10 Robotics Kits for High School Students That Will Ignite Their Interest in STEM

Robotics is a field that has been steadily gaining ground in the past few years, and for good reason too. It offers a vast array of possibilities for those who are interested in the subject, ranging from industrial automation to unmanned aerial vehicles. Teaching robotics to high school students, therefore, comes with numerous benefits, especially in terms of building an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

However, the task of designing a course or module for high school students that would imbue them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in robotics can prove daunting. That’s where robotics kits come in. Not only do they provide an easy way to teach robotics, but they serve as a tool for advancing young students’ interest and passion for the subject matter.

The following article explores ten robotics kits that high school students can use. These kits are more than just mere playthings—they are a capable way of imparting skills that will prove useful in the real world.

1. Lego Mindstorms EV3 Kit

There is probably no better kit to begin with than the Lego Mindstorms EV3 kit. Offered by the Danish toy manufacturer, the kit contains a vast assortment of blocks that enable users to build robots that they can program and operate using a computer. More excitingly, the kit is customizable, allowing the user to build countless robot designs.

2. Sphero Bolt Starter Kit

Sphero Bolt is an easy-to-use robotics kit that comes with an app for programming and controlling your own robot. It uses the Scratch 3.0 programming language, which is easy for beginners to understand. Sphero Bolt is also easily customizable, allowing students to experiment with various designs and programs.

3. Vex Robotics Design System

The Vex Robotics Design System is an ideal kit for high school students who aspire to make robots that move and transport objects. The kit is designed to teach users how to build complex machines using gears, chains, and motors. Vex Robotics Design System comes with easy-to-understand instructions, programming software, and all-equipment necessary to build robots.

4. Arduino Starter Kit

For students who thrive on tinkering, the Arduino Starter Kit is the perfect fit. The kit features an Arduino board that students can use to create a vast array of robots with sensors that can detect motion, light, and other external factors. It comes with multiple components that enable users to integrate advanced features into their designs.

5. Makeblock Education Robot Kit

Makeblock Education Robot Kit is designed for students who have a passion for building robots that can perform a range of functions. The kit is tailored to enable students to create robots that can move, learn, and even communicate. It comes with easy-to-follow instructions and all the components required to build a wide range of robots.

6. Robolink Rokit Smart

Robolink is an affordable and easy-to-use kit that comes with a variety of components students can use to create robots that can move and perform tasks. What’s more, the kit is customizable, allowing students to design robots according to their preferences. Robolink Rokit Smart also comes with an app that enables users to program their robots easily.

7. Wonder Workshop Dash

Wonder Workshop Dash is a beginner-friendly robotics kit that enables students to create robots that can move and perform simple tasks. It comes with easy-to-follow instructions and an app for programming your robot via a drag-and-drop interface.

8. Ozobot Evo Starter Pack

Ozobot Evo Starter Pack is an excellent robotics kit for high school students with an interest in coding. It requires no computer or tablet to operate and instead uses a series of sensors to detect and respond to changes in color.

9. Edison Programmable Robot

The Edison Programmable Robot is an affordable, all-inclusive kit that enables students to create robots that can follow and respond to light, sound, and touch. It comes with a simple, intuitive programming language that easy to learn and follow.

10. Thymio II Robot

The Thymio II Robot is a versatile robotics kit that teaches students how to program their robot using either Blockly or simply drag-and-drop techniques. It comes with an open-source interface, making it the perfect kit for advanced robotics learners.

Conclusion

Robotics kits are an excellent tool for high school students who want to learn STEM subjects. The kits mentioned above are easy to use and offer a wide range of features that enable students to experiment with various designs and programs that can help boost their skills and interest in the field of robotics. Robotics is a field that encourages creativity, logical thinking, and problem-solving, and teaching it to young students via these kits is an exemplary way of nurturing the next generation of roboticists.