As the school year kicks off, are you looking for ways to get your kids excited about learning? If you've got a young technophile at home, it’ll be easy to keep their minds engaged while developing valuable STEM skills. But if your kids are new to the world of STEM and robotics, it can be tough to know where to begin.
That's why we've put together this handy guide with 10 simple tips to help you and your child make the most of STEM learning this semester. From setting goals to finding the right tools, we've got you covered. Ready to watch your kid's confidence soar as they tackle exciting coding projects? Let's get started and make this the best school year yet!
1. Set Coding Goals
Setting personal coding goals is a great way to keep your child motivated and engaged with their STEM learning. Sit down with them and discuss what they'd like to achieve, whether it's mastering a new coding concept, completing a certain number of projects, or leveling up in their favorite coding app. Our coding robots offer progressive learning modules that make it easy to track progress and celebrate milestones. Breaking down larger goals into bite-sized challenges will help your child stay focused and experience the satisfaction of steady progress.
2. Create a Dedicated Learning Space
Designate a special area for your child to practice coding with their educational robotics kit. It could be a corner of their bedroom, a desk in the living room, or even a portable lap desk they can move around the house. Having their own coding setup helps kids get into a focused learning mindset. Stock their space with any coding toys, building blocks, or craft supplies they might need. Our robots are compact and rechargeable, so they can easily move between different learning environments without a lot of hassle.
3. Join a Coding Club or Class
Making coding social is a great way to boost engagement and add some friendly competition to STEM learning. Many schools, libraries, and community centers offer coding classes and clubs where kids can collaborate with peers on robotics projects. If in-person meetups aren't an option, look for virtual coding clubs and challenges your child can join from home. Our robots have connectivity features that allow kids to discuss and play with friends. Coding together provides extra motivation to learn and improve!
4. Code a Little Every Day
Encourage your child to spend a little time coding their robot every day, even if it's only 10-15 minutes. Regular practice is key for developing coding skills and confidence, just like learning a musical instrument or sport. Pick a time that fits into your family's routine, like right after breakfast or before bed. You can even set a daily coding alarm as a fun reminder. Our rechargeable and portable robots make it convenient to squeeze in quick STEM learning sessions whenever there's a window of time. Daily practice adds up quickly!
5. Use Robot's Sensors Creatively
One of the coolest things about coding robots is all the different sensors they include, like gyroscopes, grayscale sensors, IR sensors, and more. Challenge your child to come up with creative ways to use these sensors in their projects. Maybe they'll code the robot to react to sound, navigate around obstacles, or even recognize pictures! By experimenting with sensors and seeing what they can make the robot do, kids naturally pick up coding concepts in a playful way. Our robots offer a variety of sensor options so there's always a new avenue for creativity.
6. Explore Different Coding Languages
Block-based coding languages are a great entry point to programming for kids, but it's also valuable to branch out into other languages as their skills grow. Many of our coding robots support multiple languages like Scratch, C, and Python. You can build your program on the Scratch canvas while viewing the corresponding C and Python program in C mode and Python mode.
In Scratch mode, if the preset code blocks cannot satisfy your kids’ needs, they can also add a customized C coding code block to add a line of code in C. Trying out different languages stretches their coding skills and helps them appreciate how universal programming concepts can be applied across formats. It's also useful for kids to gain experience in the languages they might encounter in school computer science classes or online coding tutorials.
7. Take on Challenges
Coding and building challenges are an exciting way for kids to test their skills and learn new ones. Websites like Code.org offer fun coding challenges for all abilities, from beginner to advanced. We also offer printable sets of project cards and booklets tailored to our coding robots. Kids can read the cards or booklets and then figure out how to make the robot complete a task, like navigating a zigzag path or performing a dance routine. Open-ended challenges inspire computational thinking and creative problem-solving. Plus, they're super satisfying to solve!
8. Document Projects
Encourage your young coder to keep a record of the projects. They might keep a STEM journal, a digital portfolio, or even a video blog. Including photos or videos of their creations helps them remember what they learned and achieved. Ask them to reflect on challenges they faced, clever solutions they found, and ideas for improvement. Documenting projects reinforces learning and also creates a memorable archive of their STEM journey. It's so fun for kids to look back and see concrete evidence of how much they've grown!
9. Teach Others
Do you know what really shows mastery of a skill? According to the Feynman Technique, it’s teaching it to others! Encourage your child to share their STEM learning by showing a friend or sibling how to code a robot. They can walk them through a simple project, explaining concepts along the way. Our coding robots feature intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that make them easy to demonstrate. Teaching others solidifies your child's understanding, builds confidence, and also develops valuable communication skills. And who knows, they may even inspire another future programmer in the process!
10. Celebrate Achievements
Learning to code is challenging and your child deserves to be celebrated for their hard work! Take time to recognize milestones big and small, whether it's solving a tricky bug, adding a cool new feature to their robot, or completing a big project. Praise their effort, creativity, and persistence along with their results. Celebrating STEM learning keeps kids excited to grow and accomplish even more.
