Robots are cool to humans. But what’s cool about them? However, there are more cool things in life that we often fail to comprehend sometimes. Humans love each other, enjoy life, and experience different emotions such as kindness empathy, and affection. Our daily lives involve different tasks or routines that seem boring challenging or hazardous. Now here comes the roles of robots. Robots efficiently handle repetitive and dangerous tasks thus increasing efficiency and promoting human well-being. In a world where the demands of everyday life take center stage, Robots empower us from mundane tasks. Hence we can focus on life’s small joys and reconnect with ourselves.
Robotics uses all elements of STEAM i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and mathematics, providing complete holistic learning. SkoolOfCode offers robotic courses because we believe Robotics can improve our lives and the world.
Why Robotics is essential for kids ?
As per the dictionary, Robotics is the science of designing and operating Robots, whereas “Robot” is a machine that can perform a complicated series of tasks. The question arises “Why is Robotics essential for kids and everyone?”.
It helps us to make better selections: We must know when to use a machine and when to let a robot take over, just as we would when selecting the appropriate instrument for a task (a screwdriver for screws, a hammer for nails).
- It’s about making wise selections: Just like we choose the right tool for a job (a hammer for nails, a screwdriver for screws), we need to know when to use a machine and when to let a Robot take over.
- It makes us Furure-ready: Robotics is the core driving force between Industry 4.0, transforming industries, from healthcare and manufacturing to space exploration and even our homes. The knowledge of Robotics helps us to be technology-ready and contribute to its development.
- It promotes creativity: Robotics challenges us to think outside the box, find potential solutions to existing problems, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
So, studying Robotics isn’t just about learning to build robots; it’s about understanding how technology is shaping our world and gearing ourselves for a future where humans and machines work together in harmonious synchronization.
Top Robotics Courses at SkoolOfCode
Course 1: Game Controls with Makey Makey
Makey Makey is a great course to start the journey of Robotics. Makey Makey is a board that allows you to turn everyday objects into touchpads. Students learn about circuits in a fun and interactive way. In this course, students get creative with circuits and coding building musical instruments, water sensors, interactive drawings, etc. Students are also able to apply Scratch coding concepts with their creative prototypes.
Goal: Explore the basics of circuits using fun materials like fruits and Play-Doh while interfacing them with Scratch coding for interactive learning.
Key topics: Circuits
- Insulators and conductors
- Switches and sensors
- Design thinking
Project: Dance Pads
Requirements: Makey Makey kit, a laptop, and an internet connection. Makey Makey also works with Chromebooks.
Link to order the kit : Amazon.com
Course 2: Intro to Robotics with Makecode and Microbit (Block-based)
or Microbit with Python (Text based)
A micro:bit is a special pocket-sized computer designed to help kids of all skill levels to use coding to explore their creative potential. Microbit has a low floor of entry (compatible with visual coding Makecode and Scratch) and a high ceiling (can be used with Python) thereby catering to both block and text-based coding. The Microbit can be used to create all sorts of projects such as a wearable fitness tracker, metal detector, etc. This beginner-level Microbit course provides an overview of physical computing with Microbit. Students learn to create animations, and games while exploring the real world with Microbit sensors. They learn to take readings from their surroundings and use them in their projects. Students can code Microbit in Makecode or Python depending on their skill level.
Goal: Create images, animations, and games while exploring real-world applications using Microbit sensors.
Key Topics:
- Variables and mathematical operators
- Co-ordinates
- Data analysis
- Loops and nested loops
Projects: Step Counter
System requirements: Microbit kit and laptop/ desktop
Link to order the kit : Amazon.com
Course 3: Advanced Microbit (Block based )
Or Microbit Masters: Coding & Electronics Adventures (Python text-based)
In this course, students dive into the world of circuits along with Microbit. Students explore music with Microbit, create advanced projects such as Calculators, and learn how to send messages from one Microbit to another through Radio. Students dive into the field of electronics and have fun creating their conductivity testers, traffic lights, fruit keyboards, EMG machines, etc. Students can code Microbit in Makecode or Python depending on their skill level.
Key Topics:
- Radio and broadcasting
- Digital and analog write/read of I?O pins
- Serial communication
- Interfacing Components with Microbit
Projects: Traffic lights
System requirements: Microbit kit, USB cable battery pack, Alligator cables, and Light-emitting diodes
Link to order the kit : Amazon.com
Course 4: Game Controls with AI and ML
In this course, students explore AI and ML in a fun and exciting way. The AI concepts are simplified and introduced appropriately to excite the students about AI. Students use block-based coding and create their Machine learning models which they can test in Scratch-like environments.
