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 Robotics Kits for Elementary School Children (5-10 years old)
1) mTiny
mTiny is Makeblock’s latest creation. It 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 Robotics Kits for Middle School (11 -13 years old)
1) mBot
mBot is a coding robotic kit that is designed for users aged 8+. With just one screwdriver, the step-by-step instructions, and a study schedule, children can build a robot from scratch, experiencing the joy of creation. While they play with mBot, they will learn more about various robotic machinery and electronic parts, build a better understanding of block-based programming, and build logical thinking and design skills.
The adorable look of mBot is usually the first thing that millions of children aged 8+ fall in love with. Big, lovely eyes and cute smiley face…how can you say no to them? The extremely portable size is another thing that people love about mBot. When people hear about robotic kits, they often imagine big chunky plastic or metal parts with endless wires around them. mBot is lightweight and can fit right in your bag.
However, do not judge it by its size! mBot has four expansion ports and can connect to more than 100 kinds of electronic modules. Kids can easily use lots of add-on packs and more than 500 parts on the Maker Platform to build various things.
2) Airblock
Have your kids started to show an interest in drones and hovercrafts? If they have, Airblock by Makeblock is a must-have!
Airblock is a transformable drone/hovercraft robotic kit that is designed for 8-year-old kids or older to play with to help them learn more about aircraft. It is made up of one core master module, and six power modules. Simply connect them magnetically to quickly build an aircraft, a hovercraft, or a variety of other DIY configurations!
As powerful and fun as it is, Airblock is very user-friendly. Using the unique MakeBlock coding app, children can control their robot with instructions they program themselves. They will simultaneously learn to program and create through playtime!
Best Coding Robotics Kits for High School Kids (14-16 years old)
1) 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.
2) mBuild
Designed based on the patented “Makeblock Neuron Protocol,” mBuild allows electronic modules to connect in series without the need to distinguish between input and output interfaces. This means you can connect over 10 electronic modules without needing an extra extension board when the mainboard has limited ports, making your sophisticated design elegant and straightforward.
3) Makerspace
Makerspace is a programmable building-block platform brought to you by Makeblock. It includes Electronic Modules, Structural Parts, Motors & Actuators, and Transmission & Motion Parts for gadget building. Teachers can get customized Makerspace proposals that are designed to meet their specific curriculum needs. Working in tandem with Scratch or text-based coding in mBlock, Makerspace helps teachers introduce the power of creativity in their classrooms and empowers students to participate in global robotic events like MakeX, as well!
Coding robotic kits are becoming the next big thing in the STEAM education industry. If you want to help your kids develop their interests in the STEAM fields, a quality coding robotic kit can be extremely helpful.
Have you decided if you want to get one for your kids today? Do you have any questions about coding robotic kits? Connect with us on social media and let us know!