Find Perfect STEM Robot Kits for Your Kids
With these tips in mind, you and your child are ready to make coding and robotics an amazing part of education this school year. But every young learner is unique, so how do you choose the best tools to support their STEM journey? That's where our wide range of coding robots and kits comes in!
We offer options for every age group, skill level, and learning style. In the rest of this guide, we'll introduce you to our different product series and highlight a few of our favorite coding robots and STEM toy kits for each age group. Whether you've got a mini-coder in kindergarten or a high school robot wiz, you'll find the perfect tools to keep them learning and creating. Let's check them out!
MakeU Series: Spark Creativity in Young Minds (Ages 3-6)
Watch your little one's face light up as they step into the world of robotics with our makeU series! These kits are designed specifically for tiny hands and curious minds, with colorful, easy-to-grasp building blocks and intuitive coding methods. The star of the series is the U20 Pro kit, which comes with the following features:
🎛️ Integrated controller with 2 powerful closed-loop motors, tri-color LEDs, a speaker, and a long-lasting battery
🧱 131 colorful, easy-to-handle building pieces in 34 different types
🖊️ Intuitive coding pen and 52 coding cards that make learning to program a breeze
📚 48 carefully designed projects that guide children through the fundamentals of robotics
With the U20 Pro, your child will start an exciting journey of discovery and innovation. They'll learn the basics of coding and robotics in a fun, hands-on way, developing crucial skills like logical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning.
Smart Series: Level Up Your Kid's Coding Game (Ages 6-8)
Is your child ready to take their STEM skills to the next level? Our smart series is here to help them shine! The S30 kit comes with a super-cool coding pad that makes programming a breeze, while the S40 kit introduces them to the world of Scratch coding. Both kits are jam-packed with fun challenges that teach everything from basic construction to complex logical structures:
S30:
🎮 Handheld coding pad with 72 buttons for over 100 commands
🚙 Five-in-one grayscale sensor for line following and other exciting functions
🧩 135 building pieces in 29 different types, with a patchwork construction method and screwless design
📚 32 engaging courses that guide your child through the fundamentals of robotics and coding
With the S30 kit, your child will dive into the exciting world of robotics, learning to construct and control their own creations. The coding pad makes it easy to issue commands and activate their robots, and the five-in-one grayscale sensor opens up a world of possibilities for line tracking and other tasks.
S40:
🔌 8 input/output interfaces for connecting sensors and motors
🧱 390 building pieces in 58 different types for endless creative options
⚙️ 9 types of gears, including bevel, spur, and worm gears, for exploring complex mechanical systems
💻 Compatible with Scratch, C, and Python programming languages for versatile learning
📚 16 challenging courses that introduce advanced robotics and coding concepts
With a powerful processor and a wide range of input/output interfaces, the S40 kit is perfect for kids who are ready to tackle more advanced programming concepts. The extensive selection of building pieces and gears allows for the creation of sophisticated robots and machines, and the powerful coding software makes it easy to bring them to life.
AI Module Series: Unlock the Power of Artificial Intelligence (Ages 8+)
Buckle up, because our AI Module series is about to take your kid's STEM learning into hyperdrive! These kits are loaded with advanced features like multi-sensor integration, servo structures, complex gear systems, or even AI recognition. The AI Module 1s kit is more suitable for entry-level coders, while the AI Module 5s kit offers an expanded sensor set for even more mind-blowing projects.
AI Module 1s:
🧠 Powerful ARM processor with 13 input/output channels
🎛️ IR sensor and touch sensor for interactive robot control
🚙 3 closed-loop motors for precise movement and automation
🧱 602 building pieces for creating unique robotic projects
⚙️ 5 different types of transmission parts for exploring mechanical systems
The AI Module 1s is the perfect introduction to the world of interactive robotics. With its advanced processor, sensors, and motors, your child will learn to create intelligent machines that can sense, think, and act.
AI Module 5s:
📺 High-performance controller with an AI vision module that supports image recognition and intelligent path recognition
🌟 Color sensor, ultrasonic sensor, temperature and humidity sensor, and more for advanced robot perception
🚙 4 closed-loop motors and 2 RGB color lights for dynamic robot action
💾 Compatible with C, Python, Scratch, and action editor for different programming options
For kids who are ready to practice their AI skills, AI Module 5s is the best choice. This advanced kit features a high-performance controller, a wide range of sensors, and powerful actuators that enable the creation of sophisticated AI robots. With support for multiple programming languages and an intuitive LCD screen interface, your child will have everything they need to bring their wildest robotic visions to life.
While schools play a crucial role in children's education, learning doesn't stop at the classroom door. In fact, some of the most meaningful and impactful learning experiences happen at home. That's why we've created a special line of robotics kits designed specifically for homeschooling and family learning.
Our family sets differ from our school-oriented offerings in several key ways—easy to set up, intuitive to use, and packed with fun, engaging activities that everyone can enjoy together. Whether you're a tech-savvy parent or a complete beginner, you'll find our kits accessible and rewarding.
