Exploring Robotics and Self-Driving Vehicles with mBot
A STEM Lab with mBot and Scratch Code 

Introduce Engineering & Coding with mBot

Create a robot STEM Elective Course or teach a Unit in a Science, Math, or CS class with this STEM Lab including Curriculum and PD. Self-Driving vehicle lessons will keep students engaged. Hands-on 15-20 minute activities are flexible for classes, clubs, after-school, or camps.  Recommended for grades 5-8. Students will:

• Build the robot from a kit and learn about technology.
• Apply Physical Science principles to real world problems: light and sound waves, forces and interactions, energy, structure and properties of matter, engineering design.
• Learn coding with Scratch drag and drop language with lessons aligned to CS-K12 standards. Apply Computer Science principles to real world problems: analyze problems and design algorithms, use logic and develop reasoning, use variables, control sensors, apply data analysis, sequence, debug, troubleshoot, understand impacts of computing: culture, social interactions.
• Gain hands-on experience in how robots are assembled, controlled, and programmed.
• Learn technology concepts and skills with lessons aligned to ISTE standards.
• Operate the robot in manual control mode, obstacle avoidance mode, or line following mode. Gain 21st Century skills.
• Participate in fun in-class competitions where all students can demonstrate skills. Showcase your robots at a STEM family fun night or community event.

STEAM Education with Fun Robots

mBot is a STEAM education robot for beginners, that makes teaching and learning robot programming simple and fun. With just a screwdriver and the step by step instructions and videos, children can build a robot from scratch and experience the joys of hands-on creation.

As they go through the hours of hands-on activities, they will learn about physical science, engineering, programming, technology, and develop their logical thinking and engineering design skills. 

They think they are playing with robots, but are actually applying their math, ELA, and science fundamental knowledge and skills.  The confidence gained from succeeding in this robotics course will encourage pursuit of more STEM courses and careers.

Engaging Turn-Key STEM Labs

The materials for this STEM course are turn-key STEM Lab Stations for 1 to 3 students. To make it easy for teachers, we have assembled everything needed:

• Robot: mBot kit with one add-on Module.
• Software: Tablet App for coding to control the robot with Scratch. Online App for Chromebook or laptop.
• Materials: Math tools, 4 AA batteries, art supplies and other accessories in a storage box for each team.
• Lessons: Color printed instructions for hands-on activities and online worksheets.
• Devices: Tablets or laptops (PC or Mac).
• Teacher Lab Station with all of the above, STEM Curriculum with printed book, online lesson plans following 5E model, assessment tools, additional teacher resources, battery chargers, and support.

Learn More about STEM Labs

Any Teacher Can Be A STEM Teacher

Exploring Robotics curricula can be used by any Math, Science, CS, STEM teacher, media specialist, camp director, club educator, or home school educator.  The pre-built lessons engage students in STEM topics or teach coding. We make it easy to teach.

• Coding with Robots introduces critical thinking, problem solving, the scientific method, algorithms, and more! Both the coding and engineering parts which may be new to teachers are provided as step-by-step lessons for students to follow with answer keys for the Teacher.
• STEM lessons are adaptable to different age groups, and expandable for teaching additional concepts. 
• Lessons are flexible to use in a class, maker space, or after school program with 15-20 minute activities.
• STEM Teacher Professional Development  is personalized, job-embedded, and classroom-focused. Includes use of robots, introduction to coding, application of NGSS STEM concepts, and customized lesson plans. It is easy to schedule within typical school PD times, with no travel. Learn More
• Teacher Support is provided throughout the term to make sure teachers are comfortable with the lessons, robots, and coding.

Easy to Teach STEM Curriculum

Teacher-led lessons follow the 5-E learning model, and are in fun Self-Driving Vehicle themes themes. Students learn how to control the robot with code to drive, make turns, park, stay in the lanes, detect lights, engage adaptive cruise control, and participate in races and competitions. The pre-developed 5-E lessons provide over 40 hours of STEAM and coding activities with worksheets, videos, and step-by-step instructions. Hands-on activities in 15-20 minutes are flexible for classes, clubs, after-school, or camps. Lessons are aligned to NGSS, CS-K12, ISTE, and CC standards.

• Science: Apply the scientific method, NGSS engineering and physical science: light and sound waves, forces and interactions, energy, structure and properties of matter, engineering design.
• Technology: Coding; Analyze problems and design algorithms, use logic and develop reasoning, use variables, control, data analysis, sequence, debug, troubleshoot, understand impacts of computing: culture, social interactions.
• Engineering: Apply NGSS engineering design with projects involving line following, avoiding obstacles, sensors, motors, calibration, and systems.  Learn common systems of smart vehicles and how they function.
• Arts: Writing, reading non-fiction works, timelines, story telling, STEM careers, and creating multimedia presentations.
• Math: Reason abstractly and solve real world problems, equations, geometry, angles, diameter, distance, time, speed, measuring, converting measurements, and variables. Students are measuring, calculating, making conversions, gathering data, creating charts and diagrams, and learning the importance of math. 

Contact Us to ask for a Custom Quote - special offers or discounts may be available for schools and clubs