Introduction
Robots are amazing tools for teaching children programming. They bring a hands-on approach to the subject, letting children actually see the results of their code in physical motion. But with so many different robots on the market, it can be tough to choose which one is right for you and your children. In this article, we'll take a look at the best robots to teach programming to kids, and compare their features to help you make an informed decision.
Criteria
When comparing the different robots, we used the following criteria:
- Ease of use: How easy is it for children to get started programming the robot?
- Programming languages: What programming languages are supported, and how does that affect the learning experience?
- Features: What features does the robot offer beyond just programming?
- Price: How expensive is the robot?
Comparison
1. Lego Mindstorms EV3
The Lego Mindstorms EV3 is a popular choice for teaching programming to children. It's easy to get started with the included programming software, which has a drag-and-drop interface that's perfect for beginners. It supports a variety of programming languages, including the popular Scratch language, as well as Python and Java.
Beyond programming, the EV3 offers a number of features, including sensors for detecting light, touch, and sound, as well as motors for movement.
The downside to the EV3 is its price - it's one of the more expensive options on the market.
2. Sphero SPRK+
The Sphero SPRK+ is a neat little robot that's very easy to get started with. It uses a drag-and-drop programming interface, similar to the Lego EV3, and supports a variety of programming languages, including Scratch, as well as Javascript and Python.
The SPRK+ has a number of features, including a gyroscope, accelerometer, and LED lights, which can be programmed to display different colors and patterns.
One downside to the SPRK+ is the limited battery life - it can only run for about an hour on a single charge.
3. Ozobot Bit
The Ozobot Bit is a small, cute robot that's perfect for younger children. It uses a color-based programming language, which involves drawing lines and color codes on paper, and supports drag-and-drop programming as well.
Beyond programming, the Ozobot Bit offers a few features, including line-following sensors and an LED light.
The downside to the Ozobot Bit is that it's quite limited in what it can do. It's best for younger children who are just starting to learn programming.
Conclusion
All three of these robots are great tools for teaching children programming. The Lego Mindstorms EV3 is the most expensive, but also the most feature-rich. The Sphero SPRK+ is less expensive and very easy to get started with. The Ozobot Bit is the most affordable, but also the most limited in terms of features.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your budget, your child's age and skill level, and what features are most important to you.