How Educational Are Robot Building Kits?
It’s a valid question. The short answer is that many claim the world but only a few deliver.
The best robot toys demand that teens solve problems and think through processes.
This may have a caveat as some teens may not be up for that challenge. So you need to gauge where they are at.
Are they just starting out? Perhaps a fully customisable robot isn’t the on-ramp. The secret here is to build momentum and not overwhelm.
Lastly, some sources claim that engaging with robots improves soft skills like teamwork, communication and even managerial ones.
What Do Teens Actually Learn From Robot Building?
Unless you are quantifying or measuring results, there is always going to be some subjectivity that creeps in here.
But let’s go for a rapid-fire list that shows what teens might be learning from robots:
- Enhances creative skills.
- Reduces screen time.
- Promotes computational thinking without keyboards and screens.
- Understands simple engineering concepts
- Improves motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Interprets and follows instructions.
- Designs robots and assembles parts, which enhances perseverance and problem-solving skills.
What to Consider When Buying STEM or Robotics Kits for Teens
We’re about to get stuck into the list. But before we do, let’s seed you with some things to consider when making that all-important choice.
First, you want to think about resonance.
Will the toy match the person? Have they been talking about their interests in technology and robots? If you don’t want to pay for more clutter to take up your garage space, then consider this strongly.
Next is the support and community behind the toy or robotic kit.
If you’ve settled on a toy, make a quick google search to check their support. I’m guessing that you’re probably not going to be able to offer that support due to time, knowledge or even interest.
So make sure that the teenager can access forums or reach out to others in the know. That will encourage longevity and connection and it may ignite a longer inquiry into technology.
You ought to consider how the toy will be used.
Will the teen build the toy? Does it come assembled and all they need to do is control it? Is the focus on electronics (then maybe consider a cheaper kit). And if the interest lies in coding, then make sure it’s one that offers programmable capabilities.
Age level or what they’re ready for is crucial in the selection process.
Pay attention to the recommended age as the entry point. You don’t want some overly complicated kit if your teenager doesn’t have strong perseverance or resilience.
Likewise, if your teenager loves tinkering and problem solving, then opt for something much more customisable.
ArcBotics Sparki Robot
Teaching will never be the same. Sparki is an all-in-one educational robot that teaches you STEM skills. It is light, easy to use, and has everything you need to start teaching coding, electronics, or robotics. Students love it because they get to play with a robot and learn at the same time.
Champbot Kit/App-Enabled Building & Coding STEM Robot Kit
Step up your game in the new Blockly World with these inventive robots. With over 300 building blocks and more than 100 coding challenges, you can explore robotics hands-on with this innovative kit. Play solo or with a friend!
ELEGOO Penguin Bot Biped Robot Kit
Sometimes you need a little help, like when there’s stuff to be done around the house. ELEGOO penguin bot is your new best friend, tackling the tasks that are too difficult or tedious for you to do by yourself. Whether it’s cooking dinner or cleaning your floors, ELEGOO will be ready to help you. ELEGOO is also great at entertaining your kids with its many talents like voice control, obstacle avoidance and many more!
ELEGOO UNO R3 Project Smart Robot Car Kit
ELEGOO is a safe, realistic, and affordable robot car designed for children aged between 8 and 12 years old. Its simple design can be quickly assembled with no tools required. The car has a variety of sensors that allow it to be controlled remotely or autonomously by a computer program. It’s one of the best STEM kits you can buy for your children as it will foster their creativity.
Elenco Teach Tech “Robotic Arm Wire Controlled”
Get your kids on the right path to a successful future with these robots. They will play and learn at the same time, with our interactive, easy to use and colorful programs. Your child is in charge of their own learning and success!
Freenove Hexapod Robot Kit
Create your own robotic pet with this revolutionary, cutting-edge hexapod robot. You can tell it what to do, where to go, and how to act. The Freenove Hexapod Robot app is your remote control for your new toy. Start by drawing a path for it to follow, then command it to walk or crawl, turn left or right, and more! Program advanced behaviors like the avoidance of obstacles with the
Freenove Robot Dog Kit
Would you like a pet that has an LED tail, roars roars roars, is controlled wirelessly by your Android phone or tablet, iPhone and computer? Get the Freenove Robot Dog Kit! This kit includes everything you need to build your very own robot dog. It comes with a battery-operated motor and light emitting diode which makes the tail and ears flash and move.
