Biobots is an educational board game developed by the British Council in partnership with Colombia’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (Ministry of ICT), as part of the Colombia Codes project. The initiative focuses on developing students’ computational thinking skills through continuing professional development for teachers, with a gender focus.
The game is designed to foster computational thinking in classroom settings with limited technological access, although it is not limited to such contexts. Through engaging missions and dynamic characters known as Biobots, students can explore core programming concepts while learning about environmental conservation from an early age. In that sense, Biobots is a tool that supports the development of six computational thinking sub-skills without the use of screens or technological devices - it is fully unplugged.
Watch the video introduction to Biobots
Objectives & Purpose
Biobots introduces players to the world of coding through interactive, game-inspired missions. Students use sequencing, loops, conditionals, and debugging to navigate their Biobots through challenges focused on environmental care and sustainable actions.
The game develops logical reasoning, strategic thinking, and collaborative problem-solving, while connecting computing concepts to real-world values.
Target Audience & Context
Originally designed for students from kindergarten (5 years old) to the end of the school cycle, Biobots is easily adaptable for learners of all ages. It is used by teachers as part of the Colombia Codes initiative to promote digital skills and computational thinking across the country. Its flexible format makes it ideal for diverse educational contexts.
Educational Benefits
Educators working with Biobots have observed multiple positive outcomes:
- Strengthening coding fundamentals: Students grasp algorithmic thinking and symbolic coding through engaging physical gameplay.
- Enhancing problem-solving: Learners develop step-by-step strategies and improve their ability to debug and optimize solutions.
- Promoting gender inclusion: The game fosters equal participation and supports the active involvement of girls in STEM, helping to close gender gaps in technology and science.
- Increasing engagement: The analogue, collaborative gameplay drives enthusiasm and improves focus during class sessions.
Recognition & Impact
- Winner of the GamiCon48V awards: People’s Choice for Best Low-Tech and Best overall use of gamification (2025), for its innovative, inclusive design and educational impact.
- Recognised by educators and specialists as a leading example of play-based computational thinking in formal education.
How It Works in the Classroom
- Teacher sets the stage by outlining a mission and objectives for the Biobots.
- Students plan their moves: they apply sequencing, loops, or conditionals to navigate obstacles or achieve tasks.
- Group discussion and reflection: afterwards, learners share their strategies—what worked, what needed correcting—to reinforce algorithmic thinking.
- Iterative improvement: debugging and optimization become central to gameplay, mirroring real-world computational processes.
Learn More & Download
Explore our free “Print and Play” version of Biobots, plus downloadable guides and classroom resources to help you bring the game to your students — available in Spanish versions. Everything you need to begin is just one click away.
Download the Print and Play
Watch the Print and Play tutorial video
- Access teacher manuals and classroom guides here:
Getting Started Guide
Pedagogical Guide
Map Booklet
Scenario Book
Algorithm Manual
Summary
Biobots is a hands-on educational tool that teaches computational thinking and environmental responsibility through fun, mission-based gameplay. Designed for use in low-connectivity educational environments, it builds essential coding skills, promotes inclusion, and supports student engagement—while reinforcing values around sustainability and teamwork.
Biobots: Program, Learn, and Care for the Planet
For more information about Biobots, or to get in touch with the British Council team behind the project, please contact us at: schoolscolombia@britishcouncil.org.co