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Building Robot

EngineerIt!

Students will design and build a moving machine using any safe materials that meets height, length, weight, and movement criteria within a 90-minute time limit.

What is EngineerIt?

EngineerIt is a high-energy, team-based engineering challenge where creativity meets construction! In this competition, student teams work together to design and build innovative structures or machines using both conventional and unconventional materials. Guided by the engineering design process, participants brainstorm, prototype, test, and refine their creations to solve real-world challenges. EngineerIt promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and hands-on problem-solving—empowering students to turn bold ideas into working solutions.

Core Learning Adjectives

Through this hands-on engineering challenge, students gain essential skills in problem-solving, design thinking, and teamwork. They explore physical science concepts like motion and force, practice measuring and planning within constraints, and develop creative solutions using a wide range of materials. The experience also builds confidence, communication skills, and perseverance as students work collaboratively to bring their space-themed creations to life.

Think It!

Build It!

Solve It!

Creativity & Innovation Skills:

Students strengthen their ability to think critically, solve problems, and apply measurement and observation skills while working within defined engineering constraints.​ Kids are encouraged to explore their imagination, experiment with unconventional materials, and develop original solutions that reflect both form and function.

  • Problem Solving

  • Critical Thinking

  • Measurement & Estimation

  • Imaginative Design

  • Scientific Inquiry

  • Originality

Engineering & Design Skills:

Students dive into the fundamentals of structural stability, mechanical movement, and the design-thinking process as they build creative, theme-based machines. While exploring real-world engineering concepts, they gain experience applying critical thinking, trial-and-error testing, and hands-on problem solving. 

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  • Design Thinking

  • Understanding of Forces & Motion

  • Structural Engineering

  • Multi-Modal Movement Concepts

Teamwork & Collaboration Skills:

Students build teamwork and communication skills as they collaborate on open-ended challenges. They learn to share ideas, respect different perspectives, and present their creations with confidence. Setbacks and limited resources help them develop perseverance, resilience, and a growth mindset through the process of trial and improvement.

  • Communication

  • Perseverance

  • Confidence

  • Social & Emotional Development

Engineering Essentials for the Challenge:

  • Team sizes at 5 students per team.

  • Recyclables Material (cardboard, plastic bottles, etc.)

  • Craft Materials (glue, tape, string, etc.)

  • Legos, Kinex, Lincoln Logs, etc.

  • Robotics Parts (optional)

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Schools In Action

Mansfield ISD

University of Houston

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston

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