mBot

There are three different apps for the mBot robot.

1. MakeBlock - Play STEM Robots

Apple

Android

2. mBlock Blockly - STEM education

Apple

Android

3. mBlock - Learn Coding.

Apple

Android

Explore mBot Tutorials #1: The Light Sensor

Explore mBot Tutorial #2: Object Avoidance

Explore mBot Tutorials #3: Line Following

Explore mBot Tutorial #4: Makeblock APP

Dash

There are many different apps for the Dash robot. 

Apps for iPad's and iPhones

Apps for Androids

Apps for Chromebooks

Device Compatibility with Dash

Video Tutorial #1: Unboxing Dash and Dot Robots

*Note: Building brick connectors not included in SCSL kit.*

Dash troubleshooting

sphero mini

ollie sphero

Sphero Associated Apps

Getting Started with Sphero Mini

Code & Go Robot Mouse

The Code & Go Robotic Mouse introduces young learners to the basics of coding—without screens. Children program the mouse by pressing directional buttons on its back to create a sequence of steps, then watch it scurry across a grid or maze to reach the cheese.
Best for: Ages 4–8 (PreK–2nd grade)

Skills developed:

• Sequencing and algorithmic thinking
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Spatial reasoning and directional language
• Early teamwork and collaboration
• Programming basics

How to Use the Code & Go Robot Mouse by Learning Resources

Code and Go Robot Mouse Content and Activities:

Switcheroo Coding Crew

The Switcheroo Coding Crew is a playful introduction to coding concepts, designed for younger learners. Children can snap together different vehicles (police car, fire truck, construction vehicle) and use a remote programmer to code the car’s path to complete “missions.” The themed mats and challenge cards make it easy for staff to set up engaging activities with little prep.

Best for: Ages 4–7 (PreK–2nd grade)
Skills developed:

• Sequencing and problem-solving
• Early STEM vocabulary (directions, commands, patterns)
• Creative storytelling through themed play
• Teamwork and communication
• Programming basics

Activity ideas:

• Rescue Missions: Place obstacles (like stuffed animals or blocks) on the mat and challenge kids to code the fire truck or police car to reach them.
• Themed Story Coding: Pair with a community helpers book (police, firefighters, construction workers) and let kids “act out” the story by coding the car.
• Design Your Own Map: Give children paper or poster board to create new “city maps” for Switcheroo vehicles to explore.
• Collaborative Coding: Teams take turns adding steps to solve a challenge—great for group engagement.

Bee-Bot

Bee-Bot is a bright, friendly robot designed to introduce directional coding. Children program Bee-Bot by pressing the arrow keys on its back, then press “go” to watch it travel the path. Bee-Bot is especially versatile, as it works with a variety of floor mats (alphabet grids, number grids, maps).

Best for: Ages 4–8 (PreK–2nd grade)

Skills developed:

• Sequencing and logical thinking
• Spatial awareness and math concepts
• Collaboration and problem-solving
• Early literacy and numeracy with themed mats

Activity ideas:

• Alphabet Adventures: Use a letter mat and code Bee-Bot to visit letters to spell words.
• Treasure Hunts: Hide small items on a grid and code Bee-Bot to retrieve them.
• Math Mazes: Use a number mat and code Bee-Bot to reach sums or solve equations.

Code-a-Pillar

The Code-a-Pillar is a segmented robot that teaches coding through physical play. Each segment represents a different command (forward, turn, sound, etc.). Kids snap the segments together to create a sequence, then watch the Code-a-Pillar crawl its programmed path.

Best for: Ages 3–6 (Preschool–1st grade)

Skills developed:

• Sequencing and cause/effect
• Problem-solving and experimentation
• Fine motor skills through connecting segments
• Creative exploration

Activity ideas for libraries:

• Path Building: Create paths on the floor with tape and challenge kids to build a segment sequence to follow.
• Experiment Station: Let kids rearrange the segments freely and predict the outcome before starting.
• Story Connections: Pair Code-a-Pillar with a story about bugs or journeys, and have the kids “retell” it by coding the path.

