Dash robots, and their companion Dot, make great introductory robots for coding. Coming with many apps, you can integrate into most grade levels. The block coding app, Blockly, can be used in conjunction with challenge cards for a fun, challenging introduction to block coding. Dash also has accessory options to expand creativity.

Made by Wonder Workshop, Dash and Dot come with lots of curriculum support and lesson ideas for the classroom. Visit Wonder Workshop's website for more information.

mBots are a wonderful robot for students who like to be hands-on with the mechanical elements as well as the coding. You can purchase a bot already assembled, or buy the kit and put it together yourself. These robots are easy to swap out parts, making them really versatile. They also come with several apps, from a joystick-style driving app to their coding app mBlock which begins with block coding and can transfer into real code. The joystick app is approachable enough for younger students, while the coding apps and small parts make it perfect for older grades. The mBot also includes light sensors and line follow capabilities.

Visit Makeblock's website for more information and resources for mBot robots.

A step up from mBots, Ultimates are also made by Makeblock and are also assembled by you. These robots are as highly customizable in design as they are programmable. While we typically use these with older grades, these robots could be combined with the joystick-style driving app as a challenge for younger grades. 

Visit Makeblock's website for more information and resources for the Ultimate robot.

The newest addition to our collection, the mTiny offers great opportunities to introduce younger grades to block coding. These robots use picture-based code blocks, perfect for early literacy students but still enjoyed by older elementary grades. These adorable little robots offer great introductions but don't let their cute appearance fool you - you can create a complex code for them too! 

Visit Makeblock's website for more information and resources for the mTiny robot.

This robot is an advanced programmable robot kit designed for middle to high school.  Students who enjoy engineering, building and advanced coding will have many options with this robot.   Coders can use Arduino (Scratch to ArduinoIDE/Python) and can be paired with Raspberry Pi.  Coders will enjoy the obstacle avoidance, line following (color option), crash detection, LED control and omnidirectional movement. For the engineer, this robot offers a great deal of expandable options up to up to 10 servos, 8 DC motors, or 4 stepper motors at the same time. There is also an option to drive for fun with a slide controlled remote control app.  The Mega is made by MakeBlock.  

Visit Makeblock's Website for more information for the Mega robot.

These robots come with a variety of apps and sensors, making them adaptable to most grades and abilities. Made by Sphero, this company offers curriculum and support for teachers, and competitions for students. 

Visit the Sphero website for more information and resources.

The RVR+ is optimized for middle and high school.  Students who enjoy engineering, building and advanced coding will have many options with the RVR+.  This robot is ready to go out of the box with several built-in sensors including light, color, IR, accelerometer, and gyroscope.  Coders can use block, JavaScript and SDK and API libraries to take full advantage of these and many other options.  Engineers have many expansion options with universal expansion and power ports.  Expansion options available include Sphero littlebits’, mini:bits, and Rasberry Pi.  There is also an option to drive for fun with a joystick style drive application.  The RVR+ is made by Sphero.  

Visit the Sphero Website for more information for the RVR+ robot.

This robot is an programmable robot kit designed for middle to high school.  Multiple configurations offer a range of activities, including one configuration offering all terrain and leverage temperature sensors, sound sensors, and a gyroscope.   Coders will enjoy the obstacle avoidance, line following, light detection, and sound intensity responses and can switch between block-based coding and Arduino. There is also an option to drive for fun with a slide controlled remote control app.  The Ranger is made by MakeBlock.  

Visit Makeblock's Website for more information and specific lesson plans for the Ranger robot.