Orange USD RoboPlay Challenge 2026
"This event demonstrates remarkable innovation, perseverance, and collaboration. Witnessing students from diverse grade levels approach intricate challenges with ingenuity and fortitude was profoundly inspiring. Initiatives such as the C-STEM RoboPlay Challenge not only foster an ardent interest in STEM disciplines but also nurture the problem-solving and leadership qualities of future generations. Congratulations extend to all the students, educators, and organizers who contributed to the success of this impactful day of learning!"
-- Dr. Stephen Glass, Distinguished Faculty in Residence (PK-12 Specialization), College of Education, CSU Long Beach, and Board Member at Orange Unified School District --
LinkedIn, 24 May 2025, www.linkedin.com
What does math learning look like when students learn through play with robots in a competitive team environment?
When students apply math through coding and robotics as part of their math learning, mathematics becomes active, meaningful, and exciting. The 2026 RoboPlay Challenge Competition at Orange Unified School District is a great example, with over 230 students across 57 teams from grades 3 through 12 competing to solve challenging math problems creatively under time constraints.
In RoboPlay, challenges are not revealed until the day of the competition, requiring teams to apply math, coding, and problem-solving skills in real time. RoboPlay extends math learning into a hands-on, real-world, and collaborative experience. It shows that math is not just about procedures, but about critical thinking, reasoning, collaboration, and innovation. When we connect math to meaningful real-world applications, students deepen their understanding, build confidence, and develop a genuine interest in learning.
What are your thoughts? How can we make math more engaging and meaningful for all students?
A special thank you to Orange Unified School District for the photos and videos of this eventful day!