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 Research and Design Website Challenge where teams are asked to research a topic in robotics and to develop a solution to a related design task. 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 R&D Website Challenge

Held annually in the Fall, the Botball Research and Design Website Challenge explores a different topic in robotics each year. Students are required to research the topic, develop a solution to a related design task, and present the results of their work in the form of a website.

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 Beyond Botball Challenge for adults.