A7: Unlock Your Child's STEM Potential (Ages 3+)
Introduce your child to the exciting world of robotics and coding with our A7 robotics kit! This engaging kit is designed for kids to learn fundamental STEM skills at home. It comes with the following features:
🧩 Hundreds of big and rounded-edge parts for easy and safe assembly
Touch button, switch, sound sensor, IR sensor, light sensor and more sensory modules
🌟 Various motors, smart actuating modules, and different types of sensors for interactive creations
🧠 Easy-to-use magnetic coding blocks for beginners
📚 36 step-by-step lessons that guide your child through fun and engaging projects
With the A7 kit, your child will start a thrilling robotics adventure! By the end of each project, they'll have the knowledge and confidence to design and build their own amazing robotic creations.
B3 Pro: Perfect Starter Series for Young Coders (Ages 4+)
This colorful, easy-to-use kit is designed specifically for young STEM learners with zero experience in coding. B3 Pro provides:
🧩 12 engaging projects that teach basic building and coding skills
🎨 Colorful building blocks that are easy for small hands to manipulate
📚 A coding pen and 24 kinds of 31 coding cards for simple programming
🔋 Rechargeable battery and charging cable included for endless play
The B3 Pro kit is the ideal starting point for young children who are curious about coding. With 12 fun projects, your child will learn the basics of programming using colorful coding cards and easy-to-handle building blocks.
D3 Pro: Continue Coding Journey at Home (Ages 7+)
Is your kid ready to continue the coding adventure? If yes, look no further than the D3 Pro kit! This comprehensive STEM learning solution is designed specifically for kids aged 7 and up, offering a fun and engaging way to explore the fundamentals of coding and robotics. It offers:
📸 Ultrasonic sensor for detecting obstacles and navigating environments
🎮 Coding pad with 50 buttons for issuing over 100 commands
🧩 135+ structural parts of 29 different types for creative building
📚 12 exciting projects with storylines, interesting to read and learn
With D3 Pro, your child will continue their STEM journey through 12 carefully designed projects. From construction to coding, they'll gain a deep understanding of how robots work and how to control them.
E7 Pro: Explore the Full STEM Spectrum (Ages 8+)
For the ultimate and advanced STEM experience at home, you can't beat the E7 Pro kit. This powerhouse set provides:
🔍 IR sensor and touch sensor for interactive robot control and navigation
🚙 3 closed-loop motors for precise movement and automation
⚙️ 602 building pieces, with 5 different types of transmission parts, for unique robotics projects
💻 Different coding mode, including modula coding, Scratch, C, and Python
📚 12 engaging projects that teach building, coding, and problem-solving skills
With E7 Pro, your kids will have everything they need to bring their wildest robotic visions to life. They will also gain a deep understanding of how technology works and how to use it to solve real-world problems.
Eagle Series: Soar to New Heights with Coding Drones (Ages 6+)
Is your child ready to take their coding skills to the skies? Here we have the Eagle series, the ultimate coding drones for young STEM enthusiasts! And the Eagle 1001 kit is the star product in this series. This state-of-the-art drone has features that will blow your mind:
🚀 A powerful ARM M4 core processor with lightning-fast speed and plenty of memory for complex projects
🎮 Intuitive remote control with dual joysticks and 16 function buttons for precise flight maneuvers
📸 Built-in optical flow sensor, laser rangefinder, 6-axis gyroscope, and barometric sensor for stable, autonomous flight
🤖 AI image module that can recognize AprilTags for advanced navigation and coordination
💻 Support for Scratch, C, and Python coding, so your child can code in their favorite form or language
🛡️ Durable, lightweight design with protective covers for safe indoor and outdoor flight
With Eagle 1001, your child will enjoy the fun of drone as they learn about aerodynamics, sensors, and AI technology. They'll develop valuable skills like spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and creative thinking, all while having an absolute blast! Get ready to be amazed as they code their drone to perform incredible aerial tasks and complete exciting missions.
RoboVR: Design, Code, and Drive in a Virtual World
We also develop a software for kids to try 3D virtual robots on Windows computers. In this exciting virtual world, your child becomes the engineer, programmer, and driver of their very own robot vehicle. They can:
🚙 Design and building their vehicle, choosing from parts like robotic arms, shooting turrets, and more
💻 Code your vehicle to navigate through various maps, collect points, and avoid obstacles
🔧 Learn real-world coding concepts and mechanics in a safe, virtual environment
By using this RoboVR software, your kids will gain a deep understanding of how robots work and how to control them using code, setting them up for success in the world of STEM.
No matter your child's age or skill level, we've got the perfect educational coding robot kit to ignite their passion for STEM. Head over to our website to explore our full collection and find the best fit for your future innovator. Let's make this school year one for the books!
Conclusion: Empowering Your Child's STEM Journey
As you prepare your child for the upcoming school year, encourage them to apply the tips and strategies we've discussed in this post. From setting goals to celebrating achievements, these habits will set your child up for success not just in STEM, but in all areas of their life. They’ll also find these tips helpful when using a WhalesBot product, whether it is a simple coding kit for preschoolers or an advanced robotics set for teens. If you want to find the best fit for your future innovator, head over to our website to explore our full collection. Let's make this school year a time of incredible growth, exciting discoveries, and unforgettable achievements! 🚀📚😊
