Portugal (Non Gov. Org.)

BOTS & KIDS - Fórmulas & Variáveis Lda 

Country Portugal, Region Norte, City Santa Maria da Feira

Website bots.pt

Coordinator:  Miguel Martins  Team:

Organisation (type, scope of work, areas of activity and if applicable, approximate number of paid/unpaid staff, learners)

Formulas e Variáveis - Bots & Kids, initially known as Edu.Tech and created in 2017, has consolidated its presence as an innovative reference in technology teaching for children and teenagers.

BOTS & KIDS is an organization dedicated to teaching technology to children and teenagers. The main focus of work includes offering robotics and educational programming activities, with the aim of awakening students' interest in these areas and promoting the development of essential skills, such as problem solving, critical thinking and creativity.

The organization's mission is to be innovative and enhance technology in teaching, aiming to transform students into individuals capable of challenging and solving problem situations through the exploration of technological resources. Our vision is to be recognized for excellence in technology teaching.

BOTS & KIDS' areas of activity include the creation of educational content, the development of teaching programs, the holding of workshops and events, as well as teacher training. The organization also works in partnership with schools and other educational institutions to meaningfully integrate technology into the school curriculum.

The BOTS & KIDS team is made up of 10 teachers specialized in the areas of robotics and programming, as well as other professionals involved in areas such as management, marketing and technical support.

BOTS & KIDS offers a wide range of educational activities that encompass several areas of technology, including 3D printing, robotics, competitions and virtual reality.

• 3D Printing: The organization offers courses and workshops where students learn the basics of 3D printing, from designing models to operating the printers. They have the opportunity to create their own designs and see printing in action, promoting creativity and critical thinking.

• Robotics: Robotics is a fundamental part of the BOTS & KIDS program. Students have the chance to build and program robots using specific robotics kits. They learn about mechanics, electronics, and programming while working on hands-on projects such as mobile robots, robotic arms, and autonomous vehicles.

• Competitions: BOTS & KIDS hosts robotics and programming competitions where students can apply their skills in a competitive and collaborative environment. These competitions can range from problem-solving challenges to robot races and programming challenges.

• Virtual Reality: Virtual reality is integrated into BOTS & KIDS activities as a tool to provide immersive learning experiences. Students can explore interactive virtual environments related to topics covered in courses, such as outer space simulations to learn about astronomy or laboratory settings to experiment with scientific concepts.

These activities are designed to be engaging and educational, providing students with hands-on, stimulating experiences that complement classroom learning. Additionally, BOTS & KIDS can participate in external events and competitions, promoting collaboration and the exchange of knowledge between students and other institutions.

In this academic year of 2023/2024, BOTS & KIDS promotes robotics and programming activities in 355 classes, involving around 6,200 students. These initiatives aim to introduce new teaching methodologies, promoting teaching through practice and active exploration, known as "learning by doing".

Activities and experience, skills and/or expertise

Formulas e Variáveis - Bots & Kids, has consolidated its presence as an innovative reference in technology teaching for children and teenagers. Its vision of being recognized for excellence in technology teaching stands out through a variety of projects and initiatives aimed at the educational and technological development of students. 

Below are some of the main projects that highlight Bots & Kids' experience:

Portuguese Robotics Open: Organization of the 2021 and 2022 Portuguese Robotics Open, in partnership with the Portuguese Robotics Society and the Municipality of Santa Maria da Feira, held at Europarque with the presence of 80 teams from 7 nationalities. The Portuguese Robotics Open qualifies teams for the participation of the first qualified in the Robotics World Cup (ROBOCUP). The festival serves as a meeting point for students, educators and robotics enthusiasts, promoting competitions, workshops and exhibitions.

Technology Summer Camps: Holding technology summer camps, offering students a unique opportunity to explore robotics, programming and other technologies in a practical and playful way. Summer camps aim to stimulate learning through fun, promoting creativity and critical thinking; Development of summer bootcamps within schools, providing intensive immersion in robotics and technology concepts.

Short duration courses: Implementation of short courses to test the impact of teaching technology in schools; Assessing students' progress in robotics and programming concepts, adapting courses according to results.

Thematic Workshops: Organization of thematic workshops focusing on challenging tools and content to stimulate students' minds providing a practical and applied approach to problem solving.

Extracurricular and Curricular Classes: Promotion of extracurricular classes in different contexts, including schools, IPSS (Private Social Solidarity Institutions) and private schools.

Service provision contracts with various entities, including participation in the Porto Children project (CM Porto) and support activities for PIICIE–Integrated and Innovative Plan to Combat School Failure in partnership with CM Santa Maria Feira (Elementary School to Secondary Education).

Since 2017, development of partnerships with IPSS, such as Bem Estar, MACUR,CS Padre José Coelho,CS Paramos,O Jardim, A Girafa,to provide robotics and programming classes.

Classes in private educational institutions such as Mais Plural in Famalicão or Perpétuo Educação e Cultura, expanding the presence of Bots & Kids in different educational contexts.

These projects highlight Bots & Kids ongoing commitment to providing innovative educational experiences, empowering students with technology skills and promoting a hands-on, dynamic approach to learning. The diversity of initiatives highlights the organization's adaptability to constantly evolving educational needs;Participation of student teams in Robotics Competitions (Portuguese Robotics Open).

People involved in the BOTS & KIDS have the knowledge and experience that may be relevant to the project, namely:

•Educational Technology Specialists: Professionals with experience in educational technology, including robotics, programming, virtual reality and other related areas.

•Educators with Training in Pedagogy: Professionals with training in pedagogy or educational sciences, who understand the principles of teaching and learning and know how to adapt technological activities to meet the educational needs of students.

•Interculturality Specialists: Individuals with experience in interculturality and cultural sensitivity, capable of promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between participants from different backgrounds and cultural contexts.

•Project Managers: Professionals with project management skills, capable of with project management skills, capabable of coordinating

•Communicators and Facilitator: able to create a collaborative and inspiring environment for project participants.