Key Topics:
- Object classification
- Train data
- Import ML models
- Integrating ML models
COURSE PROJECT: Facial filters
System requirements: Laptop/Desktop with webcam .
Course 5: Introduction to Robotics with Arduino(block-based and Text-based)
Arduino is the most popular and beginner-friendly microcontroller all over the world. It is a great way to learn about electronics and how to control them with code. In this course, students explore Arduino, Breadboards, LEDs, switches, and sensors. This course is available in both options i.e. Block based (Mixly) as well as text-based (Arduino IDE).
Goal: To learn the fundamentals of Arduino hardware and Arduino programming
Key topics
- Digital Input/Output
- Analog Input/Output
- Prototyping
- Sensors
Project: Intrusion Detection System
System requirements: Laptop, Arduino kit comprises of Arduino board, sensors, LEDs, breadboard, and other electronic components.
Link to order the kit : Amazon.com: ELEGOO UNO Project Super Starter Kit with Tutorial and UNO R3 Board Compatible with Arduino IDE : Electronics
Course 6: Advanced Arduino(block-based or Text-based)
In this course, students extend their learning of Arduino with new components. Students learn how to interface and control different types of motors, joystick and LCDs to the Arduino. Through advanced-level projects, students learn to test, debug, and deploy Arduino to solve real-world problems.
Goal: To explore motors, and sensors and integrate multiple components with Arduino
Key topics
- Serial Control
- Motors
- Integrating Motors and Sensors
- Integrating Displays with sensors
Project: Weather Monitoring Station
System requirements: Laptop, Arduino kit comprises of Arduino board, sensors, breadboard, joystick, Motors, and LCD.
Link to order the kit : Amazon.com: ELEGOO UNO Project Super Starter Kit with Tutorial and UNO R3 Board Compatible with Arduino IDE : Electronics
Course 7: mBot Robotics: Spark Your Child’s Tech Adventure
mBot is a beginner-friendly Robot kit that introduces kids to Robotics, AI, and Coding. In this course, students learn to assemble and control a Robot along with the knowledge of sensors. With mBot, children learn coding and experience the joy of bringing their ideas to life.
Goal: To assemble and control the Robot using visual block coding
Key Topics
- Sensors
- Circuits and Prototyping
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning
- Integrating Machine Learning with Robotics
Project: Obstacle Avoiding Robot
System requirements: Laptop/Desktop, mBot kit
Link to order the kit : Amazon.com: Makeblock mBot STEM Projects for Kids Ages 8-12 with Dongle : Toys & Games
Course 8: Smart Moving Robot with Microbit
Goal: Create your Robot while learning and exploring motors, sensors, and lights.
In this course, students explore the journey of Robotics with an exciting and easy-to-assemble Robot. Students learn about different sensors and the underlying science behind them. Students apply the coding and STEM concepts to control the Robot.
Key Topics
- Input and Output (Integrating Sensors and Motors)
- Sensors
- Motors
- Integrating Coding and Electronics
Course Project: Line following Robot
System requirements: Laptop/Desktop, Microbit Robot kit
Benefits of Enrolling in SkoolOfCode’s Robotics Programs
SkoolOfCode Robotics for kids courses are based on a pedagogical model that promotes hands-on learning and believes in empowering young learners with 21st-century skills. The classes are highly interactive and are conducted by expert faculty. The concepts are delivered through Project-based learning making things more exciting. If you want your kids to be technology ready you can enroll them at SkoolOfCode. According to the article 3 Beginner-Friendly Robotics Courses to Jumpstart Your Team’s Upskilling Journey by Micah Viana, SkoolofCode’s beginner-friendly robotics courses are highly recommended for kickstarting your team’s journey into robotics with ease and confidence.
Conclusion
Robotics is an important technology for humanity. It’s an important skill to learn that’s why STEM education evolved into STREAM. By combining Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics with hands-on robotics, STREAM inspires students to learn, tinker, experiment, and innovate. SkoolofCode Robotic’s courses are engaging, and interactive and cater to students of different skill levels. Let’s empower our kids to be technology-ready by enrolling them in online coding classes for kids at SkoolofCode. Get started – skoolofcode.us/book-trial-class
By –Dr. Kadam Bhambari, an Educator at SkoolofCode with Ph.D. and MTech in Electronics. She is an expert in micro:bit, Arduino, and Artificial intelligence.