Geeek Club Smart Nano Bots
Geeek Club’s Robot Building Kit provides a fun way to learn STEM while exploring robotics and engineering. The kit has everything you need to get started including a build-it-yourself robot, projects, and illustrated instructions. Great for ages 8+.
KEYESTUDIO 4WD Programmable Smart Car Robot Kit
KEYESTUDIO is an Android Studio-based hardware kit that lets you build a car robot. The kit includes all components necessary for assembly, and is suitable for users over the age of 12 who have a theoretical foundation of electronic programming. Not only can you enjoy the pleasure of building your own robot, but you can also get to know the basics through programming methods that are Arduino-based or graphical programming using Mixly.
Lego Mindstorms Robot Inventor Building Set
Imagine what you can do with a LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot! Kids everywhere are tapping into their inner inventors with this rich, creative hands-on kit. Have hours of fun building the different robots, then unleash your inner builder to code using the easy-to-follow instructions. The possibilities are endless!
LewanSoul 6DOF Full Metal Robotic Arm Kit for Arduino
LeArm Intelligent Robotic Arm is an advanced robotic arm for programming and teaching Computer programming, electronics engineering, electronics assembly, CAD, 3D printing. The LeArm is integrated with wireless remote control and graphical PC software. It employs high-precision digital servo which makes the control more accurate. It has detailed video tutorials to learn how to use it.
Magic Voodoo Robot Kit
Geeek Club Robot Construction Kits are the ultimate STEM toy for any child wanting to learn about engineering and robotics. Geeek Club teaches kids how to use basic engineering principles like gears, pulleys, and levers to build their own robots. Get ready for hours of fun!
Erector by Meccano Meccanoid XL 2.0 Robot-Building Kit
It’s a robot! It’s a toy! It’s a personal assistant, companion, and a ton of fun. Build your very own Meccanoid with our award-winning robot building kit. With simple to follow instructions, you’ll be able to build your very own 4 foot tall robot that features voice recognition and personality. Choose from over 3 million phrases and pre-programmed illustrations to make your Meccanoid unique.
OSOYOO Robot Car Starter Kit for R3
You don’t have to be a tech nerd to create your own robotic car! The OSOYOO Robot Car Kit is an easy-to-use, DIY robotics kit for beginners. No coding skills? No problem! The included app will auto-detect any movements you make with the phone and translate them into commands for the robot. With the intuitive motion commands and a variety of functions, this robot car is a fun addition to any
Sphero SPRK+
Introducing the most innovative, inspiring, and educational robot ball for children. The SPRK+ Robot Ball is a programmable robot ball that helps children learn to code and develop a variety of skills. With over 100 activities in the Sphero Edu App and 40+ hours of curated content from STEM pros, this powerful toy is the new family game changer! What are you waiting for?
Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper Robot
You can now experience the galaxy’s most powerful weapon at home. Join the First Order in their fight for galactic domination. The Star Wars Robot Companion App is compatible with iOS and Android devices, and is easily installed via the App Store or Google Play.
SunFounder Smart Video Car Kit V2.0 PiCar-V Robot Kit
Are you the one looking for the perfect Raspberry Pi robot kit to learn robotics? SunFounder has improved technology based on user feedback, and has provided solid plate and the white Servo Motor that can well protected by Torsion protection, Power failure protection after over load.
UBTECH JIMU Robot Builderbots Kit
Are you ready to build and code your next robotics project? Codable robots will soon be a part of every classroom and home with the introduction of the JIMU Robot. Designed by UBTECH Robotics and endorsed by experts in STEM education, with buildable, codable Robots from DozerBot, DirtBot, or design your own JIMU Robot creation.
Unicornbot Kit
UnicornBot is a brilliant new, easy-to-build, codeable robot from UBTECH Robotics. With Blockly coding, you can program your UnicornBot’s color sensor to react to eight magical color cards. Use the LED horn to make different colors of light! Did we mention it has a GO button?
Yahboom Robot Car Kit
The all-new Yahboom Smart Robot Car is the ultimate in home security and convenience, with a 12MP camera that can be rotated up-down and left-right to capture the angle you want in the widest range. This state-of-the-art security camera is always there for you, keeping you safe and sound while you’re at work or on vacation. You’ll never miss a moment of your favorite TV show!
Makeblock mBot Ultimate Robot Kit
