Programming

The micro:bit measures 4cm by 5cm and is completely programmable. It has 25 LEDs that students can code to light up and display various images, numbers, and text, as well as two buttons, inputs, outputs, an accelerometer, and a magnetometer that each can be individually programmed.

The Code–a–pillar is a robotic tool for introducing kids as young as three to coding. Its replaceable sections—just like the ones on a real caterpillar—represent different actions and kids customize them and control the robot’s movements! No other early education STEM tool provides a better balance of programming and play than the Code–a–pillar.

The SPRK+ is one of Sphero’s latest additions to their seriously cool line of robots. Although only the size of a baseball, it is packed with educational power. When paired with the Sphero Edu app, the opportunities for learning are boundless. Kids have the option to write code in either a Blockly or path drawing environment.

The Meccano M.A.X is not only programmed to respond to certain commands, but it can also learn from kids and build knowledge about their interactions with its incredible AI technology. Students even get exposure to engineering as they build M.A.X from scratch and then teach it new behaviors, skills, and tricks using voice commands.

The simple software, active engineering, and long-lasting learning kids crave and teachers approve of comes with the GoPiGo robot kits from Dexter Industries. Whether in the classroom, makerspace, or an afterschool robotics club, these are the kinds of products that promote innovative, hands-on learning. What’s to love about the GoPiGo robots?

Although intended for kids aged 6-10, the original version of the Ozobot can help teach students of all ages thanks to its versatility and the range of different things children can do with it. Beginner students can start by experimenting with color coding using easy-to-understand OzoCodes and then build their way up to using OzoBlockly.

Edison is the perfect teaching tool for STEM activities since it’s so incredibly versatile. A while ago—about a year now at this point—we were introduced to the Edison Robot and did a nice little write-up on it in what you now know as the Eduporium Experiment. Now, it’s revamped, however, and we’ve got some new stuff to cover, so here

In the past, the Edison worked with Web-based software called EdWare and was designed for use on Chromebooks. Now, Microbric, its manufacturers, have released new programming software called EdBlocks, which allows kids to program Edison more enjoyably and effectively, including with LEGO compatibility.

We have discovered more STEM products in the EZ-Robot line and have added all of them to our store. The EZ-Robot team really has thought of everything—well, just about everything. Joining the original models are a Battle Flipper, Galapagos Bot, and the subject of this week’s Eduporium Experiment—the EZ-Robot Adventure Bot.

Thames & Kosmos is known—at least throughout our office—as a company that perfectly combines technology, construction, and just about every STEM discipline. They have a number of hands-on kits that help kids learn the basics of solar energy, coding, atoms, and a ton more. This week, we dove into their Robotics Smart Machines Kit.