Beginning Robotics As Hands-On Science
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.
*This post may contain affiliate links.
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?
I hold a master’s degree in child development and early education and am working on a post-baccalaureate in biology. I spent 15 years working for a biotechnology company developing IT systems in DNA testing laboratories across the US. I taught K4 in a private school, homeschooled my children, and have taught on the mission field in southern Asia. For 4 years, I served on our state’s FIRST Lego League tournament Board and served as the Judging Director. I own thehomeschoolscientist and also write a regular science column for Homeschooling Today Magazine. You’ll also find my writings on the CTCMath blog. Through this site, I have authored over 50 math and science resources.