Coding is, of course, a hugely important area of 21st century education. Whether they're as young as Pre-K or ready to enter college, coding is extremely relevant to almost every student's future. Thankfully, millions of educators and administrators realize the importance of teaching kids to code. Whether it's a curricular requirement or part of an informal school club, programming experiences are amazingly valuable for students. There's also plenty of options, so educators can find something without complicated or pricey features. In this section, you'll see a lot of different topics related to K-12 coding. These include features on particular STEM tools, insights on coding integration, skills students can develop and more. There's also something for teachers of all grade levels. Whether you teach the early grades or have students with the foundation to take the next step, you'll find helpful resources for teaching coding in the classroom.
Coding is truly an experience that all K-12 students can have. Starting in the early grades, students can code screen-free with a tool like the Cubetto Robot. Then, they can start to increase their coding skills and explore Blockly environments using tools like the Dash Robot, Ozobot Evo, and many others. From there, students can explore a bunch of different languages, like Snap!, Scratch, MakeCode, and more and, eventually, expand their skill sets by exploring text-based languages, like JavaScript and Python. All the while, the STEM solutions we advocate for also allow students to learn the most important coding concepts, like loops, variables, inputs, conditionals, and syntax. With a natural progression that leads to increased computer science competencies and enhanced future readiness, it's tough to understate the relevance of coding experiences in the classroom.
The first and most obvious thing that’s great about the Sketch Pack is that it allows students to truly combine STEM and STEAM. It provides a surface and a few accessories to turn the Dash or Cue into a writing utensil. Students can slide a marker into the specialized slot and then write programs that tell the robot how to
The Robo Wunderkind line allows early education students to get hands-on with building and programming robots. Designed for kids as young as five years old, each of the three kits feature constructible components for building robots. Once they build the robot they want, kids can program them using one of three mobile apps.
With over 15 specialized kits, littleBits is transforming STEAM education in all grade levels. They feature a progressive approach to hands-on learning, making, and engineering, and encourage kids to creatively explore millions of inventions. The solutions continue to evolve and, now, teachers can combine making and coding in one STEAM experience!
Built to mimic a rover, the Sphero version has some surprisingly tough treads. It also packs plenty of torque and ports that enable students to connect third-party hardware. On top of all that, they can still use the Sphero RVR in creative STEAM projects. Read on to learn more about using the RVR, including coding with the micro:bit and littleBits
The virtual STEAM solution from Wonder Workshop is designed to work just like the physical Dash Robot. Teachers can lead coding and computational thinking lessons using this online version of the Dash and, in the brief webinar, members from their team will outline everything educators need to know. Click inside to find the recording!
In our latest webinar, we were joined by Katie Henry, micro:bit’s Head of Partner Engagement, and Diane Horvath, a technology specialist. The pair discussed many of the educational possibilities when it comes to using the micro:bit in the classroom and attendees from around the world joined in and contributed to the great discussion. Find the recording here!
For his award, we will be providing Justin and his students with some micro:bit V2 kits to use in their STEAM program. Since the micro:bit’s allow students to complete standalone activities as well as take part in new experiences that are tied to their existing PBL units, they’ll make a great fit as Justin expands CS opportunities for all.
Not only can students use the micro:bit to learn about coding basics using MakeCode, it has a ton of secondary applications in STEM education. Join us on Thursday, March 4 as we team up with our partners from micro:bit to discuss integrating the micro:bit and its new features in remote, hybrid, or in-class education!
One important feature of note is that the RVR is all-terrain. Unlike its spherical predecessors, the RVR is shaped like a car and has treads, torque, and a precision control system to help it tackle the most uneven of surfaces. Besides that, the RVR is compatible with third-party hardware and programmable using the Sphero Edu app!
Whether students are coding with the micro:bit and MakeCode or using it with other STEAM tools, it’s a powerful tool for CS education in any grade. Speaking of its integrations, the micro:bit is compatible with a number of other technologies, allowing students to add exciting elements to various STEM projects!
