K*bots UK are specialist providers of curriculum enhancement “theme days” for groups of children across Key Stage 2 and 3. Our one-day sessions build upon the National Curriculum objectives for Science, Physics and Design Technology, and extend learning through engineering-based challenges.

Students in our sessions work with K’Nex® construction kits to design and build motorised pushing machines to a set design specification. In order to create the optimum moving model, students will be instructed throughout the day to engage with engineering concepts such as traction, grip, centre of mass, structural rigidity and gearing mechanisms – to name but a few! Sessions can be tailored to any age group or level of ability by selecting the number and complexity of concepts explored.

All building materials, resources and batteries are provided by K*bots UK. Schools are discouraged from using their own K’Nex® resources during our sessions, to prevent it from becoming mixed in with our session resources.

In the morning session, pupils will be introduced to the design task by way of a short orientation. We assume no prior experience of building with K’Nex® or knowledge of mechanical engineering, though extensions to the design task are available for those with experience.

Students are initially provided with one of our standard K*bot chassis as a base to work from. Throughout the morning, pupils will receive guidance on key concepts to aid them with the task in short, focused “bite-size” sessions. They will apply what they have learnt to their moving models through a process of testing and tweaking. In our experience, pupils will go through several design ideas before finding one they are happy with, engaging with increasingly more complex concepts of mechanical engineering each time.

In the afternoon session, we revisit the concepts learnt in the morning in greater depth, and pupils will finish building their K*bots. We end the day with a series of trials to put pupils’ moving models to the test in our special tabletop arena, which are always enjoyed by all! We provide a small prize for the pupil(s) who produce the most effective K*bot, and certificates for all who took part in the session.