Who: 2nd-5th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
Three-Session Programs!
When: Each session is from 9:00AM – 11:30AM
Description: Over three sessions, students will design a creative robotics solution. Students will design and build a functional prototype using LEGO Spike Prime kits. Students will showcase their creations in a science fair-style exhibition.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 6th-9th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
Three-Session Programs!
When: Each session is from 12:00PM – 2:30PM
Description: Over three sessions, students will design a creative robotics solution. Students will design and build a functional prototype using recyclable materials, laser-cut parts, and 3D-printed components. Students will have the opportunity to present their final robot pitches on Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN) Day.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 2nd-5th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: 9:00AM – 11:30AM
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Description: Students will learn about circuits and conductivity by creating interactive art using conductive tape. They’ll design a simple light-up card where LEDs are powered through creative circuit paths made with copper tape, showcasing both artistic expression and electrical engineering concepts.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 6th-9th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: 12:00PM – 2:30PM
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Description: Students will explore basic circuitry by creating their own Operation-style game using breadboards and electronic components. They’ll design and build the game board with a laser cutter, 3D print custom parts, and use Canva to create a themed background.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 2nd-5th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: 9:00AM – 11:30AM
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Description: Students will personalize wooden houses and bring them to life by adding lights using basic circuitry and breadboards. They’ll learn how to wire LEDs, connect components, and explore how electricity flows through a simple circuit.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 6th-9th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: 12:00PM – 2:30PM
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Description: Students will build a working flashlight using an Altoids tin as the casing. They’ll drill holes for the button and LED, use breadboards, resistors, and light soldering to complete the circuit, and add a personalized touch by etching designs onto their tins.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 2nd-5th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: 9:00AM – 11:30AM
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Description: Students will build a circuit that powers both an LED and a buzzer, exploring how electricity flows through different components. They’ll learn the difference between open and closed circuits, and experiment with series and parallel configurations to see how they affect performance.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 6th-9th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: 12:00PM – 2:30PM
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Description: Students will build circuits using Arduino and learn to code them to control when and how long LEDs light up. They’ll explore the basics of programming, timing, and digital outputs to create interactive lighting sequences.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 2nd-5th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: 9:00AM – 11:30AM
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Description: Students will be assigned different animals with unique situations and will be challenged to create a prosthetic using recyclables. Students’ designs must meet the animal’s needs and function properly in its environment.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 6th-9th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: 12:00PM – 2:30PM
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Description: Students will design a prosthetic device for a human patient by researching anatomy, sizing, and material options to ensure proper fit and comfort. They’ll apply principles of biomedical engineering to create a functional and user-friendly prototype from recyclables tailored to the needs of the affected body part.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 2nd-5th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: 9:00AM – 11:30AM
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Description: Students will build a robotic arm using LEGO components and program it to perform a variety of tasks. They’ll explore concepts in robotics, engineering, and coding as they bring their creations to life through movement and precision control.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 6th-9th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: 12:00PM – 2:30PM
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Description: Students will program Lego robotic arms to be controlled remotely using radio frequency (RF) signals. They’ll learn how wireless communication works and apply it to operate their robotic arms from a distance, simulating real-world remote control systems.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 2nd-5th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
Two-Session Programs!
When: Each session is from 9:00AM – 11:30AM
Description: In this two-session workshop, students will design and build their own board games using CAD software, laser cutting, and 3D printing.
Session 1 on April 7th: Students will create custom game boards and pieces,combining creativity with hands-on tech skills.
Session 2 on April 21st: Students will create custom packaging, a unique logo, and rules to complete their fully personalized game.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 6th-9th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
Two-Session Programs!
When: Each session is from 12:00PM – 2:30PM
Description: In this two-session workshop, students will design and build their own board games using CAD software, laser cutting, and 3D printing.
Session 1 on April 7th: Students will create custom game boards and pieces,combining creativity with hands-on tech skills.
Session 2 on April 21st: Students will create custom packaging, a unique logo, and rules to complete their fully personalized game.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 2nd-5th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: 9:00AM – 11:30AM
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Description: Students will learn how to take accurate measurements using digital calipers in both the imperial and metric systems. They will also practice reading blueprints and using coordinate systems to understand how precise measurements guide manufacturing and design processes.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 6th-9th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: 12:00PM – 2:30PM
Thursdsay, May 14, 2026
Description: Students will learn how to measure precisely using dial calipers, read and interpret blueprints, and write basic G-code for CNC machines. These foundational manufacturing skills will help them understand how digital designs are transformed into physical products
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 2nd-5th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: 9:00AM – 11:30AM
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Description: Students will build autonomous cars that can detect objects and steer away to avoid collisions using sensors and microcontrollers.Students will explore real-world applications of robotics, sensing, and autonomous navigation.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 6th-9th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: 12:00PM – 2:30PM
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Description: Students will build smart cars using micro:bits and various sensors, then collaborate to create a model smart city. Their city will feature interactive elements like traffic lights and streetlights that automatically turn on when it gets dark, introducing concepts in automation, sensor technology, and smart infrastructure.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 3rd – 5th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, programming, and hands-on projects
When: 12:00PM – 2:30PM
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center
100 S. Jackson Street, 2nd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15202
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/program-sign-up.
Who: 6th-9th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, designing, and hands-on projects
When: 9:00AM – 11:30AM
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center
100 S. Jackson Street, 2nd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15202
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/program-sign-up
Saturday, April 12, 2025
PennWest California
SAVE THE DATE! BotsIQ will be hosting its 20th annual Finals Competition for all teams!
Location: PennWest California’s Convocation Center (250 University Ave, California, PA 15419)
Tentative Competition Schedule:
Day 1 – Friday, April 11, 2025
Teams Arrive – 7:30AM – 9:00AM – Team Registration, Safety Inspections
Opening Ceremony – 9:05AM
Bouts Begin – 9:45AM
Lunch – 12:30PM – 1:00PM
Day 1 Concludes – 5:00PM
Day 2 – Saturday, April 12, 2025
Teams Arrive – 7:30AM – 9:00AM – Team Registration, Safety Inspections
Opening Remarks – 8:45AM
Bouts Begin – 9:15AM
Lunch – 12:30PM – 1:00PM
Award Ceremony – 5:15PM
Friday, April 11, 2025
PennWest California
SAVE THE DATE! BotsIQ will be hosting its 20th annual Finals Competition for all teams!
Location: PennWest California’s Convocation Center (250 University Ave, California, PA 15419)
Day 1 – Friday, April 11, 2025
Teams Arrive – 7:30AM – 9:00AM – Team Registration, Safety Inspections
Opening Ceremony – 9:05AM
Bouts Begin – 9:45AM
Lunch – 12:30PM – 1:00PM
Day 1 Concludes – 5:00PM
Day 2 – Saturday, April 12, 2025
Teams Arrive – 7:30AM – 9:00AM – Team Registration, Safety Inspections
Opening Remarks – 8:45AM
Bouts Begin – 9:15AM
Lunch – 12:30PM – 1:00PM
Award Ceremony – 5:15PM
Open to students in grades 5th-9th
Friday, March 21st, 9:00AM-11:30AM
Registration is required, visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/program-sign-up.
BotsIQ is an innovative educational program of the Pittsburgh Chapter National Tooling & Machining Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and approved PA EITC Educational Improvement Organization.
BotsIQ is a manufacturing workforce development program of the Pittsburgh Chapter National Tooling & Machining Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.
BotsIQ is an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
The program is affiliated with the National Robotics League.
