Though we might place less emphasis on middle school STEM, it's just as important for kids to continue improving the foundations they built in the elementary grades and prepare for new challenges throughout high school. To be honest, a lot of the coding and makerspace tools we offer are perfect for elementary STEM lessons and there aren't quite as many for middle school kids. Don't worry, though, because there are still plenty to investigate, including these ones, which are six of our favorites. Whether you're looking for the best robots for the classroom, focused on teaching kids about sensors, or ready to prepare them for career and technical education programs, this list of middle school must-have STEM tools offers a lot.
1. Ozobot Evo Coding Robot
While kids can use the Ozobot Evo in the early grades thanks to its unique screen-free coding features, it's actually ideal in elementary and middle school. When they pair it with the online OzoBlockly environment, students can explore block-based coding, create interactive programs, and add those more sophisticated computer science elements, like loops and variables. Plus, it's truly one of the most engaging educational robotics tools around and there are different STEM kits depending on your tech needs. Check out all the Ozobot robot kits on our store, including the individual Evo Entry Kits and Evo Classroom Kits.
2. Finch 2.0 Robot
Next, there's the Finch Robot 2.0, which is a great option for upper elementary and middle school coding. Compatible with six coding languages in total, the Finch 2.0 is among the most versatile classroom robots. For students in Grades 3-8, there are really three key coding languages they can use for Finch 2.0 lessons. They are BirdBlox, MakeCode, and Snap! Each of these block-based languages helps students learn key skills for programming the Finch 2.0 using Java or Python later on. They can use MakeCode on Chrome, Mac, Windows, or Linux devices and they can use Snap! on Mac or Windows devices. And, BirdBlox, on the other hand, is a mobile app that's available on iOS, Android, and FireOS devices.
3. Marty the Robot V2
The Marty Robot V2 is another versatile classroom robotics option. It's compact, accessible, and it's an intriguing Scratch robotics solution for students to check out since they can program it using Scratch Jr. coding, the traditional Scratch programming language, and Python once they're a little older. The Marty V2 features a variety of interactive and programmable sensors, including tilt, position, proximity, and force sensors. Children could use them in coding challenges and control the Marty's walking, dancing, turning, and more. Plus, teachers can find tons of STEM activities and resources on the Robotical Learning Portal to maximize how students use it in the classroom, making the Marty a top robot for educational purposes.
4. 3Doodler Create+ 3D Printing Pen
Our only non-coding recommendation on this particular list, the 3Doodler Create+ is a powerful creation tool and a great resource to add to your middle school makerspace curriculum. It's perfect for students in Grades 4-8 and a more powerful option when comparing the Create+ to the 3Doodler Start. In using the Create+ pen and its dual drive technology, students can enjoy smoother 3D printing experiences. They can also doodle with different plastic types, including PLA, ABS, and FLEXY 3Doodler filaments. Plus, it comes as a single unit or in larger packs of six and 12. The 3Doodler Create+ is good for engineering classes, fun makerspace activities, or designing intricate art projects. Find more 3Doodler tips throughout our site.
5. RoboMaster TT Drone from DJI
Moving on up, these final two STEM curriculum options are definitely better for your upper middle school students. Starting with the RoboMaster TT drone from DJI, students can use it in trying text coding for the first time since it provides a notably seamless transition from graphical coding to typing their syntax. The RoboMaster TT is also super engaging, helping kids see the industrial sides of STEM and drone education. Whether they stick with block coding a little longer or want to jump right in to the text coding, students can use the drone and its open-source hardware platform for both pilot experience and coding activities. With its on-board, programmable LED matrix, array of built-in sensors, and state-of-the-art features compared to other educational drones, the RoboMaster TT is a fantastic STEM solution.
6. databot 2.0
Last but not least, the databot 2.0 is an amazingly capable data-collecting tool for STEM education. Kids can use it in science class, as part of STEAM curricula, in computer science programs, or in CTE courses. The databot 2.0 has 16 on-board sensors so students can literally collect data from the environment. From reading humidity levels to measuring acceleration, there's so much potential for using the databot 2.0 in the classroom. Plus, the databot team developed a mobile app for the latest databot model. Known as the Vizeey app, students can use this platform with their databot and collect real-world data in real time. They can also use it for coding and explore other features, like drone compatibility and dataBlockly, too.
Once students have comfortability with using various technology tools in the earlier grades, these great options are perfect for helping them stretch their STEM skills and preparedness for the future. If you're looking to revamp STEM in these grades or for coding robots for middle school students, hopefully this helps! If you have any additional questions, you can feel free to contact our team at anytime. And, as always, follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more.
