TOP PICKS | 16 TOOLS

Best Robotics Apps and Websites for STEM Classrooms

It's easy to get students' attention with robots. Actually teaching students how to code with robotics takes a bit more work, but rewards students with skill-building in logic, problem-solving, systems thinking, and more. Not only will students be introduced to true interdisciplinary STEM learning, but they'll also gain valuable lessons in teamwork and collaboration. Robotics can even help students with autism learn about social cues and develop communication skills. Check out these apps and websites for project-based inspiration, lessons, and coding interfaces to bring your classroom robots to life.

Top Picks

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Blue-Bot

Simple robot ideal for introducing programming to young learners

Bottom line: Students will develop logical and sequential thinking with Blue-Bot, creating a foundation for future coding activities.

Grades: Pre-K–2 Price: Free, Paid

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Blockly for Dash & Dot Robots

Adorable robots teach hands-on coding skills

Bottom line: You can program robots with code blocks, with plenty of creative options and lots of fun.

Grades: K–5 Price: Free, Paid

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Robo Code

Modular robot encourages creativity with endless possibilities

Bottom line: Robo Code is an interactive, playful way to teach coding and build problem-solving skills in young learners.

Grades: K–8 Price: Free, Paid

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The Robot Factory by Tinybop

Improve designs, collect favorites in robot creation sandbox

Bottom line: A well-made and enjoyable STEM app that leverages what's great about play -- experimentation -- to spark engineering interest.

Grades: K–8 Price: $2.99

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Evo by Ozobot

Versatile mini robot tailor-made for teaching coding

Bottom line: Evo encourages students to be creative, emphasizing that coding is a tool in your pocket, not the end game.

Grades: 2–8 Price: Free, Paid

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Gizmos & Gadgets

Top-notch tool empowers kids to invent, build, and control wirelessly

Bottom line: Easy-to-use, versatile electronic invention set that works wirelessly with your hand-held device.

Grades: 2–8 Price: Free, Paid

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SAM Labs

Kids use block code and wireless blocks to program, design, and create

Bottom line: With some perseverance, it's a great fit for PBL and STEAM, helping students learn programming skills and engineering concepts through invention.

Grades: 2–8 Price: Free, Paid

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Wonder for Dash and Dot Robots

Serious robotics programming with seriously adorable robots

Bottom line: It's the most challenging and versatile of the Dash and Dot apps and will keep engineering-savvy kids engaged.

Grades: 3–5 Price: Free

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KOOV

Robotics kit makes design possibilities virtually limitless

Bottom line: For schools with healthy budgets, KOOV helps kids design and code interactive robots with blocks, sensors, and imagination.

Grades: 3–8 Price: Paid

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Sphero Edu

Cool robots and creative play make programming irresistible

Bottom line: Hub for Sphero robots draws crafty kids who love making into coding, and it empowers them to be collaborators.

Grades: 3–8 Price: Free, Paid

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Kai's Clan

Innovative STEAM package takes robot coding to the next level

Bottom line: A nearly perfect spin on STEAM coding that combines a bunch of technologies into one, and effectively fuses the real and virtual worlds.

Grades: 3–12 Price: $995 and up

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