Coding Robots for Kids in Elementary School & Middle School & High School
Mar 24, 2023 | Makeblock
Coding has become a significant requirement in the technology industry as well as in education. As parents and educators around the world realized that computer programming was becoming an essential skill and, in the meantime, generating millions of job opportunities globally, coding gradually became a popular subject at schools and colleges.
Fast forward to today; we are living right now in a world of IoT (the “internet of things”), and it is a perfect combination of both coding and hardware development. Coding doesn’t seem to be the only thing that matters, either. How to turn lines of code into orders that control robots intrigues a lot of people, including kids of different ages. So, now the question is, how can we help our kids learn both coding and the application of coding? If kids have already shown an interest in these fields, as parents or teachers, how do we encourage them to explore?
Coding robotic kits can be a great solution! These are not just toys for younger kids. In fact, there are plenty of kits for students in middle and high schools.
Best Coding Robots for Elementary School Kids(5-10 years old)
1) mTiny
mTiny brings early-childhood educational tools to a new level. It’s a perfect coding robotic kit for kids as young as 4 years old, including one lovely robot and a Tap Pen Controller.
Researchers and creators at Makeblock developed mTiny with children’s thought processes and cognition development in mind and have incorporated the theory of multiple intelligences. Therefore, children can be exposed to different fields and have their interests sparked at a very young age.
Using coding cards, a variety of themed map blocks, enlightened storybooks, and tap-to-code interaction, mTiny can guide kids to explore, perceive and create through highly interactive, stimulating, and engaging games. More importantly, the learning process is made fun and entertaining.
Do not underestimate its power just because it’s a coding robot. mTiny does more than just teach kids to code. It is an early educational robot that can help spark kids’ interest in multiple subjects, such as math, music, and English through fun and interactive games.
Last but not least, parents can rest assured that mTiny is safe for kids to play with. All materials used to build mTiny are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and comply with the RoHS standards. The product is designed without any sharp corners or edges so that you don’t have to worry when kids are holding and touching it.
2) Codey Rocky
Among all the coding robotic kits on the market, Codey Rocky stands out. This smart coding robotic kit is for beginners who are at least 6 years old and want to dig deeply into the world of coding and AI learning.
As one of the most popular products from Makeblock, Codey Rocky gained popularity because of the variety of building blocks provided, high-level programming languages enabled, and access to AI learning.
It combines hardware with software, allowing children to learn about programming while they play and create. Using mBlock, a software program that supports both block-based and Python programming, Codey Rocky takes children by their hands and leads them into the world of avant-garde technology with its inbuilt AI and IoT functionalities, giving them a competitive edge in the AI era.
Best Coding Robots for Middle School Kids(11 -13 years old)
1) mBot2
mBot2 is a coding robotic kit is a beginner-friendly robot kit tailored for STEAM education. With just one screwdriver, step-by-step instructions, and a study schedule, kids can build a robot from scratch, experiencing the joy of creation. While they play with mBot2, they will learn more about various robotic machinery and electronic parts, build a better understanding of block-based programming and coding, and build logical thinking and design skills.
For school learners, Makeblock will offer more than twenty free projects and lessons which cover the areas of coding, engineering and more. It is perfectly ideal for STEAM beginners for it help students master mBot programming from 0 to 1 with gamified STEM activities.
This versatile platform combines physical building blocks with digital programming, allowing kids to construct their robots and learn coding through a visual programming environment. Therefore, mBot2 is designed to encourage creativity and problem-solving, as students can assemble various components to create unique robotic models.
Makeblock mBot2: STEM Education Coding Robot Kit for AI Learning
2) mBot Ranger
mBot Ranger is an advanced robotics kit designed for educational purposes, particularly to engage students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning. It is part of Makeblock's extensive range of programmable robots and electronic components aimed at fostering innovation, problem-solving skills, and technical knowledge among users of all ages.
mBot Ranger is designed to handle various surfaces and is equipped to navigate different terrains, making it suitable for a wide range of exploration and educational activities.
Like other Makeblock robots, mBot Ranger can be programmed using Makeblock's intuitive graphical programming software, mBlock. This allows users to create custom behaviors and actions for the robot.
mBot Ranger comes with an array of sensors, such as line followers, ultrasonic rangefinders, and light sensors, which enable it to interact with its environment. Additionally, it supports the connection of various Makeblock modules, allowing users to expand its capabilities.
Makeblock mBot Ranger: 3-in-1 Robotics Kit for Building Robots from Scratch
Best Coding Robots for High School Kids (14-16 years old)
1) CyberPi
CyberPi is an innovative and powerful single-board computer (SBC) designed for robotics and IoT (Internet of Things) applications. It is part of the Makeblock ecosystem, which offers a wide range of hardware and software tools to promote STEM education and innovation.
CyberPi is equipped with a high-performance processor and ample memory, making it capable of handling complex tasks and running sophisticated algorithms for robotics and IoT projects.The board offers multiple interfaces for connecting various sensors, modules, and actuators, allowing users to create customized robotic systems and IoT devices. CyberPi is compatible with Makeblock's mBlock 5, a user-friendly graphical programming platform that enables users to program the board and control connected devices through a drag-and-drop interface.
Designed with education in mind, CyberPi is suitable for students and educators looking to explore robotics, programming, and IoT technology. It can be used in classrooms, workshops, and as part of larger educational initiatives.
Makeblock CyberPi: Educational Electronics Kits for Beginners to Learn Programming
2) mBot Ultimate
Ultimate by Makeblock is an advanced programmable robot kit that is more suitable for kids aged 14-16 years old who have some basic knowledge of coding and robotics. The kit consists of over 550 mechanical parts and provides a comprehensive range of features. The kit also includes 10 custom robots that genuinely make the possibilities for maker combinations infinite—everything a kid needs to make their ideas come alive.
The kit is also compatible with Arduino and can be connected to a Raspberry Pi. It means that you can build even more exciting projects and robots in different coding languages. Ultimate is ideal for robot enthusiasts!
Besides these amazing coding robotic kits, Makeblock has also created two platforms that can take your STEAM project to the next level.