The Root robot is a dynamic teaching tool in education. Not only can it help students learn multiple coding concepts with graphical, computational, and full text coding options, it can be programmed to draw and climb whiteboards! Right now, we're offering the chance to try a Root Robot as part of this Root demo program! The Root team has provided 20 units for this program and we're excited to extend this opportunity to educators in our community!
The Root can be used in education to teach everything from coding and creativity to problem solving. It can also be used in just about any grade starting in Pre-K or kindergarten and continuing through high school. That’s because Root’s different programming modes expose students to different programming concepts. Some of them are very simple and others are much more advanced. Using what they’ve learned with Root from an early age, students are able to progress through the various challenges and code with Root for quite a while.
Root robots can also connect and disconnect from devices whenever you need them to, allowing for maximum convenience in the classroom. It is, however, only compatible with iPads or iPhones running iOS 10 or later at the moment. With this dynamic, early learning robot, students can learn coding, explore touch interaction, place a marker in its slot and draw with Root, experience color sensing, and integrate art with technology! It’s really an ideal EdTech option for combining coding and STEAM and giving kids the chance to use their imaginations as they learn and grow.
As we mentioned, Root is capable of climbing some surfaces, including classroom whiteboards. There is also the option to purchase a fold-out whiteboard that can be used with Root as well. This allows students to program the robot to draw unique artwork and showcase many of its other innovative abilities, like playing music and responding to touch or color. To use Root, students need to pair the robot with the Root Coding app, which is available on the Apple app store.
Within the app, they can start by learning about simple sequences and progress through three different levels of coding that grow in difficulty as kids grow their skill sets. Once they make it through all of the challenges within the app, they’ll be ready to program Root using the Swift language! Eventually, Root should also be compatible with Python and JavaScript, too. When downloading the app, it comes with a 1-month trial of Root Academy, which features a whole bunch of learning content for educators, lessons, project ideas, and a built-in simulator!
So, why are we telling you all about this amazing little robot? Well, our partners at Root Robotics have allowed us to search within our community of educators and offer up 20 Root’s as part of an exclusive 30-day classroom demo offer! Although we can only select 20 educators to take part in this program, we encourage anyone who is interested to apply. As part of the offer, we'll be sending Root's Starter Guide to those who are selected as well. You'll also receive a return label to send the Root Robot back to us hassle-free at the end of the 30 days. To apply for this awesome educational opportunity or ask any questions about Root Robotics, feel free to get in touch!