How to Use Tiny Programmable Robots to Introduce Kids to Coding

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, coding has become an increasingly valuable skill. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow 11% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to over 500,000 new jobs in areas like software development, cybersecurity, data science and more.

However, despite the surging demand for programmers, there is still a significant gap in access to computer science education, particularly for underrepresented groups. According to Code.org, while 67% of all new STEM jobs are in computing, only 11% of STEM bachelor‘s degrees are in computer science. Additionally, women, Black and Hispanic students are less likely to have opportunities to learn computer science in school.

To prepare the diverse tech workforce needed for the future, it‘s crucial that we make coding education accessible and engaging for all students from an early age. One promising approach is to use programmable robots to introduce kids to coding concepts in a tangible, interactive way. By programming robots to light up, make sounds, draw, move and complete challenges, kids can develop computational thinking skills while having fun.

Why Robots are an Effective Tool for Teaching Coding

Programmable robot kits offer numerous advantages as a tool for teaching coding to kids:

1. Engaging and interactive: Robots bring coding to life in a physical form that kids can touch and manipulate. This makes abstract programming concepts more concrete and memorable compared to coding on a computer alone. A study by researchers at Tufts University found that kindergarten students who learned programming concepts by coding robot animals showed significant improvements in their sequencing and coding skills compared to a control group.

2. Develop computational thinking: By programming robots, kids learn how to break down complex problems into smaller steps, use logic to plan and code instructions, and iterate on their solutions. These computational thinking skills are valuable not just for coding, but for problem-solving in any domain. Research has shown that educational robotics activities can help develop students‘ creativity, critical thinking, and higher-order thinking skills.

3. Encourage experimentation and perseverance: With robots, kids can see the immediate outcomes of their code and experiment with different approaches to complete challenges. Troubleshooting errors in their code teaches valuable lessons about perseverance and learning from mistakes. The trial-and-error process of programming robots has been found to improve students‘ confidence and resilience in problem-solving.

4. Offer cross-disciplinary connections: Robotics projects often involve math, science and engineering concepts in addition to coding. For instance, students might need to estimate distances, measure angles, and understand forces and motion to program their robot effectively. This allows kids to see how coding connects to other STEM fields and real-world applications. A study published in the journal Education Sciences found that integrating robotics into math lessons improved elementary school students‘ mathematical achievement and attitudes towards math.

5. Promote collaboration and communication: Many robotics kits are designed to be used by multiple students working together. Kids learn to collaborate, share ideas and explain their thought process as they program the robot. This develops valuable teamwork and communication skills that will serve them well in any career path. Research has shown that collaborative robotics projects can foster a sense of community and belonging among students.

Popular Programmable Robots for Teaching Coding

There are numerous educational robot kits on the market designed for teaching coding to kids as young as preschool age. Here is an overview of some of the most popular options and their key features:

Sphero Bolt

The Sphero Bolt is an app-enabled robotic ball that kids can program using block-based or text-based code. It features an animated 8×8 LED matrix that can display graphics and data, as well as infrared communication that allows multiple Bolts to interact. Advanced sensors like a gyroscope, accelerometer and compass open up possibilities for creative projects and experiments.

The Sphero Edu app offers STEM lessons and activities categorized by skill level, from beginner-friendly drawing and navigation challenges to more complex projects involving data visualization and game design. Sphero also provides extensive curriculum resources aligned with computer science standards like the CSTA K-12 Standards and Code.org‘s CS Fundamentals series.

Wonder Workshop Cue

Wonder Workshop‘s Cue robot is designed to grow with kids as they learn to code. It can be programmed using a block-based interface or through text-based code in languages like JavaScript and Apple‘s Swift. Cue has multiple sensors, including proximity sensors to detect obstacles, encoders to track speed and distance, and a gyroscope and accelerometer.

One standout feature of Cue is its chatbot mode, which allows kids to program the robot to engage in two-way conversations. By customizing the robot‘s responses to various prompts, kids can explore AI and machine learning concepts. Wonder Workshop also offers extensive lesson plans aligned with standards like the Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards.

LEGO Spike Prime

LEGO Education‘s Spike Prime kit combines the familiarity of LEGO bricks with powerful technology like sensors, motors and a programmable hub. Students build robots and machines using instructions and guided lessons, then bring them to life through the Spike app‘s drag-and-drop coding environment.

The Spike Prime curriculum is extensive, with units in creative design, competition-style robotics, coding foundations and more. Lessons are aligned with ISTE, NGSS and CS standards and designed to develop 21st-century skills like problem-solving and collaboration. As students advance, they can export their code in the text-based Python language for more flexibility and control.

Example Robotics Lesson: Program a Sphero to Navigate a Maze

Objective: Students will program a Sphero robot to autonomously navigate a maze using block-based code.

Materials:

• Sphero Mini or Bolt robot
• Tablet with Sphero Edu app
• Maze constructed from cardboard box or other materials
• Measuring tools (rulers, protractors)

Procedure:

1. Introduce the challenge: Program the Sphero to navigate from the start of the maze to the end as quickly as possible without hitting any walls.
2. Have students explore the Sphero Edu app and practice basic movement blocks (roll, delay, spin, etc.). Discuss how the robot‘s speed, direction and timing can be controlled.
3. Students plan their approach by drawing a diagram of the maze with measurements of distances and angles. They break down the path into a sequence of roll and rotate commands.
4. Using the Sphero Edu app, students translate their planned path into code using block programming. They can test segments of code and refine as needed.
5. Students download their code to the Sphero robot and run it in the physical maze. They observe how closely the robot follows the intended path and make adjustments to improve precision.
6. Allow time for iteration and testing of different approaches. Encourage students to experiment with using loops, functions and conditional statements to create more efficient and robust code.
7. Discuss the concepts of sensors, feedback and autonomous navigation. Have students brainstorm how they could use the Sphero‘s sensors to enhance the maze-solving algorithm (e.g. detecting and avoiding walls using the gyroscope and accelerometer).

This lesson integrates math concepts like angles, distance and geometry with the computational thinking practices of decomposition, algorithmic thinking and debugging. It can be adapted for various age groups by adjusting the complexity of the maze and the level of guidance provided.

Getting Started with Coding Robots

For educators and parents looking to bring coding robots into the classroom or home, there are numerous resources available to get started:

• Online training and certifications through robotics companies like Sphero, LEGO Education, and Wonder Workshop
• Lesson plan databases like TeachEngineering and Instructables
• Robotics competitions and challenges such as FIRST robotics, RoboCup Junior, and World Robot Olympiad
• Nonprofit organizations focused on broadening participation in computer science, like Black Girls Code, Girls Who Code, and Code Interactive

By introducing coding robots in a purposeful, scaffolded way, educators and parents can help youth develop the creative problem-solving skills needed to be the innovators and changemakers of the future. With the right tools, curriculum and support, all kids can experience the excitement of bringing their ideas to life through code.