We’re thrilled to announce the premiere of Ozobot’s Code & Conquer competition, kicking off with the inaugural Think Like an Engineer virtual challenge! This competition is designed for K-2 students, offering a fun, hands-on way to explore engineering and coding through real-world problem solving.
What Is the Think Like an Engineer Virtual Competition?
In this virtual competition, K-2 learners (in teams of 1–4) will step into the shoes of engineers to design, build, test, and iterate solutions to three age-appropriate challenges found in the K-2 Engineering Guide. Open to students from around the globe, this is the perfect opportunity for young minds to collaborate, create, and showcase their ideas using Ozobot.
Competition Challenges & Themes
The three competition challenges are drawn directly from the Ozobot K-2 Engineering Guide and span multiple engineering domains:
- Beach Cleanup Heroes — Environmental Engineering
- Sorting Recyclables with Magnets — Mechanical Engineering
- Cool Down at the Park — Design / Mechanical Engineering
Through each challenge, students will:
- Follow the Engineering Design Process
- Iterate on solutions based on testing and feedback
- Use coding (Ozobot Color Codes or Blockly) and engineering materials
- Document their thinking with photos, videos, and reflections
Who Can Participate & What’s Included
- Eligibility: K-2 students, in groups of 1 to 4
- Requirements: At least one Ozobot Evo robot per team (not included in registration)
- Registration bundle includes:
• Entry for one team (1–4 students)
• The K-2 Engineering Guide (with official challenge details)
• Ozobot Color Code Marker Set - Materials: Each challenge has a materials list (e.g. cardstock, straws, magnets, lamp/flashlight) or teams may purchase Ozobot’s Engineering Materials Kit to support their work
Timeline & Awards
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | October 14 |
| Coach Orientation Webinar | December 9 |
| Coaches & Ozobot Working Session | January 13 |
| Submission Deadline | April 10 |
| Judging Period | April 10–24 |
| Winners Announced | April 28 |
Competing teams can earn awards in several categories, such as Best Overall Design, Collaboration & Communication, Global Impact, Ingenuity, and Ozobot in Action.
Why This Matters: Benefits for Young Learners
By participating in the Think Like an Engineer virtual challenge, students will:
- Practice critical thinking and the engineering design cycle
- Develop creative problem-solving skills
- Experience coding & robotics integration in meaningful projects
- Learn how to iterate, test, and improve solutions
- Build confidence and ownership over their ideas
- Share their work with peers and the world!
For teachers, homeschoolers, or after-school coaches, this competition presents a structured yet open-ended way to engage students in hands-on STEAM learning—whether in class, clubs, or remote settings.
How to Get Started & Register
- Visit the registration page for the Think Like An Engineer Virtual Competition Entry Bundle.
- Register a team (1–4 students) in grades K–2.
- Ensure your team has an Ozobot Evo robot and review the K-2 Engineering Guide.
- Collect or order necessary materials listed per challenge.
- Join the orientation webinar and plan your strategy!
Registration is open now. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the very first Ozobot Code & Conquer challenge!
