Coding and its applications make up a big part of robotics education in K-12 schools and for good reason. There are four letters in ‘STEM,’ however. And, it is important to recognize that the ‘E’ is just as valuable as the others when teaching with robotics tools. Not only can robotics tools help educators teach coding and computational thinking, many have an engineering component as well. We think it’s awesome that teachers can combine these two major areas of STEM by incorporating robots that kids can build and subsequently program using various apps and platforms. So, we’re looking at some of the best robotics kits for teaching coding in the classroom with the added bonus of students building them from the ground up.
The mBot-S
The mBot-S is a part of Makeblock's STEAM line, joining earlier mBot models and other classroom robots. This latest version is also engineerable, but includes some new components that previous mBot models do not have. The main change is the addition of an interactive matrix board. It's built in to the robot and serves as another component that children can use. The mBot-S is an entry-level robot with functions and abilities that are appropriate for students who are as young as eight years old. The built-in LED matrix enables kids to display customizable images by creating programs for the mBot’s LEDs. And, as for advancing STEAM education, the mBot-S can help educators teach a number of innovative concepts, including engineering.
Since it offers in-depth exploration of engineering, the mBot-S comes with a good amount of pieces. They each go into making the robot function effectively. The center of the robot is its chassis, which is very user-friendly. It helps students visualize how their robot’s shape should look. Assembly instructions come in the box and images help students see where to find other parts of the robot. Other things they'll need to put it together include its wheels, tires, mCore, brackets, nuts, bolts, and the LED matrix. It might seem like a lot, but there are only a little bit more than 100 pieces in the kit. It should take around 30 minutes to assemble the mBot-S, though this could vary depending on student skill levels.
The mBot-S also comes equipped with five different sensors that children can put into place while they're assembling it. These sensors allow students to program this robot in different ways once they build it. They include the light sensor, button, IR receiver, ultrasonic sensor, and a line following sensor. By following their instructions and placing these components in the correct places, kids can really gain a feel for engineering. They can also observe how robot components and other systems work together to help it function. Finally, students should add each new part to their robot in a specific order so that assembly is efficient. To learn more about the mBot-S or to purchase some from our store, head on over!
The GoPiGo Robotics Kits
The GoPiGo Robot actually shares a similar shape and structure with the mBot, but its source for power is different. While the mBot relies on Arduino technology to power and program it, the GoPiGo is dependent on the Raspberry Pi. The tiny Raspberry Pi motherboard is at the heart of every GoPiGo Robot. As children assemble it, they'll also have an opportunity to learn more about the Raspberry Pi technology as they build. Like with the mBot, students don't need a ton of pieces to build it, but there are a pretty good amount. For most students, it should take about 30 minutes to fully assemble the GoPiGo (give or take a few minutes). Once they finish building it, they’ll have a functioning robot that drives, senses, and is fully programmable.
The various GoPiGo packs contain different quantities of robots and components, helping teachers to get exactly what they need. No matter the size of the kit you purchase, each kit comes with these accessories: the Raspberry Pi 3, a GoPiGo Servo Package, a distance sensor, a microSD card, a power supply, and the ethernet cable. In addition, the pieces for constructing the robot include a distance sensor, sensor mounts, a rechargeable battery, and a Raspberry Pi camera. Perhaps most importantly, students need to insert the included microSD card before they finish with their build. Why? Because these cards are outfitted with the custom DexterOS software, which students need to program the GoPiGo Robot.
As part of its design, your robot can withstand most bumps and falls it takes in the classroom. Its rubber wheels allow it to move quite freely while students are learning with it. Using the sensors included during construction, they can control the multi-colored LEDs on the top of the bot. It’s also important to mention that, even though children can build these robots themselves, they’re not responsible for installing any of the software—just the hardware. They can download it from the Dexter Industries website right onto their computer or device. So, as is the case with each robot in this post, learning starts with engineering. Then, it continues with everything that students can do in terms of programming after they build it.
Cubelets Robot Blocks
The first two robots on this list are great for STEM education because they combine engineering (obviously) and coding. This next option is a bit different in the sense that children can engineer them in more than one way. Cubelets are sets of robotic blocks that each have their own unique function and snap together with a magnetic connection. This means that students can configure them in many different shapes and create so many different robotic inventions. Some of their Cubelets blocks have wheels on its bottom, for example. So, when students engineer a robotic system and put these blocks on the bottom, they get something that moves based on an internal or external trigger! And, that’s just one of those engineering and programming possibilities students can explore with the Cubelets kits.
