{"id":1253,"date":"2017-11-08T20:22:40","date_gmt":"2017-11-09T02:22:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learningtostem.com\/?p=1253"},"modified":"2017-12-05T15:23:19","modified_gmt":"2017-12-05T21:23:19","slug":"robot-kits-valuable-toys-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learningtostem.com\/robot-kits-valuable-toys-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Robot Kits Are Valuable Toys for Children"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many schools are using inquiry-based learning \u2014 that is, posing questions and scenarios to students \u2014 to immerse students in STEM concepts. A popular hands-on part of this inquiry-based learning includes using robots in the classroom.<\/p>\n

In the past few years, robot kits have become more affordable and accessible, allowing children to learn the basics of coding and technology at home in their living room. Robot kits don\u2019t just introduce children to the basics of STEM learning; they\u2019re also fun!<\/p>\n

What exactly makes these kits so valuable to kids\u2019 learning? Here are 7 reasons why robot kits are useful and will become your child\u2019s next new favorite toy:<\/p>\n

Prepare kids for future jobs (and everyday tasks)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A need for STEM-based employees will only increase in the next few decades. As many as 47 percent of U.S. jobs will become automated within the next 20 years, according to Oxford University<\/a>. Coding and programming especially will become must-have skills for potential employees. Robotics will impact a wide variety of industries, including medicine, military, and construction. Starting kids young on robot kits can translate into them gaining essential skills early in life.<\/p>\n

Robots won\u2019t just be used in the workforce, either. Robots are the next computers. It isn\u2019t a stretch to say that everyone knows how to a computer. Robots will soon become that way, too, and be used for everyday tasks. it\u2019s important to give kids a head start on what will soon become their new normal.<\/p>\n

Problem-solving<\/strong><\/h2>\n

STEM education uses a holistic approach: Kids can learn multiple facets of the STEM discipline at once, and robots allow them to have a hands-on example. Using robot kits teaches them basic programming and coding skills. They also learn the basics of engineering principles and can see firsthand how simple concepts affect a robot\u2019s response. After learning these basics, kids will be prepared to learn more advanced concepts.<\/p>\n

Additionally, working on robot kits teaches children patience, creativity, and basic problem-solving skills. This helps them tackle real-life problems outside of STEM concepts, too. Unlike the instant gratification that comes from many toys, robot kits allow kids to put time and effort into their project.<\/p>\n

Fostering later interest<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Robotics<\/p>\n

Students who learn robotics early in life might consider entering robotics competitions in school. There are many competitions at the school, state, and national level where teams of students develop robots. Kids apply the knowledge they\u2019ve learned from their prior experience with robots to navigate through simulations. Three states<\/a> consider robotics an official school sport: Connecticut, Minnesota, and Texas.<\/p>\n

Winners of these competitions often walk away with college scholarships. Students who participate in the FIRST Robotics Competition are two times as likely to major in a science or engineering discipline in college, according to the organization\u2019s website<\/a>. Students also cite improved problem solving skills, increased conflict resolution skills and strengthened communication skills as benefits to being involved in the competitions.<\/p>\n

They can be practical<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Many robot kits have multiple functions aside from the initial construction. Kids can use them to learn, play games, and more. Some robot kits teach kids specific programming languages. Some teach kids how to make modifications to a robot. Most robot kits allow games to be programmed on them or other fun activities. Robots are useful long after they are initially built.<\/p>\n

Suitable for everyone<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Educational<\/p>\n

There has been a wide range of research<\/a> that suggests robots can be particularly helpful for children on the autism spectrum. Working with robots can improve children\u2019s engagement and elicit positive social behaviors. Robots provide calm and consistent interactions to which children on the spectrum respond well. There\u2019s even a robot developed specifically for children on the spectrum<\/a> to engage with and to practice their communication and social skills.<\/p>\n

Breaks down a complex topic<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Robots are sometimes best known for their stereotypes \u2014 the killer robot that will take over the world. The easiest way to learn what robots can and cannot do is to interact with them. Kids will become comfortable with them and see that they can be useful and exciting once they begin to use them. Building robots also shows kids how anyone can learn programming and coding, even from an early age.<\/p>\n

Robots are fun!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

An added plus: Building a robot is fun! This is especially great for kids who haven\u2019t yet embraced STEM subjects; they can see firsthand how much fun they can have doing engineering and using technology. Robot kits are affordable fun for kids that will teach them key skills while they\u2019re building their robot.<\/p>\n

Not sure where to start? Check out our list of the best robot kits for kids<\/a> released in 2017!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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In the past few years, robot kits have become more affordable and accessible, allowing children to learn the basics […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1254,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4,49],"tags":[],"wppr_data":{"cwp_meta_box_check":"No"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhy Robot Kits Are Valuable Toys for Children<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.learningtostem.com\/robot-kits-valuable-toys-children\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Why Robot Kits Are Valuable Toys for Children\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Many schools are using inquiry-based learning \u2014 that is, posing questions and scenarios to students \u2014 to immerse students in STEM concepts. 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