The RoboPlay Challenge Competition RoboPlay Challenge Competition is a level-playing-field robotics competition for students in grades 1–12. It is designed for student teams to apply and demonstrate their real-world mathematical problem-solving skills in a competitive environment.
The competition challenges students to creatively use modular robots and accessories to create their own robot machines to complete a series of tasks. Unlike most robotics competitions, the RoboPlay Challenge requirements are not revealed until the day of the competition, meaning that teams do not prepare solutions or robots in advance. Instead, student teams rely on their mathematical reasoning, programming, and problem-solving skills to work collaboratively within their teams, without direct teacher support or outside assistance, under time constraints to earn the highest possible score for each task.
RoboPlay emphasizes mathematical thinking, adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork, collaboration, communication, and time management, while also fostering social-emotional learning and perseverance through an authentic, real-time mathematical competition context.
Note: If you would like to showcase your RoboPlay Challenge Competition videos on this page, please contact us to share your videos via a YouTube link or a downloadable video file. Please ensure that the parents or guardians of all students appearing in the videos have signed an appropriate media release form. Creating a RoboPlay video can also serve as a meaningful culminating project for students enrolled in journalism, media, or digital storytelling courses.
Featured RoboPlay Videos
Below are selected RoboPlay highlights from student teams across different years. These videos illustrate student creativity, mathematical thinking, and collaborative problem solving in the RoboRoboPlay context.
Orange USD, California
More photos and videos can be found here
"This event demonstrates remarkable innovation, perseverance, and collaboration. Witnessing students from diverse grade levels approach intricate challenges with ingenuity and fortitude was profoundly inspiring. Initiatives such as the C-STEM RoboPlay Challenge not only foster an ardent interest in STEM disciplines but also nurture the problem-solving and leadership qualities of future generations. Congratulations extend to all the students, educators, and organizers who contributed to the success of this impactful day of learning!" (source)
-- Dr. Stephen Glass, Board Member at Orange USD and Distinguished Faculty in Residence (PK-12 Specialization), College of Education, California State University, Long Beach.
Alvord USD, California
More photos and videos can be found here
Hillview Crest Elementary, New Haven USD, California
More photos and videos can be found here
Hacienda La Puente USD, California
More photos and videos can be found here andhere
Manteca USD, California
More photos and videos can be found here
2024 RoboPlay
New Haven USD, California
2019 RoboPlay
2017 RoboPlay
Northwest Local School District in Cincinnati, Ohio
More information can be found here
