DIY STEM Games and Robotics Competition for Classrooms

How does a toy car move? What makes a ball roll? Why do some STEM games need rules? If you have a kid around, you might hear questions like these all day! Kids are always curious, exploring, and ready for something new.

However, do you know what excites them the most? Games! Games bring so much joy, whether it’s a birthday party, a school function, or a regular day. But what if these games were fun and a great way to learn?

That’s where STEM games for kids come in. These STEM games make learning exciting, hands-on, and full of creativity. Kids don’t even realize they are learning—they just enjoy playing!

Today, we’ll share two amazing DIY STEM games for kids using Quarky and Wizbot. These are not just games; they are little adventures that help kids think, solve problems, and have fun!

“Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein.

Game 1: Musical Chairs STEM Game with Quarky Robot

STEM Game Description 

Have you played Musical Chairs before? This is the same game but with a fun twist—robots instead of people!

In Quarky Musical Chairs STEM game, players use Quarky Robots and control them with a simple software called PictoBlox. The game starts when the music plays. While the music is on, players move their Quarky Robots around a marked area. But as soon as the music stops, the real challenge begins!

Each player must quickly park their robot inside one of the marked squares within 10 seconds. Just like in the classic version of Musical Chairs, there will be one less square than the number of players, so one robot will be out in each round. The game continues until there is only one winner!

It’s a fun way to play, learn, and explore technology—all at the same time!

Materials Needed

• Adhesive Tape – To mark the game area
• Blocking Cubes – One less than the number of players
• Quarky Robots – One per player
• Phone/Laptop – To control the robots

STEM Game Setup

1. Decide how many players will play the game. Each player will have one Quarky Robot.
2. Choose one player to be in charge of the music. This player will start and stop the music during the game.
3. Mark the play area using adhesive tape on a flat surface like a table or floor. This will be the space where the robots move.
4. Create blocks inside the marked area. These blocks will be the “chairs” for the robots. The number of blocks should be one more than the number of players at the beginning.
5. Set up the Quarky Robots by connecting them to PictoBlox on a phone or laptop. Make sure they are ready to move when the game starts.

Gameplay

1. Start the game by placing all Quarky Robots outside the blocks.
2. When the music starts, players will use PictoBlox to move their robots around the marked area.
3. The player controlling the music will stop it at any time and start counting 10 seconds.
4. When the music stops, each player must quickly place their Quarky Robot inside a block within 10 seconds.
   • The player who fails to park their robot in time will be out of the game.
   • After a player is eliminated, one block will be removed by blocking its entry with a cube.
5. The game continues, with one block being removed after each round until only one player remains.
6. The last player left in the game is the winner!

What More Can Be Done with Quarky STEM Games?

Want to make the game even more fun? Try these ideas!

• Change the Play Area – Create a zigzag path, a circle, or even a maze for more challenge.
• Add Obstacles – Place small objects like toy blocks or cones to make movement trickier.
• Make It a Story – Pretend robots are astronauts landing on planets or explorers finding treasure.
• Try Team Play – One player controls the robot while the other gives directions.
• Use Different Controls – Try voice commands, hand gestures, or remote buttons for movement.
• Add a Fun Prize – Give the winner a badge, treat, or a special role in the next round.

Get creative and shape the game your way! 

Game 2: Balloon Popping STEM Game with Wizbot 

Balloon Popping STEM Game Description:

In this game, players use their Wizbot to pop their opponent’s balloon while protecting their own.

Each player will attach a balloon to their Wizbot and use PictoBlox software to control it. But here’s the twist – you need to get creative! Use any material to design a sharp tool for your Wizbot to burst your opponent’s balloon.

The player who pops all their opponents’ balloons first wins the game! It’s a mix of strategy, creativity, and friendly competition, making it super fun to play.

Materials Needed

• Wizbot – One per player
• Balloons – One per Wizbot
• Creative materials – Anything sharp (like a small stick, toothpick, or craft material) to help pop balloons

STEM Game Setup

1. Get the Wizbot Ready – Connect your Wizbot to PictoBlox and make sure it is ready to move.
2. Modify the Wizbot – Attach a sharp tool (like a small stick or toothpick) to help pop balloons.
3. Attach the Balloon – Securely tie a balloon to your Wizbot so it stays in place during the game.
4. Mark the Play Area – Use tape or any markers to create a battle zone where the Wizbots will move and compete.

Gameplay

1. When the countdown reaches 3…2…1…GO! Players control their Wizbots and start attacking.
2. Players must move wisely to pop the opponent’s balloon while keeping their own safe.
3. The player who pops their opponent’s balloon first wins the round, while the other player loses.
4. Two teams of players will compete against each other. The winners of each team will face off, and the victor of that match will advance to the finale. The player who wins the final match will be crowned the overall winner.

What More Can Be Done with Wizbot STEM Games?

Get creative and customize your Wizbot using different materials to make it stronger and more unique. You can also host a themed Wizbot game party, where each player designs their Wizbot based on a fun theme like robots vs. aliens, superheroes, or knights in battle. 

Let your imagination run wild and make the Game even more exciting!