Maybe you were here last month for the Robot Invasion? Well, there are robots at the library all the time!
Many people do not know that the library has STEAM Kits and activities available to check out and take home, but these kits are SO cool. I’ll share below about some of the robot kits, but you can learn about the rest of the STEAM kits at fondulaclibrary.org/stem-kits/. All items can be check out from the Youth Services department and can be kept for one week.
For beginning programmers, we have the Code and Go Robot Mouse, perfect for ages 4+. Follow maze cards to set a course of walls and tunnels for the mouse to find the cheese. Figure out the steps the mouse needs to take, then use buttons to program those directions for the mouse. If the mouse make a wrong turn, you’ll need to figure out what to change. Creative kids can challenge the mouse by designing their own mazes on or off the included grid system.
Next is the Ozobot Bit. This tiny robot will follow a marker-line and can detect color pattern codes that tell it what to do. Direction, speed, and special moves can be performed based on lines drawn with the thick edge of a basic marker. The challenge is thinking through WHAT you want to tell your robot and giving it the right directions to consistently perform those steps. For more advanced users it can also be used with programs created in the Ozoblockly website. Great for grades K – 12.
Another type of robot you can program is the Star Wars BB-8 Sphero. With this app you can program various movements, sounds, and actions. Then run your program and watch BB-8 follow the commands! It’s easy to change the programs and instantly run them using Bluetooth connection between your own device running the Sphero EDU app and the droid. You’ll want to check edu.sphero.com/d to see if your device and operating system are compatible with this app.
Virtual programmers can check out some of the Playaway Launchpad tablets. Each Launchpad is preloaded with 10 different activities related to the Launchpad theme. STEAM is Code for FUN! (ages 5+) includes a critical thinking game called Kings and Queens and a Turtle programming game which are great ways to develop sequencing skills, trial and error, and have fun while doing it. On the Programmed to Think Launchpad (ages 8+) the Kidbot game is similar to the Code and Go Mouse – where you give directional steps to the robot to complete a challenge.
– Julie, Youth Services Assistant