KUBO

KUBO uses a unique “tagtile” system to teach coding and sequencing. Place physical tiles (forward, turn, etc.) in a sequence, and KUBO drives over them to follow the code. It introduces concepts like loops and functions in a hands-on, approachable way.

Best for: Ages 4–10 

Skills developed:

• Step-by-step coding with physical tiles
• Introduction to loops and functions
• Problem-solving and collaboration
• Spatial reasoning

Activity ideas:

• Coding Paths: Set a destination and have kids build a "tagtile" code to get KUBO there.
• Loops in Action: Teach repetition by using the loop tiles to simplify longer codes.
• Story Maps: Build a town or story path and have KUBO travel to different locations as part of the narrative.

Cubelets

Cubelets are magnetic blocks that snap together to form robots. Each block has a function—sensing, action, or thinking—and kids can experiment by combining them in different ways. There’s no screen or coding required, making them perfect for hands-on exploration and discovery.

Best for: Ages 6–12 (1st–6th grade)

Skills developed:

• Systems thinking and engineering design
• Problem-solving through experimentation
• Understanding sensors, logic, and robotics
• Collaboration in group builds

Activity ideas for libraries:

• Robot Challenges: Build a robot that can move toward light, avoid obstacles, or carry small objects.
• Free Exploration Station: Let kids snap pieces together and test different combinations.
• STEM Demos: Use Cubelets to demonstrate inputs (sensors) and outputs (motors, lights) in robotics.

Get to know Evo

Introduction to Ozobot:

Get to Know Evo Ozobot lesson plan, activity sheets, and more.

Ozobots in Libraries: Engaging STEAM Learning

Ozobots provide interactive, hands-on learning that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Adaptable for various ages and skill levels, they support both individual and group activities.

Key Benefits:

• Tangible Coding: Bridges the physical and digital worlds, making abstract concepts concrete.
• Immediate Feedback: Reinforces learning as students see real-time responses to their code.
• Fun & Interactive: Engages learners through color-coded paths, markers, and apps.
• Multiple Programming Methods: Supports color codes, drag-and-drop coding (Ozobot Bit app), and Blockly.
• Encourages Creativity: Enables maze-building, puzzles, and open-ended problem-solving.

STEAM & Skill Development:

• Coding & Robotics: Introduces basic programming concepts.
• Critical Thinking: Helps break down, analyze, and debug code.
• Collaboration: Encourages teamwork through coding challenges.
• Computational Thinking: Builds logical problem-solving skills.
• Cross-Curricular Use: Supports math, science, and technology learning.
• Accessible & Affordable: Using SCSL circulating kits makes it easy to implement STEAM programs in your library.

Ozobots make coding approachable and fun while preparing learners for the digital future.
 

Other Resources:

Ozobot YouTube channel - offers a variety of resources for educators and students, including tutorials, webinars, and demonstrations on using Ozobot robots for coding and STEAM education, with a focus on Ozobot Blockly and color coding. 

Free coding programs:

• Code.org®
  • Hour of Code
• Scratch 
• Code Club
  • CoderDojo
• CodeSpeak Labs
• Google CS First
• Girl Develop It
• Girls Who Code

Articles and Websites: 

• Programming Librarian - American Library Association (ALA)
• Ready to Code Resources - American Library Association (ALA)
• Coded to Succeed: A Beginner’s Primer to Robots, Kids, and Libraries - Association For Library Service To Children (ALSC)
• Coding in Libraries: Benefits and Tools - EBSCO
• Guide To Digital Literacy: Coding At Local Libraries - InMyArea.com

*Note: the photo showcases the lights with flaps. Our lights do not come with the flaps.*

Some free software options to try are:

• iMovie
• Canva
• OpenShot
• DaVinci Resolve
• Filmora

Here is a list of websites that offer free stock photos for download:

• pexels
• Unsplash
• pixabay 
• Canva