TOP PICKS | 15 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.

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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 The app is free; the physical Blue-Bot programmable robot costs $119.95.

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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 The app is free but requires $149.99 Dash or $49.99 Dot robot from Wonder Workshop.

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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 The app is free; requires Evo robot. Available individually for $89 or as classroom kit.

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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 The app is free; the standard Gizmos & Gadgets Kit costs $199.95. Various other classroom kits are available.

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Cozmo

A little robot with big personality brings code to life

Bottom line: From Cozmo's engaging personality to endless programming possibilities, this little robot will capture your heart and spark imagination.

Grades: 2–12 Price: Free, Paid Requires Cozmo robot, sold separately for $179.99.

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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 The site, including user-submitted lesson plans, activities, and a gallery, is free. SAM Labs accessories and kits, which range in price from $33 for accessories to $1,999 for deluxe classroom kits, include access to a small library of lesson plans and accompanying resources.

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Tickle

Robots, Arduinos, and drones -- the block coding app to rule them all

Bottom line: Impressive tool for introducing block coding and robotics on a ton of devices.

Grades: 2–12 Price: Free, Paid Additional characters and challenges are offered as in-app purchases.

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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 Requires a Dash or Dot robot, which retail for $49.99–$199.99.

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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: Free, Paid The app is free to download, but the starter kit required to build designs costs $519.99. Live online professional development is available for $300.

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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 The app is free; Sphero SPRK+ robots can cost $129.99.

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Microsoft MakeCode

Bring code to life with circuits, robots, Minecraft, and more

Bottom line: Once you purchase the hardware, MakeCode opens doors to an incredible diversity of coding applications.

Grades: 3–12 Price: Free Users can find links to purchase various hardware and kits that are featured in MakeCode's projects.

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Cue by Wonder Workshop

Unique robot sports sweet features but isn't classroom-ready yet

Bottom line: The Cue has great learning potential but needs additional supports to be classroom-friendly.

Grades: 5–8 Price: Free, Paid Requires purchase of Cue robot for $200; in-app purchases for additional avatars cost $4.99 each.

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CoderZ

Program virtual 3D robots to complete missions

Bottom line: This coding curriculum has great scaffolding for students, but you'll need to find other ways for students to design and create.

Grades: 6–10 Price: Free to try, Paid After a 14-day free trial, the cost is $6.25 per month for individual users. Classroom subscriptions are available (up to 24 students) for $840 per year, which includes access to the complete curriculum and classroom-management tools. School licenses are also available by quote.

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