Introduction
Robotics and coding are the buzzwords of the digital world, with the rise of the STEM curriculum, many parents are keen on getting their children acquainted with programming at an early age. Coding or programming is an essential skill that empowers kids to build solutions to real-world problems. Robotics, on the other hand, provides a hands-on opportunity to apply coding skills to create robots that can execute a range of tasks. There are several robotics programs available for kids at different learning levels worldwide. In this article, we are going to talk about the top 5 robotics programs for kids to learn coding.
1. LEGO Education
LEGO Education is a popular, easy to use, and widely accepted robotics program for kids. It has a range of robotic kits, including WeDo 2.0 and Mindstorms EV3. WeDo 2.0 is designed for kids aged 7-11, while Mindstorms EV3 is for older kids between 11-14 years. The program’s robots are built using LEGO bricks, which can be programmed to move, talk, and do a range of tasks using drag and drop software. The program’s simplistic approach to coding enables kids to learn programming concepts step-by-step, making it ideal for beginners.
2. Scratch
Scratch is a renowned programming language developed by MIT for kids aged 8 to 16. Scratch uses a block-based visual language that simplifies the coding experience for young learners. The program is easy to use and allows kids to create interactive stories, animations, and games. Scratch is available for free, and kids can find a range of support materials online, including video tutorials and step-by-step guides.
3. VEX
VEX Robotics offers a learning platform that is suited for high schools and middle schools. The program has a range of coding software, including VEXcode and Modkit, available for children aged 11 to 18. VEX Robotics is used globally for competitions, providing an opportunity for kids to showcase their coding skills against other learners worldwide.
4. RoboMind
RoboMind is perfect for younger learners aged 10-14 years. It offers a robust platform with an easy to use coding environment that makes it comfortable for students to learn coding. RoboMind provides a range of learning materials tailored for young learners, including lesson modules, tutorials, and assessment tasks. Once the students learn the basics, they can use RoboMind to create complex robots that can perform a range of tasks.
5. Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi robotics is ideal for advanced learners aged 12 and above. It is a credit card-sized computer enabling students to build complex robots and learn coding at the same time. Raspberry Pi offers an extensive range of sensors and components useful for building interactive robots.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the above-reviewed robotics programs offer a unique approach to learning coding and robotics for kids, making it possible to learn while having fun. Parents and educators can adopt any of the above programs based on their child’s age and experience in coding. These programs have a range of software and learning resources that simplify the coding experience and enable young learners to express their creativity. With the use of fun challenges and competitions, coding and robotics programs are transforming how kids learn critical problem-solving skills that may prove useful later in life.
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