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.
The BOLT Power Pack was adapted from the SPRK+ Power Pack except it now supports charging the Sphero BOLT. It holds 15 BOLTs and is available as an all-inclusive set with robots and accessories (charging cradles/cables, protractors, turbo covers, maze tape rolls, and stickers) and also as an empty pack for those who already have BOLT robots.
Jasmine teaches all subjects, so this allows her to create some pretty fun, cross-curricular lessons. These types of lessons make it possible for her to teach her students all about interesting and relevant subject area content while also introducing them to the world of computer science and coding—and some of her favorite tools to use are the Dash, Dot, and
The GiggleBot is a robot powered by the micro:bit that is perfect for the classroom, makerspace, or remote learning. If you’re familiar with the micro:bit, this little computer is able to help educators expand coding education and, when paired with this device, the GiggleBot truly helps bring coding to life for curious elementary and middle school students!
Starting in early elementary, students can use the Root Robot to try block coding, move onto hybrid coding in upper elementary and middle school, and then use it to learn text coding in upper middle and high school. Since teachers and students now find themselves navigating remote learning, its newest features help make the Root even more appealing.
In case you missed it, the shift of the former STEAM supplier, littleBits, to Sphero has seemingly come full circle. Last week, social media posts on the old littleBits channels indicated that everything would be moving to Sphero’s channels and, earlier this week, that’s exactly what happened as this merger unfolds.
While much of teaching and learning is now taking place outside of the typical classroom setting, Wonder Workshop has remained committed to creating solutions that are easy to access, learner centric, engaging, trackable, and provide parents with the knowledge and tools to assist their children while learning at home. Learn about the virtual Dash here!
Teachers miss their students. Graduations and proms have been cancelled. Most students already know they won’t be in a school again until (at least) the fall. It’s seriously strange, but, like all of us, we’re trying to make this period of time as normal and productive as possible. That’s why we’re very excited to share more about what they’ve been
Last week, we were fortunate to be able to sponsor one of the sessions of Wonder Workshop’s Virtual Summit. We provided a raffle prize for the ‘Coding Activities for Elementary Students’ session led by fourth grade teacher and Wonder Workshop ambassador, Jasmine Saab, who did a fantastic job of educating, informing, and intriguing the audience.
Starting as an iOS-exclusive robot, Root has just recently implemented an online coding platform which can be accessed on most major devices! With iRobot’s online coding platform, students don’t even need the physical Root to practice coding! Keep reading if you want to learn more about how students can code at home with Root’s Virtual SimBot.
Modeled off of the popular and inclusive Sphero Mini Robot, their Mini Golf Kit comes with a custom, redesigned Sphero Mini that looks like a real golf ball—and students can drive, program, and play with it in all kinds of ways as they try to sink their own hole-in-one! Keep reading to learn more about the simplicity of the Sphero Mini,
