The Roaring World of Robotics

We’ve all caught ourselves wondering what the world would look like with more robots. Little machines that can cook for us, clean for us and make us smile? It’s something often depicted in science fiction stories, showing a society many years in the future – or is it?

As a society, we’ve made massive advancements in the world of STEM in recent years, including that of robotics. From toy puppies that can bark to drones that can deliver pizzas – robots are very prevalent in today’s society, both for entertainment value and to improve our quality of life. The future is now, and they play an important role in our everyday lives.

The world of robotics is continuously expanding, which is why it’s a very beneficial field for children to explore.

The Benefits of Learning About Robotics

Since it is a new frontier that is still being explored, learning robotics skills is an exciting life-long investment. Learning robotics ties in with learning about science and maths, therefore allowing your child to develop a genuine interest in the world and how it works. It can also fuel a new passion of creating and building robots, something which can lead to improved grades as well as an exciting career.

Many robotic education programs in schools require a bit of teamwork to complete projects, which will teach your child how to work as part of a team to solve problems and be persistent in order to achieve the desired outcome. Communication and social skills get a generous boost.

Coding is another big part of the robotics world. It’s the language of computers and the foundation of robotics, and you need to be good at coding in order to get the robot to do what you want. Skills in coding will give your child a huge advantage in any computer-driven career they may choose to pursue in the future.

Programming robots also encourages children to think creatively. Instead of playing with robots, they’ll be making them; and in that field, the possibilities are truly endless! Lastly, it’s fun. Many children enjoy the process of building and programming robots, and there are also several competitions for a range of age groups. Robotics poses a challenge for children with an inquisitive and exciting approach.

Fostering a Love for Robotics at Home

So, we can all agree that robots are pretty cool, right? Chances are, your child’s school probably has an exciting STEM program or club that incorporates robotics, but how can you explore this exciting subject at home?

Robotics kits – Perhaps one of the best ways to get into robotics at home is through a kit. These allow your child to build and code their own robot from scratch. The Robobloq Q-Dino Robot Kit and STEM Robotics Erp Mini by Engino are great places to start; and they double up as a fun toy when assembled (and the best way to learn is through play, after all). PakMag readers get 10% off storewide at www.engino.com.au (use code PakMag10) where you'll find a range of STEM models your kids will love.

DIY projects – If you take a quick look online, you’ll find many craft projects to build your own robots from household items such as batteries, toothbrushes, bottle caps and more. Many of these robots can move around or draw patterns.

Books – Reading kid-friendly books about coding and robots (or both) opens up many doors to the exciting world of STEM, and where robotics can take your child.

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1. Robobloq Q-Dino Robot Kit - $247.05 - Offering drag-and-drop coding and including multiple, easy-to-assemble parts, the Robobloq Robot Kit is a great platform for teaching children how to build robots, set-up electronic systems, and program various sensors and motors - www.harveynorman.com.au 2. STEM Robotics Erp Mini (Incl. Sofware For Private Use - Manuals 2 Motors 2 Ir Sensors) | By Engino - $299.95 (Get 10% off this price using code: PAKMAG10) - Engino® Robotics Platform (ERP) is specially designed for younger students and takes into account the most modern pedagogical principles of ICT and STEM learning. With the ERP, intellectual development is approached as an upward expanding spiral in which students must constantly reconstruct the ideas formed at earlier levels with new, higher order concepts acquired at the next level - www.engino.com.au

Books to Inspire Kids to Explore the World of Robotics

Robotics Activity Book : Robots and the Programming That Makes Them Go! by Jenny Jacoby and Vicky Barker

This colourful robot-filled activity book makes learning about STEM fun and exciting. Your child will be immersed in the world of STEM through activities such as mazes, spot the difference, drawing, puzzles, pattern identifying, quizzes and more. They’ll be learning about a wide range of topics such as computers, coding, artificial intelligence to name a few, all while completing fun activities.

Doll-E 1.0 by Shanda McCloskey

Charlotte has a knack for everything technologyrelated; she is always tinkering, coding, clicking and downloading. When she receives a doll, she’s not too sure what to do with it at first… until she discovers the doll’s hidden battery pack. With determination and her faithful dog at her side, Charlotte’s entrepreneurial spirit drives her to build the new and improved Doll-E 1.0.

Robotics – Discover the Science and Technology of the Future by Kathy Ceceri

Once, robots were only found in science fiction. Today, they are everywhere. They assemble cars, vacuum our houses, explore the depths of the oceans and outer space and listen to our commands. This book shows children how robotics affects both the present and the future, plus 20 exciting hands-on projects to make learning both fun and lasting.