Science isn’t just worms and bugs, microscopes and test tubes. Science is engineering, computers and technology. Just because someone doesn’t like dissecting earthworms or …… doesn’t mean they can’t do hands-on science! There are plenty of less messy science activities available that teach great lessons.
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My 7 year old son asked for this Doodling Robot kit he saw at Michaels craft store for his birthday. He saw it as something cool to build with dad. I saw it as a hands-on science lesson!
It didn’t take long for dad and son to assemble the robot. My son was amazed out how a box of parts could be made into the robot. When they actually put the batteries in and turned it on, he has as proud as he could be.
This was a simple robot that pretty much just vibrates and rotates. However, it was a great introduction to robotics and mechanics. Success at this low level will encourage further more advanced projects.
If you would like to see the Doodling Robot in action, check out this You Tube promo video.
We’ve become big fans of kits that allow kids to build simple machines and put together electronic projects. They allow kids to learn while having fun.
Check out these posts for more hands-on science kit ideas:
Hands-On Stem – electronics kit
Have you and your kids done any robotics or engineering projects?
Yes, we have! My son who is also 7 LOVES robots. In fact, he told me he wants to be a Robot Builder when he gets older. He received the Doodling Robot for this birthday last summer and he and his dad put it together. He also bought a robot kit from a garage sale that he put together (it was new in the box and hadn’t been put together yet).
We are going to do a week long unit study in May or June all about Robots that I purchased through the Amanda Bennett website. My son is anxiously waiting for that study!
I am thinking about doing the Robots study, too! We love Amanda Bennett’s Unit studies. Let me know how it goes.
This is so neat! We did Lego robotics in elementary grades and then high school FIRST robotics with my son–and now he is studying mechanical engineering and working for Bosch. It just goes to show, that starting out with a hands-on activity can lead to something more for years to come. I never thought that the first little robot he built would spark such an interest. Love this kind of hands-on learning.
Thanks for sharing your first hand knowledge of what these small beginnings can bring!
Hi Michelle,
just wondering where you got the Lego robotics from. Was it a kit?
Thank you
Charmaine
There are robotics groups all over the country. You just need to find them. Check with local homeschool groups, local libraries, schools, or community colleges.They might be able to point you in the right direction. Good luck!
I would like to see the Doodling Robot in action, that’s amazing.. i like it
Doodling Robot is an amazing toy…. my kid loves it!
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