zdi-robot-competition

Background:

The zdi-robot-competition is a low-threshold competition for children between six and 16 years. The playful approach is used to attract a larger number of children for computer science and STEM topics. Each team of children is accompanied by a coach and their task is to (mostly school groups) construct and programme a Lego Mindstorms robot which then have to fulfil various tasks in a given time.

Robot-Game and Robot-Performance

There are two categories. In the Robot-Game category all teams receive the same tasks (about ten in total, plus sub tasks) and can choose how many of them they programme. The programming is done beforehand by each team. All teams are to compete live in the competition and are awarded with points for fulfilling as many tasks as possible in a given timeframe to determine the winners.

In the Robot-Performance category the teams create a presentation with the self-programmed robot accompanied by music and a choreography as well as a self-build decoration. There are three levels to achieve: First the local competitions (around 25), the regional competitions (five) and the state-wide finals in June. The teams have to qualify for each level.

Objectives of the programme

• Attract and spark an interest in children and teenagers for computer science and other STEM topics with a low-threshold and playful approach. The entrance hurdle for participating in this competition is chosen to be particularly low.
• With yearly changing topics and related tasks, the children will be introduced to societal relevant topics like climate change, renewable energy, space exploration, etc. 

Impact:

• Give kids from all school types and social backgrounds a playful opportunity to engage in STEM related activities and to be able to discover their individual interest for STEM.
• Enabling children to experiment and try out new things. A particularly positive aspect is that the understanding of how to programme robots is learned in a playful way. The science subjects at school are brought to life in this environment.
• Foster team building and team management of the participating kids during the programming phase and at each competition.
• Foster conflict management and communication skills towards competitors and experts (jury members) during the competition.