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Kit Instructions

Robotics Kit #1 - Elementary

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Cozmo

Android App

Apple App

Introducing Cozmo

 

Cozmo troubleshooting

 

Make-block mBot V1.1-Blue (BT Version) educational STEM Robot for Kids and  Beginners

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 Robot

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 Blue - Super App-Enabled Toy Robot Ball - Walmart.com

sphero mini

Sphero Ollie App Controlled Robot Unique Gifts - Zavvi US

ollie sphero

 

Sphero Associated Apps

 

Getting Started with Sphero Mini

 

Robotics Kit #2

Botley

Botley is a fun, screen-free way for kids to learn coding basics and problem-solving skills. Using a remote programmer, children can create a sequence of commands for Botley to follow—making him move, turn, detect objects, and even perform tricks.

Best for: Ages 5–10 (K–4th grade)
Skills developed:

  • Introductory coding (if/then logic, loops, sequences)
  • Critical thinking and debugging
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Spatial awareness and planning
  • Programming basics


 

Programming Ideas

Robotics Storytime & Free Play Robotic Maze Challenge 
Robot Construction Derby   

 

 


 

Botley Activities by Learning Resources

Coding with Botley Teach Botley to Code a Story!
Teach Botley How to Subtract Teach Botley to Fix Mistakes!
Teach Botley How to Add Help Botley to Explore a Coordinate Grid!
Botley Lesson Plan Teach Botley to Pick-up Litter!
Botley's Holiday Cutout Masks Botley Bobsleigh

Code & Go Robot Mouse

Learning Resources - Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set

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.

Robotics Kit #3 - Pre-K ×

Coding Critters

Coding Critters combine storytelling with coding play. Each set comes with a pet (like a dragon or unicorn) that kids can “program” using directional buttons. Through guided storybook adventures or open play, children learn sequencing and problem-solving while caring for their pet.

Best for: Ages 4–7 (PreK–2nd grade)

Skills developed:

  • Basic coding (step-by-step sequencing)
  • Storytelling and imagination
  • Responsibility and empathy through pet play
  • Collaboration in group storytelling

Activity ideas:

  • Storybook Coding: Use the included adventure story to guide play. Kids code the pet to follow along.
  • Pet Care Playtime: Have kids program the pet to “go eat,” “take a nap,” or “play fetch.”
  • Group Storytelling: Kids work together to create a new adventure, then code the critter to act it out.

 

Coding Critters - MagiCoders Blazer and Skye

 

Coding Critters - MagiCoders Printables:

 

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.

 

Bee-Bot Online | Notion

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.

 

Robotic Kit #4 - Ozobot's

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:

Articles and Websites: 

Circuitry Kit #1 & #2

Amazon.com: Snap Circuits Extreme SC-750R Electronics Exploration Kit +  Student Training Program with Student Study Guide | Perfect for STEM  Curriculum : Toys & Games

 

Project Manual (1 - 101)

English

Spanish

French

Projects 102-305 Manual

Project Manual (102 - 305)

English

French

Projects 306-511 Manual

Project Manual (306 - 511)

English

Projects 512-692 Manual

Project Manual (512 - 692)

English

Snap Circuits Jr.® 100 Experiments

 

Snap Circuits Jr. 100 Inventory

Snap Circuits 300-in-1 Experiments

Snap Circuits 300 Inventory

Amazon.com: Snap Circuits Extreme SC-750R Electronics Exploration Kit +  Student Training Program with Student Study Guide | Perfect for STEM ...

SC-750R Circuit Inventory

Amazon.com: Snap Circuits Code Journey, Build Your Circuit, Code Your  Commands, and Drive, Bluetooth Controlled, STEM Building Toy for Ages 8 to  108 : ...

Snap Circuits Code Journey Manual

R/C Snap Rover® Manual

RC Snap Rover® Manual

English

French

 

 

Circuitry Kit #3

Learn about Bits & what each bit can do

 

littleBits Classroom

Educator Quick Start Guide

 

littleBits Base Kit

Bit Inventory

Instruction Manual

littleBits Base Kit | GeeksValley

Space Rover Inventor Kit

Bit Inventory


Below are curated playlists of step by step how-to videos for building with the Space Rover Inventor Kit.

Note: the Space Rover Inventor Kit does require app bluetooth connection, specifically the *controls* section of the app.


 

Makey Makey Banana Piano for New Inventors!

 

Makey Makey is compatible with a variety of apps. 

Plug & Play Makey Makey Apps

Scratch Makey Makey Apps

 

Makey Makey's Google Sides for teachers.

Makey Makey 101 Course

Makey Makey Educatior's Guide

Lesson Plans

Drone Kit #1

Parrot Mambo FPV Drone                     Parrot Swing Drone

Parrot Flypad Manual


Parrot Mambo FPV Drone

Parrot Swing


Programming Ideas

Beginner Drone Flight School

  • Teach participants how to pilot drones safely and responsibly.
  • Include obstacle courses using hula hoops or cones for controlled navigation.
  • Discuss drone safety, laws, and ethical flying.

Drone Racing Tournament

  • Set up a racecourse using hula hoops or tape markers.
  • Participants can compete for the fastest time through the course.
  • Add a "freestyle" round for tricks and creative flight paths.

Drone Obstacle Course & Mazes

  • Create an obstacle course using hoops, tables, or chairs for drones to fly through.
  • Have different levels of difficulty (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
  • Make it a team challenge where one person flies while another gives verbal directions.

Aerial Photography & Mapping

  • Have participants capture aerial footage or images from different heights.
  • Use the footage for a discussion on perspective, geography, or even local history.

STEM + Drones: Physics of Flight

  • Discuss lift, thrust, drag, and gravity in relation to drone movement.
  • Use the drones to demonstrate flight physics concepts in action.

Drones & Weather Science

  • Discuss how drones are used to study hurricanes, tornadoes, and climate change.
  • Have participants simulate wind conditions using small handheld fans and see how drones respond.
  • Talk about real-world applications of drones in meteorology.

Drone Rescue Mission

  • Set up a "disaster zone" with small objects representing obstacles (e.g., books, boxes, or toy people).
  • Challenge participants to navigate their drone through the course to "deliver supplies" (small paper payloads or rings) to a target zone.
  • Discuss how drones are used in real-world rescue operations.

Mission: Drone Delivery

  • Participants must fly their drone to a specific target area and “drop” a small payload (paperclip, cotton ball, etc.).
  • This can tie into discussions on how drones are used for medical deliveries in remote areas.
  • Add difficulty by making delivery zones smaller or farther away.