Computer science remains an integral element of STEM education and, these days, of K-12 education as a whole. With so many connections to current or future career opportunities, learning computer science skills can unlock various professional benefits for today's students. Because much of computer science ties in to the STEM economy in so many ways, it truly began to boom in high schools over the last couple decades. Now, however, students are starting to get a taste of it as early as kindergarten. With that foundation, they can continue learning new and more intricate skills throughout elementary and middle school. This helps put them in a prime position to learn the more advanced skills and coding languages in high school. With hands-on coding experiences serving as a driving introductory force to learning computer science, tons of students continue to benefit.
It's truly possible to incorporate a computer science curriculum at all levels of education. Even if experiences happen only after school, kids of any ages could partake. As early on as kindergarten, children can explore screen-free coding and develop foundational CS skills with tools like the Cubetto Robot or Bee-Bot. And, moving into early elementary school, they can dive into digital coding with block-based challenges. This introduces them to some more important elements of computer science and includes robust solutions they can try in classrooms. Among them are the Ozobot Evo, Dash Robot, Root Robot, and tons of others. Then, in middle school, they could explore graphical coding further or get into text-based coding. Using tools like the Edison Robot, Finch 2.0, Marty V2, or others, they can try more. Then, they'll be ready for full text code in high school with the NAO AI, databot 2.0, or others.
Coding experiences are worthwhile for students starting in Pre-K and kindergarten and up through high school and college. If you already have a plan for CS Ed Week, that’s great but, if you need recommendations, we have plenty of those inside, including coding tools from top STEM manufacturers, screen-free options, or those that are completely virtual.
For students who learn differently, specifically in special education populations and Autistic students, the NAO can help provide a calming effect and help them feel more comfortable around this kind of technology. These two eBooks can help educators maximize teaching with the NAO V6 and we’re breaking down what’s found in each.
Whether new to robotics or simply eyeing a new challenge, Marty can be used in all types of STEAM lessons, including both individually and collaboratively. With the Marty, students can learn all sorts of STEAM concepts, like electronics, mechanical engineering, and even some of the more advanced coding languages!
The NAO Robot V6 is easily one of the world’s smartest robots and arguably the most powerful STEAM solution you’ll find on the Eduporium store. This humanoid robot comes with a huge array of educational and experimental value and it’s ready to go right out of the box whether educators purchase a used NAO robot or a brand-new model.
The Sphero BOLT is built on the same premise as its predecessor, the SPRK+, including a similar appearance. With the BOLT and its impressive features, however, students can accomplish much more! The BOLT is equipped with an on-board 8×8 LED matrix, a magnetometer for auto-aiming, a light sensor for measuring lux values, and IR sensors!
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.
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!
In terms of its looks, the micro:bit V2 is very similar to the original micro:bit and even costs roughly the same as well. It has tons of added capabilities, however, and can bring exciting new wrinkles to coding education with the addition of a built-in speaker, a built-in microphone, and a redesigned LED matrix for creating programs. Keep reading to
While it’s not the environment we’d all want to be using the databot in, this post paints a prime picture of how the databot is adaptable in almost every learning situation! Keep on reading to learn more about how teachers have found success using this data-collecting bot in different learning scenarios and with their students of all different ages.
