With curriculum requirements increasing the focus on computer science skills and training, more schools are looking to incorporate coding and robotics into their programs. One great way to start engaging interested students is to begin an after-school STEM or robotics workshop! This creative and innovative learning environment provides students with a hands-on educational opportunity and supports their desire to learn.
When starting a robotics workshop, it’s important to consider which coding and robotics supplies would be the best fit for your students. Teachers love STEM toys that are unique, learner-friendly, and fun to use. The latest educational technologies combine programming and coding with robotics so students can create commands and see how the robots react. This hands-on learning experience can spark passion and excitement for students and could inform their career decisions later in life.
Our Top Robotics Product Choices
We know a lot about STEM toys for kids, and here are our top recommendations for any robotics program.
The entire Wonder Workshop line is a great choice for teaching kids to code using robots. They make a few different versions, but their Dash robot is by far the most popular. It meets CSTA, ISTE-S, and Common Core State Standards, and with apps for every age group from 6 and up, it’s an investment you’ll benefit from for years. Several curriculum packs are available; review this guide to find the best one for your school.
Modular Robotics has developed the Cubelets line of products to teach coding using cube-shaped robots with specific functions. When pieced together, they form an entire robot and build the code to control its behavior. We offer Cubelets bundles geared towards different age groups, as well as introductory packs to provide everything you need to get started.
From robotic arms to bugs and trash cans, OWI has a variety of STEM products for schools. With an emphasis on solar energy, alternative fuel sources, and energy efficiency, these robots help prepare children for an environmentally-challenged future. These robots could help inspire and develop our next Earth scientists right in your classroom!
Ozobot education packs are great for getting a robotics workshop up and running quickly. They offer the desk-friendly sized Evo robot for all ages along with the OzoGoes line of exploration packs. With these packs, students learn about many different STEAM concepts including astronomy, physics, and engineering skills. The included educational activities encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration through NGSS-aligned lessons.
The Finch robot from Bird Brain uses micro:bit programming to draw and follow lines. It is capable of understanding 6 programming languages starting with FinchBlox for pre-readers all the way up to Python and Java. Combined with the Finch Mat, it can dance, navigate a maze, draw letters, measure objects or distances, and much more!
Even More Robotics Supplies for Schools
There are plenty of other fun STEM toys for kids’ robotics clubs, workshops, and Makerspaces. Thames & Kosmos and makeblock both offer convenient robot kits, and Root coding robots are based on Roomba’s technology! We offer a wide range of robotics supplies and STEM products for schools. Shop our inventory online and contact us if you don’t see what you’re looking for; we’re likely able to source it from our network of vendors and manufacturers and deliver it straight to you! Call 1-800-831-5904 or email web@midwesttechnology.com to learn more.