecnic Student
By exposing students to an inquiry-based, learn-by-doing activity that
appeals to their hearts as well as their minds, Botball addresses our
nation’s need for a well-prepared, creative, yet disciplined workforce
with leadership and teamwork experience.
source: student opinion survey from 2008 Global Conference on Educational Robotics
The Botball Season
The Botball season begins each year in September with the optional KIPR Video Showcase where teams are asked to prepare educational, promotional or instructional videos related to robotics projects or endeavors. In January and February, the Botball Educator Workshops provide team leaders and mentors with technology training and introduce the details of that year's game. Then, after a build period of about 7 weeks, students bring their robots to their regional tournament.
The KIPR Video Showcase
Held annually in the Fall, the KIPR Video Showcase seeks to recognize the awesome work being done by the educational robotics community, to inspire new projects, and to share knowledge and resources for robotics related STEM activities.
Technology Training at Educator Workshops
The Botball Program begins with a 2-day professional development workshop where educators and team leaders learn about current robotics technology and how to implement it into their classroom or community. Participants receive information about the current Botball game and all Botball kit materials. Read more at the Workshop Overview.
Fast-paced Regional Robotics Tournaments
Student teams pit their robots head-to-head in a fast paced, non-destructive regional tournament. The robots are student built and programmed to maneuver on the game board without the need for remote control. Read more at the Tournament Overview.
Global Conference on Educational Robotics
— featuring the International Botball Tournament
The learning doesn’t end after the regional tournaments. Each year students, teachers, robotics enthusiasts, and professionals from around the world gather for the annual Global Conference on Educational Robotics. Students and teachers give presentations and exchange ideas on topics that range from curriculum integration to technical aspects of robotics. Professional speakers provide inspiration and insight into their robotics-related topics of expertise. The Global Conference features the International Botball Tournament, as well as the KIPR Open Tournament for adults.