This checklist is for teachers investing in kits to teach robotics and coding in the classroom. It’s a follow-up to my previous posts where I listed some tips on how to pick robotics kits. Here’s a quick summary to check before making a choice.
| ☑ | Does the kit specify age or grade suitability? |
| ☑ | How many students can use one kit? |
| ☑ | Are teacher and student support materials provided? |
| ☑ | Are the pieces age appropriate and durable for repeated use? |
| ☑ | Are the parts powered by batteries and/or charged with USB cables? |
| ☑ | Does the kit allow for creativity and open-ended challenges? |
| ☑ | Is the robot programmable? |
| ☑ | Is the coding software compatible with your device(s)? |
| ☑ | Will the coding skills learned be transferable to subsequent programming curriculum? |
| ☑ | Are there supportive online reviews or testimonials from teachers? |
Robotics and Coding in the Classroom
The reasons for teaching robotics and coding in the classroom are practical and compelling. Students need to be prepared for the workplace of tomorrow with career readiness skills such as innovative and critical thinking, planning, problem solving, perseverance, and teamwork. They also need specific skills that will be in high demand in the future: facility with computer skills, logical reasoning, and a basic understanding of coding.
Integrating robotics into a STEM program with a fun, well designed, and affordable kit is a perfect start.