There are over a dozen unique Cubelets blocks and children routinely find creative ways of attaching them. On the more artistic side, these Cubelets projects can inspire students to design robots in various shapes. They include the shape of a perfect square or an attempt to mimic the shape of any animals. As they build their inventions, students become completely engaged in the design process and learn about engineering along the way. They also need to be aware, for example, of making the foundation of these robot systems strong and remembering to not make it too top heavy, which could result in it tipping over. Plus, they also learn the best ways of constructing cool structures using an engineering mindset.
As students build Cubelets inventions, they often activate their computational thinking skills by looking for the most efficient or sturdy ways of putting their robots together. Plus, once they build their robot systems using the Cubelets hardware and their engineering skills, their engineering practice doesn't stop. They can then use the Cubelets software to create programs on any compatible devices for controlling these robots’ actions. The Cubelets kits really are one of the most versatile sets of STEM tools available on our store and engineering is at the top of the list of skills they help students develop. To check out the various Cubelets kits and different size options as well as add-ons, head over to our store.
The Robotics Smart Machines Kit
There are many different Thames and Kosmos kits that illustrate important topics and disciplines for kids to know. Some of them aren’t even particularly high-tech, but there are others that are more geared to helping students develop useful tech skills. One of those is the Robotics Smart Machines Kit, which is part of the Thames and Kosmos signature series. Children simply follow the step-by-step manual that comes in the kit and can construct eight different robot models. The kit is ideal for both upper elementary or middle school students as it contains well over 200 pieces and some of the assembly can be a bit challenging or tricky at times. Some of the components, however, like the ultrasonic sensor, give children a nice glimpse into what it’s like to build robots that they can then control with an external device. It’s also great if you're starting a school robotics club!
The eight different models kids can build with the Smart Machines kits are all different sizes and styles and highlight some of the individual components in the kit. The eight projects are the Bipedal Android, Spy Bot, Beetle, Crocodile, Tiltrotor Aircraft, Robo Dog, Robotosaurus, and a catapult. Each project requires a lot of the different components in the kit and some are pretty involved. They could take an hour or more for your students to build, but each one of them gives them great experience with engineering and problem solving. And, not to worry, the detailed diagrams and instructions that come in their kit's manual will offer plenty of guidance for children as they engineer these devices. And, then, like with the mBot, GoPiGo, and Cubelets robots, students can program the projects they create using their device.
Since students have to assemble each of the models, this gives them the opportunity to learn more about how robotics devices are used in the real world. With just a little guidance, they will start to see why robots need to be a certain shape, for example, or why they might need to be nimble if they’re going to be used in tight spaces. This underscores the importance of assembling these machines correctly so that there are no errors when they deploy the robot in a real-world situation. To control those robots they build, students can download the Robotics Smart Machines app on either Apple or Android devices. Students can then create visual programs on their screen and pair their robot with their device to take control of it.
The Edison Robot
Although each of the robots we’ve discussed involve some element of engineering, they're all fairly unique from each other. And, the last one on the list is no exception. The Edison Robot is a small orange bot from a company known as Microbric. This robot is unique in a number of ways, beginning with its shape and its superb durability. It’s very compact and dense, making it great for the classroom because it’s easy to store and tough to damage. While each Edison Robot is only one piece (no assembly unlike some of the others), there are still opportunities for engineering. If you look at the robot, you’ll notice small holes on the bottom side and small grooves on its top. If those markings look familiar, that’s because they're a classic indicator of LEGO block compatibility.
So, yes, the Edison Robots do work with LEGOs so children can design and build creative structures. They can add on to a single Edison or use LEGOs to connect more than one. This enables them to program bots that are much bigger, giving them a more exciting coding experience paired with the unique opportunity for engineering. By adding LEGO blocks onto the Edison, kids can learn some basic but important engineering skills. They'll have to consider how many blocks they can add before the structure becomes unstable, how to add the strongest blocks to the base of their structure, how to safely connect their robots, and more. All of these are factors that real engineers have to consider as well.
Once kids try different engineering possibilities, they can move on to the programming side of their Edison. They can program the robot in different ways—both with a screen and software and without a screen. Also, when you have two or more robots attached with LEGOs, the programming may become a bit trickier. This is because you have to program each individual robot to get your programs to run smoothly, which is easy enough. Basically, the robot can read barcodes that program it to avoid any obstacles, stay within borders, sumo wrestle with other Edison Robots, follow lines, and more. That’s your basic level. For more advanced students, they can leverage a device to program it using a Blockly language, Python, a graphical language, and with Scratch! With the Edison, the engineering opportunities are great, but they’re really only the start of what students can learn!
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