Although we love helping students start out with coding in the early grades, it's just as important for kids to continue improving their STEM foundation throughout middle school. Some coding and makerspace tools we offer can scale from K–12, while others are perfectly suited for those preteen years. These are six of our favorites for transitionary STEM learning in middle school. Whether you're looking for the best robots for the classroom, teaching kids about sensors, or preparing them for career and technical education programs, this list of middle school must-have STEM tools offers a wide range of options.
1. Ozobot Ari Coding Robot
While kids can use the Ozobot Evo in the early grades thanks to its unique screen-free coding features, the Ozobot Ari takes programming a step further. When students pair Ari with the online OzoBlockly environment, they can begin the transition into text-based coding with a Python Preview. Easily toggle back and forth between Blockly and Python to see how any program looks in both languages. Students can create interactive programs and add sophisticated elements like loops and variables, then see what the same code would look like in a more advanced programming language. Check out all the Ozobot robot kits on our store, including the classic Evo and the new Ari Classroom Kits (available for pre-order).
2. Edison Robot
Both durable and scalable, the Edison Robot is a great tool for upper elementary and middle school coding. Edison is among the most versatile classroom robots, with four different methods of coding. Students can progress from pre-programmed barcodes in elementary school to advanced text languages in middle school. With a free online coding environment for each of Edison's compatible languages, including Python, students can easily find example programs, write and edit their code, and check it for errors. Then, they can use Edison's new USB attachment to transfer programs to a real robot.
3. Unruly Splats
Middle schoolers are notoriously rambunctious, and it's hard to channel that energy into something productive. Unruly Splats offer the perfect solution. These durable floor buttons allow students to stomp, dance, and jump through games and activities for any subject. They can use pre-programmed games from the Splats library or code their own, incorporating STEM into any classroom. Although Splats are limited to block coding for now, their versatility makes them a great solution for middle school. Students still have the ability to make complex programs with loops, variables, and other advanced coding techniques. They might use it to play a game of whack-a-mole, where they have to jump on the Splat that lights up. This activity offers plenty of practice with conditional statements to determine which Splat becomes the "mole." Teachers can find many more middle school STEM activities and resources in the lesson library, making Unruly Splats a top contender for the classroom.
4. 3Doodler Flow 3D Printing Pen
Our only non-coding recommendation on this particular list, the 3Doodler Flow is a powerful creation tool and a great resource to add to your middle school makerspace curriculum. It's perfect for upper middle school students, since it's a more powerful option than the 3Doodler Start. The Flow pen's new dual drive technology and spooled filament allow students to enjoy even smoother 3D printing experiences. They can also doodle with different plastic types, including PLA, ABS, and even wood filament! The 3Doodler Flow is a meaningful addition to engineering classes, fun makerspace activities, or intricate art projects. Find more 3Doodler tips throughout our site.
5. CoDrone EDU
A middle school STEM curriculum wouldn't be complete without a unit on drone piloting. Drones are increasingly being used in all sorts of careers, from agriculture to telecommunications. Starting as young as fifth grade, students can use CoDrone EDU to experience piloting and coding a real drone. Because CoDrone is compatible with both Blockly and Python, it provides a seamless transition from graphical coding to text programming. The CoDrone EDU is also incredibly engaging, with colorful lights and a customizable controller that students can incorporate into their programs. Whether they stick with block coding at first or want to jump right in to text coding, students can use the drone and its free lesson library to see the industrial applications of STEM and drone education. With its on-board, programmable LED matrix, array of built-in sensors, and state-of-the-art features, the CoDrone EDU is a fantastic middle school STEM solution.
6. databot 2.0
Last but not least, the databot 2.0 is an amazingly capable data-collecting tool for STEM education. Kids can use it in science class, as part of STEAM curricula, in computer science programs, or in CTE courses. The databot 2.0 has 16 on-board sensors that allow students to collect data from their immediate environment. From reading humidity levels to measuring acceleration, there's so much potential for using the databot 2.0 in the classroom. Plus, the databot team developed a mobile app for the latest databot model. Known as the Vizeey app, students can use this platform with their databot and collect real-world data in real time. They can also use it for coding and explore other features, like drone compatibility and dataBlockly, too.
Once students have comfortability with using various technology tools in the earlier grades, these great options are perfect for helping them stretch their STEM skills and preparedness for the future. If you're looking to revamp STEM in these grades or finding coding robots for middle school students, hopefully this helps! If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact our team at anytime. And, as always, follow us on X and Instagram for more.
