7 Educational Robotics Kits We'll Always Recommend

When we say STEM is for everyone, we really mean it. STEM isn't limited to just one grade, age group, or skill level—in fact, one of the things we love about educational robots is that they encompass the entire span of K-12 grades. There are just as many educational robotics tools available for kindergarteners as there are for 12th grade students. So, let's check out some of our team's favorite robotics options for kids in different grade levels. Even if educators don't have experience in teaching with robotics, it's easy to get started with these trusted kits. Plus, the STEM skills students learn will serve them well in the short and long term.

Cubetto Robot

Let's start with one of our best EarlyEd tech options: the Cubetto Robot. Believe it or not, this robot is designed for teaching coding to children as young as three years old. With an introductory programming system and a simple wooden-block format, the Cubetto helps educators leverage student curiosity, capitalize on their desire to explore, and introduce them to technology. Kids place color-coded Cubetto logic blocks in the control board, directing the robot to move across themed adventure maps. Although the coding itself is age-appropriate and basic, practicing with Cubetto helps set a computational thinking foundation that's crucial to develop progressing coding proficiency.

Bee-Bot Robot

The Bee-Bot is another educational robotics tool designed for early education coding. Like the Cubetto, students can use the Bee-Bot without a screen, but they do have the option to incorporate the Bee-Bot app as they get more comfortable. The robot itself is very friendly in appearance, engaging, and easy for students to use. By stringing together various combinations of commands using the directional buttons on the Bee-Bot's back, students can create programs. Through these experiences, they'll learn about sequencing, estimation, problem solving, and even counting.

Dash Robot

Next, the Dash Robot from Wonder Workshop helps engage kids with a variety of playful movements and expressions. Students from kindergarten through fifth grade can try block coding with Dash on any connected device. Ultimately, these robots could be the first experience kids have with coding on a screen and with coding in Blockly, specifically. Dash bundles are available in various sizes on our store and include access to the Class Connect platform. Teachers can use this platform to track student progress and assign STEM challenges. More importantly, students can use it to program a virtual Dash Robot from anywhere!

mBot Robot

Next in line, we have the Makeblock mBot, which adds a couple more complex elements than the robots we've seen so far. Students start by building the robot themselves with the included parts and instructions, showing them exactly how it works from the inside out. They'll gain a greater understanding of the robot's functions, while getting some engineering education along the way. The mBot also introduces a new type of programming: the Python language. Although kids can start out with block coding, like other early education robotics options, they can easily transition into their first text programming experience within the same coding environment. They can use Python to program more intricate functions within the robot, like the rotation and speed of its motors.

Edison Robot

The Edison Robot is one of the most versatile robots for any grade level. Like the Dash, its simplistic features make it viable in both early and elementary education. It starts simple by introducing students to barcode programming without a screen. It also incorporates a connected device for more advanced programming in multiple languages, including Blockly, Scratch, and Python—all of which are possible on various platforms created by the Edison team. Oh, and then there’s the option to incorporate engineering. Edison has a LEGO surface on its top and bottom, allowing students to build unique structures or connect multiple bots together. You can find the Edison in class packs of various sizes on our store.

Ozobot Evo

There is also, of course, the Ozobot Evo, which is one of the most reliable educational robotics tools when it comes to developing STEM skills and teaching coding. It's a viable robot for elementary schools since students can program it screen-free using color codes or the OzoBlockly platform. The Evo has a bunch of sensors and helps students ease in to programming. There are so many Ozobot Evo projects students can complete and a ton of helpful content for teachers as well. Educators can also use the Ozobot Classroom platform to assign robots to students, manage activities, and track their coding progress. The Evo Robot is available by itself or as part of a 12- or 18-unit classroom pack.

Forward Education

Next up, we have a unique new addition to our store: Forward Education kits. These climate-focused robotics kits allow students to build and code prototypes of sustainable energy technologies. Kids can build wind turbines, smart cars, and many more climate action solutions, all powered by a micro:bit "brain." And teachers benefit, too, with 15+ curriculum-aligned lessons and coding tutorials for grades 3-12. Although lessons start with block coding in the MakeCode environment, students can progress to Python and JavaScript, even switching between languages as needed. Add a green twist to robotics education as kids explore sustainable tech and understand the importance of the UN Global Goals.

So, there you have them—our go-to educational robotics recommendations for students young and old. To learn more about these innovative teaching tools and how they can help students develop real-world skills, check out the Robotics section of our store and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We also recommend checking out the book Rev Up Robotics by Jorge Valenzuela. In the book, he explores strategies for using robotics to bring computational thinking to life in the classroom.