About
Robot Responders is a hands-on STEM learning experience that challenges students to think like engineers as they design robots to solve real-world problems. Through a selection of classroom activities, an interactive online game and an unplugged card game, students explore how robots can help humans complete tasks that are too dangerous, difficult or inaccessible for us. Inspired by real CSIRO science and engineering, students investigate environments including caves, marine ecosystems and space while developing problem-solving, critical thinking and design skills.
Designed for young people in Years 5–8 (approximately ages 10–14), Robot Responders is suitable for use in classrooms, community groups and at home. Educators and facilitators can select activities that best suit their setting, whether delivering a structured lesson, a STEM club session or an independent challenge. Flexible digital and non-digital options make it easy to engage learners in meaningful STEM experiences that encourage creativity, collaboration and curiosity.
More Robot Responders adventures are on the way! Coming soon for National Science Week 2026, explore new Marine and Space missions with additional learning resources and challenges inspired by real-world science and engineering.
Community guide
Community guide
The community guide adapts the investigations for community groups, STEM clubs and other informal learning settings. It provides flexible delivery advice, activity timings, materials lists and facilitation guidance to support engaging STEM experiences for young people.
Robot Responders games
Robot Responders online game
Design, build and test virtual robots in an interactive online game, solving real-world STEM challenges inspired by authentic CSIRO science and engineering.
Robot Responders printable card game
The Robot Responders card game is a hands-on STEM resource that challenges young people to design a robot for a real-world mission. Working individually or in teams, players collect robot component cards, manage a budget, and respond to unexpected engineering challenges as they build a robot capable of completing the mission.
Robot Responders card game - accessible version
Student and teacher resources
Caves and lava tubes
Caves and lava tubes introduce students to the science and engineering of exploring underground environments using robots.
Through a series of engaging investigations and design challenges, learners discover why robots are essential for navigating caves and lava tubes, how scientists map and study these unique landscapes, and how environmental conditions influence robot design. Students apply STEM thinking to explore concepts such as sensing, mobility, navigation and problem-solving while designing robots capable of completing real-world missions.
Designed for Years 5–8, the resource can be used in classrooms, community groups or at home. Flexible activities support a range of learning settings and can be delivered as a complete learning sequence or selected individually to suit available time and learner needs. For an extended learning experience, pair the resource with the Robot Responders online game and card game, allowing learners to test their ideas, apply their knowledge and continue exploring robot design through interactive play.
Teacher guide - accessible version
Student workbook - accessible version
Optional - Curriculum links
Australian Curriculum connections
View how the Robot Responders resources can be linked to certain learning areas within the Australian Curriculum.
About
Robot Responders is a hands-on STEM learning experience that challenges students to think like engineers as they design robots to solve real-world problems. Through a selection of classroom activities, an interactive online game and an unplugged card game, students explore how robots can help humans complete tasks that are too dangerous, difficult or inaccessible for us. Inspired by real CSIRO science and engineering, students investigate environments including caves, marine ecosystems and space while developing problem-solving, critical thinking and design skills.
Designed for young people in Years 5–8 (approximately ages 10–14), Robot Responders is suitable for use in classrooms, community groups and at home. Educators and facilitators can select activities that best suit their setting, whether delivering a structured lesson, a STEM club session or an independent challenge. Flexible digital and non-digital options make it easy to engage learners in meaningful STEM experiences that encourage creativity, collaboration and curiosity.
More Robot Responders adventures are on the way! Coming soon for National Science Week 2026, explore new Marine and Space missions with additional learning resources and challenges inspired by real-world science and engineering.
Community guide
Community guide
The community guide adapts the investigations for community groups, STEM clubs and other informal learning settings. It provides flexible delivery advice, activity timings, materials lists and facilitation guidance to support engaging STEM experiences for young people.
Robot Responders games
Robot Responders online game
Design, build and test virtual robots in an interactive online game, solving real-world STEM challenges inspired by authentic CSIRO science and engineering.
Robot Responders printable card game
The Robot Responders card game is a hands-on STEM resource that challenges young people to design a robot for a real-world mission. Working individually or in teams, players collect robot component cards, manage a budget, and respond to unexpected engineering challenges as they build a robot capable of completing the mission.
Robot Responders card game PDF (2 MB)
Robot Responders card game - accessible version TXT (6 KB)
Student and teacher resources
Caves and lava tubes
Caves and lava tubes introduce students to the science and engineering of exploring underground environments using robots.
Through a series of engaging investigations and design challenges, learners discover why robots are essential for navigating caves and lava tubes, how scientists map and study these unique landscapes, and how environmental conditions influence robot design. Students apply STEM thinking to explore concepts such as sensing, mobility, navigation and problem-solving while designing robots capable of completing real-world missions.
Designed for Years 5–8, the resource can be used in classrooms, community groups or at home. Flexible activities support a range of learning settings and can be delivered as a complete learning sequence or selected individually to suit available time and learner needs. For an extended learning experience, pair the resource with the Robot Responders online game and card game, allowing learners to test their ideas, apply their knowledge and continue exploring robot design through interactive play.
Classroom presentation PPTX (216 MB)
Teacher guide - accessible version TXT (24 KB)
Student workbook - accessible version TXT (29 KB)
Optional - Curriculum links
Australian Curriculum connections
View how the Robot Responders resources can be linked to certain learning areas within the Australian Curriculum.