Some of the most popular paths and effective approaches to preparing students for their future involve using robotics tools. A significant subsection of STEM education, coding robots and other types of programmable devices enable a large percentage of the STEAM learning that occurs in our schools. Using educational robotics tools, students from Pre-K to college can develop key coding skills. This is largely because, among these various robot kits, many are compatible with various programming languages. So, beginning in Pre-K, a child might use the Cubetto Robot in screen-free coding activities. Then, they might move on to the Bee-Bot or Blue-Bot for CS experiences that are slightly more complex. And, by the time they're in kindergarten or first grade, they have a legitimate foundation and they're ready to continue developing fluencies in coding, problem solving, and even computational thinking.
One reason robotics in education is so effective is due to various advances in robotics equipment for schools. Beyond introducing the absolute basics of coding early on (and without a screen), students can then progress to one of the most basic forms of coding, which you might know as Blockly. So many robotics tools incorporate the Blockly coding language along with their corresponding programming environment. In fact, the Ozobot Evo, Root Robot, Edison Robot, and Dash Robot are among the most popular elementary robotics tools. These help children build on coding and technology knowledge as they prepare for the next step—text programming. In text coding, they can use tools like the databot 2.0, NAO Robot, and most of the others we've mentioned. And, through these experiences, they can develop STEM skills in a tangible way while using robotics tools to do so.
Cubelets and STEM education just kind of go together. Already awesome at exposing super young students to engineering and programming, the addition of the Cubelets Classroom Packs have added a renewed focus on collaboration! All their kits allow educators to combine coding and engineering in the classroom.
The GoPiGo build-your-own robotics kits are top of the line. They are powered by a Raspberry Pi and come in wide ranges of sizes to fit all needs and accommodate various classroom setups. The Base Kit is the smallest and perfect for any students who have used a Raspberry Pi, whereas the Starter Kit is for those who want to
Collaboratively created by the Eduporium and Highlander teams, the super unique program has allowed children within three Rhode Island elementary schools to use new STEAM tools in their classrooms. Those technologies? A lot of them were generously donated to these educators by our partners from Ozobot, Modular Robotics, Sphero, E-Blox, and Microbric.
Covering engineering, arts, programming, and robotics, Hummingbird is a true STEAM experience as it combines technology and robotics with artistic creativity. Students use the kit’s components, including LEDs, motors, sensors, servos, and craft materials to build a functional robot that they can program in various languages.
The EdCreate Kit is something all STEM teachers should be looking to add to their classrooms. It’s pretty much guaranteed to inflate students’ skills as they expand on Edison’s build with 115 interlocking parts they can use to create five exciting, new robots. The EdTank, EdDigger, EdRoboClaw, EdCrane, and EdPrinter.
We strive to make sure we’re offering the very best and the very latest in terms of EdTech products and, because of that, our store is constantly being updated. Whether it’s coding tools, VR, 3D printing, or something else, we love to stay on top of the latest trends in K-12 technology. Here are some of the newest technologies added
There are robotics tools designed for classroom use and then there are the ROBOTIS robotics kits, which are all designed for serious STEAM learning. What makes these different? Well, they’re not just for breaking the ice and introducing robotics to students while they’re at a young age. Many of the ROBOTIS kits are designed specifically for high school students.
We know that there might be a lot of teachers who believe that children are experienced with SPRK+ and want the next best thing. Well, the Ollie robot can flip, spin, and perform combinations of tricks to keep all your students engaged! Programmable and drivable just like the SPRK+, the Ollie model can also help students take their robotics skills
The Meccano Meccanoid G15KS is a personal robot kids can build from the ground up. With three ways to program, voice recognition, and smart device communication, the Meccanoid might just become their best robot friend ever! Once built, it towers at almost four feet tall (122 cm) and it comes with 1,014 parts, two hand tools, a battery, and more.
Makeblock’s mBot is one of the best educational robot kits for beginners on the market. Unlike most robots, students build this one from scratch, bolstering their engineering skills and getting into the inner workings and electronics involved with robotics. Designed for students in grades 1-7, the mBot is easy to assemble and a great entry-level robotics tool!
