Guide for Kids to Start Learning Robotics in 2022
Have you ever seen those robotic arms in smart factories or those last-mile delivery robots and thought, "That's so cool! I want to learn how to do that!" Well, you're in luck. Robotics is a rapidly growing field with many opportunities for those with the skills to build and operate robots. Thus, more and more schools and organizations have started teaching kids how to learn robotics.
And if you're looking for steps to learn robotics for your kids, you've come to the right place. KidoCode has created a simplified guide on getting your kids started learning robotics.
How to introduce your kids to robotics
While robotics is already a naturally cool subject, it can be tough to explain to kids what robotics is and why they should care. After all, most of us still don't really understand how artificial intelligence or the internet work.
Here's a quick elevator pitch you can use to introduce your kids to robotics:
"Robots are machines that can be programmed to do certain tasks. They can be as simple as a Roomba vacuum cleaner or as complex as a humanoid robot. Robotics is the study of how to build and control robots."
Now that your kids know what robotics is, it's time to get them excited about learning it.
Enroll them in extracurricular robotics classes
One of the best ways to get your kids interested in robotics is to enroll them in classes outside school. That way, they can explore robotics in a more hands-on and fun environment.
There are plenty of robotics classes available for kids of all ages. You can find them at community centers, tech museums, coding schools, and more. Many of these classes use LEGO robots, which are a great way for kids to learn the basics of robotics.
Do some research online.
If you can't find any robotics classes in your area, don't worry. There are plenty of resources available online. Websites like KidoCode offer step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and online courses that can teach your kids everything they need to know about robotics.
Join online robotics and coding communities (Scratch)
Another great way to learn about robotics is to join an online community of like-minded individuals. Scratch is a great example of such a community. It's a website where young kids can code and share their creations with others.
Your kids can use Scratch to create simple games, stories, and animations. They can also explore other people's creations and learn from them.
Get ahold of some of those robotics kits from toy shops (Lego Mindstorms)
Children can also learn robotics through a robotic kit. These kits come with all the parts and instructions you need to build a functioning robot. They're an excellent way for kids to learn about the different components of robots and how they work together.
The most popular robotics kit for kids is the LEGO Mindstorms set. It has everything you need to build five different robots, including remote control.
Create your own DIY robotics projects from scratch (Arduino, Raspberry Pi)
If you're feeling ambitious, you can also try creating your own robotics projects from scratch. This is a great way for kids to learn about the different aspects of robotics and how to put them all together.
You'll need some basic electronics knowledge to get started. But once you have that, you can use platforms like Arduino or Raspberry Pi to create all sorts of different projects.
Start small and simple (Line–following robot, Maze-solving robot)
Whatever route you decide to go, it's important to start small and simple. Don't try to bite off more than you can chew. Otherwise, you'll just end up getting frustrated.
There are plenty of simple robotics projects that you can try with your kids. For example, you could build a line-following robot or a maze-solving robot. These projects are perfect for beginners and will help your kids get a feel for how robotics works.
As your kids get more experience, they can start working on more complex projects. But to start, it's best to keep things simple.
Steps to learn robotics:
Start with the basics.
Before your child can start learning robotics, they need to have a firm understanding of the basic concepts. This includes things like how to code, how to read schematics and the basics of engineering.
Get some hands-on experience.
The best way for kids to learn robotics is to get some hands-on experience with actual robots. This could involve building simple robots using kits, playing with robotic toys, or even programming real robots.
Make it fun.
Learning robotics should be enjoyable for your child, so make sure to include plenty of fun activities and games. This will help keep them engaged and motivated to continue learning.
Find a good resource.
There are plenty of great resources available for kids who want to learn robotics. This includes online courses, books, and even robot kits specifically designed for kids.
These are the general steps on how to get your kids started in learning robotics. Remember, the most important thing is to make it fun and engaging for your kids. With enough motivation and effort, they'll be able to learn all the skills they need to become robotics experts.
Hopefully, they'll also learn all the critical life-skills that go beyond robot-building, such as collaboration and communication, computational and creative thinking, and of course, grit and perseverance that comes with the trial-and-error process of robot-building.
So, what are you waiting for? It's time to get started on your child's robotics journey today.
If you want to learn more about teaching robotics to kids, check out our other blog posts or consider signing up for one of our courses.
