Young learners are naturally inquisitive, and STEM is a wonderful way to harness this inclination. STEM teaches critical thinking, teamwork, problem solving and helps facilitate an understanding of the scientific method. Many teachers shy away from STEM because they do not think they have the time. However, STEM should be seen as something to integrate into subjects, not as a standalone option. Using small, inexpensive robots, elementary students can be taught the mechanics of STEM. One great tool for integration is the Ozobot. These small robots are great for Pre-K up to high school. For elementary school learners, they can be programmed with colored markers for pre-readers. Kids can map out on paper the actions they want the robot to take using a color key. Once the map is made the robot will follow the path created. Older students can also program the robot with a computer and online tools.
Another great tool is Sphero’s Indi. This robot is a programmable car that is also designed for screenless programming. Students use color coded floor tiles to map out tours or tracs for Indi. There are hundreds of possibilities available and unlimited learning opportunities. Once students have progressed with screenless learning there is an option for coding with block coding.
Either tool could be integrated into science or math easily, and both tools have a great built-in community where teachers from all over the world submit lesson ideas. Lesson plans are sorted by grade level and give detailed instructions on using the devices withs students. Both tools would also make great additions to stations in the elementary classroom.
MOREnet has these robots as well as several others at the MILL in our office in Columbia. We offer several workshops throughout the year on using these in the classroom.