Tag Archives: robotic engineering

Robot Building and Coding for kids

Robot building and coding and programming are two activities that are becoming increasingly popular among kids, and for good reason. Not only are they fun and engaging, but they also provide a number of benefits that can help kids develop important skills for the future.

First, let’s talk about robot building

When kids build robots, they are engaging in hands-on learning that allows them to apply concepts they have learned in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) classes. For example, they can learn about how gears and motors work, how to use sensors, and how to program their robot to perform specific tasks. This hands-on learning approach is more effective than traditional classroom learning because it allows kids to see the practical application of what they have learned. This is why we focus so much on hands-on activities and project-based learning and exploration at CodeREV STEM Camps.

gorls building robots

In addition, robot building helps kids develop problem-solving skills. Building a robot requires kids to think critically and creatively to solve problems that arise during the building process. For example, they might have to figure out how to make their robot move in a straight line or how to make it respond to certain sensors. By working through these challenges, kids learn how to break down problems into smaller parts, think logically, and come up with creative solutions.

Another great thing about robot building is that it helps kids develop teamwork skills. Often, kids work in groups to build robots, like campers do at CodeREV STEM Camps, which means they have to communicate effectively, share ideas, and collaborate to achieve a common goal. This is a valuable skill that will serve them well in the future, whether they pursue a career in STEM or not.

Now let’s talk about coding and programming

Coding and programming are essential skills for the future, as technology is clearly becoming an increasingly important part of our lives. By learning how to code, kids can create interactive games, animations, and other digital projects. They can also create programs that can solve problems, such as sorting a list of numbers or analyzing data.

Coding also helps kids develop problem-solving skills, just like robot building. When kids code, they have to think critically and creatively to solve problems that arise during the coding process. For example, they might have to figure out how to make a character move in a game or how to make a program respond to user input. By working through these challenges, kids learn how to break down problems into smaller parts, think logically, and come up with creative solutions.

kids coding at camp

Another great thing about coding and programming is that it helps kids develop computational thinking skills. Computational thinking is a problem-solving approach that involves breaking down a problem into smaller parts, creating a plan to solve the problem, and testing the plan to see if it works. This is an essential skill for the future, as more and more jobs require the ability to work with complex data and solve problems using technology.

Additionally, coding and programming help kids develop CREATIVITY. With coding, kids can create their own games, animations and digital projects, they can express themselves in unique ways and turn their imagination into reality. It also helps them in understanding the logic behind digital products and how they are made, which in return can help them in creating better designs and products. Thus, turning our kids into active creators (rather than passive consumers)!

In conclusion

Finally, coding and programming can help kids develop persistence and determination. Learning to code can be challenging, and kids will inevitably encounter problems and errors along the way. However, by learning to persist in the face of these challenges, kids can develop determination and a “can-do” attitude that will serve them well in the future.

In conclusion, robot building and coding and programming are two activities that are not only fun and engaging for kids but also provide a number of benefits that can help kids develop important skills for the future. From hands-on learning, problem-solving, teamwork, computational thinking, creativity, persistence, and determination, these activities offer a wealth of opportunities for kids to learn and grow while helping them prepare for the future.

6 Skills Kids Can Learn by Studying Robotics

Do kids have fun studying robotics? You bet they do! But one of the best things about this field of study is that it can teach them a variety of skills – many of which kids may not even know they’re learning. At CodeREV Kids we’re always excited to see kids develop on their own and here are six ways they can do that by studying robotics.

1. Kids build their scientific knowledge

When kids work with robotics, they learn all sorts of scientific concepts like light, force, speed, sound, electromagnetics, and more. They learn how to use the right tools for different purposes. They learn not just how to use these concepts within the world of robotics but beyond.

2. Kids learn more about technology

It’s no surprise that kids learn technological skills while studying robotics but you may be surprised by how far these skills can take them. Believe it or not, programming is becoming a highly sought after language and kids can learn everything from Android to Apple. They’ll learn the basic tenants of coding and how what they do can create robotic movement.

3. Kids get a solid foundation in engineering

Do you think your kid is too young to learn about engineering? Think again. By engaging in robotics, kids will learn how to create a problem statement, how to analyze it, and how to design and test solutions. These are the same steps that professional engineers take when faced with a problem.

4. Mathmatic skills are increased

Applied mathematics is an integral part of every CodeREV Kids class. No matter where they are in their math skills, we can help improve them simply by teaching them robotic skills. They’ll learn everything from measurements to creating and using formulas.

5. Kids will learn how to collaborate

Does your child have trouble working win groups? Whether they’re simply shy or they prefer to work alone, by learning robotics they’ll also learn how important it can be to collaborate to solve problems, plan solutions, allocate tasks, and execute tasks as a group. Similar to how they would perform a team sport, they’ll divide tasks and rotate to complete them throughout a specific project.

6. Kids can learn the basics of marketing

Depending on the specific class your child takes with us, they may prepare and present their solution and their robotics program to the other groups. This requires them to think critically in a different way and can boost their marketing knowledge.

Think Only Boys Like Robotics? Think Again

At CodeREV Kids we see it all the time: parents who are surprised that girls can be into robots too. The truth is that one of our goals is to promote STEM-learning for all kids – both boys and girls. A recent article in the Belleville News-Democrat, O’Fallon Girl Scouts reach out to youth with robotics camp, made us proud of the girls involved.

13 girls from a local O’Fallon Girl Scout troop formed a group called Oops! Robotics, and managed to qualify for state competitions in both Missouri and Illinois in 2015. Now they’re getting involved in several youth robotics programs in STEM camps in Edwardsville and Belleville.

The Oops! Robotics team was created by the O’Fallon Girl Scouts and has girls from several schools involved. The group has gotten very involved in community service too – in fact, just last year they gave more than 1,100 hours to their community. Kids that are high school now began the program in 6th grade, and are now able to get involved in outreach to bring other kids in.

The purpose of the camps has always been to reach out to all youth, though they do focus more on girls than boys. This team is unlike other similar teams because there are girls from six different Girl Scout troops, three cities, and five schools. The result is a great mix of kids with unique skill sets to bring to the group.

One 18 year old has stated that she intends to continue focusing on STEM subjects – she’s majoring in bio engineering. Why? Because she got involved with STEM when she was young, she says. It helped her with problem solving and helped her get excited about robotics and other STEM based skills. She wants to help other girls get involved and encourage them to follow their interest.

While it’s great to see so many girls involved, it’s important to keep in mind that in the Belleville weeklong camp that was held in July, only four of the 25 kids in attendance were girls. The program wants girls to know that it’s okay to be interested in robotics and other STEM platforms and at CodeREV Kids we want to encourage that as well. That’s why we offer STEM classes for a variety of ages – including coding for kids as young as six years old.