One of the biggest focuses in 21st century education is on teaching coding and computer science. When integrating such efforts into these classroom lessons, however, there are even often plenty of opportunities for including math angles. So, while covering core CS concepts, like logic, variables, or functions, these tools help teachers connect math and coding in fun ways.
The highly interactive Dash Robot simulator from Wonder Workshop is very easy to access through their Class Connect platform and it enables kids to explore coding opportunities from anywhere. Perfect for summertime or as part of afterschool enrichment, this 3D environment provides students with virtual challenges and engaging STEM puzzles for robot-free coding.
For anyone who isn’t familiar with the Dash Robot, Tim started with a brief introduction. For its cost, the Dash is extremely high-tech, durable, and it’s built with a strong battery life. Elementary educators can use it across their STEAM lessons for up to three hours on a single charge, covering multiple class periods and incorporating SEL. Watch the full replay to learn more.
The Dash Robot is one of the most recognizable and effective STEM tools available to tech educators. Its friendly face, bright blue surface, and value in coding education help make it a go-to option in classrooms, STEM labs, and makerspaces in countless elementary schools. And, with plenty of fun coding features, teacher-friendly resources, and more, it’s easy to see why.
Though each is effective with the proper student age groups, they do have a few large differences. Starting with each one’s coding options, the Cue is a bit more advanced and it is programmable in JavaScript. Conversely, the Dash Robot is perfect for CS introductions thanks to its connections to the Blockly language and its unique options for digital programming.
These class packs help ensure educators deliver efficient instruction, provide actionable feedback to students, and maximize the teaching potential of the Dash. Recently revamped, the latest Dash Classroom Packs are perfect for introductory coding lessons and continue to be an incredibly effective option for facilitating high-quality STEM lesson plans.
Back in 2020, the Wonder Workshop team released their virtual Dash Robot environment, which allows students to program an authentic but digital version of the Dash. Typically, students and teachers can access this environment through Class Connect on a computer but there’s also another option for mobile coding—the Blockly iOS app.
Our newest Featured Educator is Patti Andreolas, an elementary teacher from Queens, NY. Patti has become involved in a variety of innovative projects with her students, helping them develop both hard and soft skills in the classroom. Whether it’s with physical or digital EdTech tools, she’s seen how hands-on learning can impact how students develop.
This month, we’ve presented our EdTech grant to Christa Rozas from Boston Public Schools! Christa is a teacher at the Perry K-6 School in the South Boston neighborhood and a big advocate of introducing computer science early. Her school is also very diverse and she’s done a lot to ensure that all her students have access to STEM opportunities.
Through this Sunday (Father’s Day), we’re sharing special savings on Dash Robot bundles and additional access to the Class Connect platform. There are a bunch of bundles that are part of this promotion and you can find them all on our store! Just make sure you select the one-year subscription length option for any qualifying sale product to save.
