One of the more highly anticipated educational technology releases in recent years, the Finch Robot 2.0 is now shipping! Even more robust and versatile than the original, the Finch 2.0 is a true coding and robotics solution for students. In fact, it helps foster inquiry and advance creative problem-solving skills in kids from kindergarten to college and can certainly help teachers find new and innovative ways of teaching computer science, math, and more. Plus, for any teachers who have used the micro:bit in STEAM education lessons previously, the Finch 2.0 might be even more appealing since kids can incorporate its features.
The most important upgrade to the Finch Robot 2.0 is probably the fact that it uses the micro:bit for power. This also means that students can incorporate the micro:bit’s functions and capabilities into their programs for the Finch. And, speaking of those programs, another one of the Finch 2.0’s impressive upgrades has to do with all of ways in which students can program it—six different coding options in total! The Finch 2.0 is programmable using the new FinchBlox language, BirdBlox, MakeCode, Snap!, Python, and Java—truly offering something for students of all grade levels and skill sets.
Each of the coding options with the Finch Robot 2.0 offers something for students of any age. FinchBlox, for example, is completely icon-based, so it's actually suitable for younger students as well as pre-readers. BirdBlox and MakeCode are block-based and a natural next step for breadth and complexity—appropriate options for elementary students. Then, there’s Snap!, which is ideal for upper elementary or middle school students, providing a more complex but still block-based coding option. Finally, we have Python and Java, which are both text-based languages. They are perfect for students who have mastery in graphical coding languages and require them to type out their programs—something that’s ideal for high school students.
Along with its compatibility with these coding languages, the Finch Robot 2.0 is also compatible with many devices. These include tablets as well as laptops and desktop computers. FinchBlox and BirdBlox are both mobile apps and accessible on iOS, Android, and Fire OS devices. MakeCode is an online coding platform students can access through a browser. It's accessible on Chrome, Mac, Windows, and Linux devices. The other three environments—Snap!, Python, and Java—are solely available with Mac or Windows computers. Kids also need the Bluetooth Dongle if utilizing Snap!, Python, or Java on Windows computers or pre-2014 Macs. It's available separately on our store.
Now, let’s cover some other features of the Finch Robot 2.0. It has a wireless Bluetooth connection and an integrated and rechargeable battery that lasts up to seven hours. It even has five tri-colored programmable LEDs, a multi-tonal buzzer, and compatibility with plastic building bricks for engineering applications. There are also two light sensors, two infrared line tracking sensors, a distance sensor, an obstacle sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor. And, for good measure, students can write on its white surface with whiteboard markers! To learn more about the Finch Robot 2.0, click below to visit our store. Once there, you could also place an order for the robot or add it to a quote request. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more!