Robotics is one of the most perspective and most exciting disciplines one can learn. Not only does it open doors to many possibilities, but it also develops logical and practical thinking and paves the way for a successful career.
While children generally have an affection to all moving things that shine, it’s essential to introduce them to robotics the right way, so they learn how to build their knowledge and stay consistent in their choice gradually.
Fortunately, we’ve prepared a list of ways to help you introduce them to this beautiful discipline and help them develop an interest in such a career.
1. Collaborative workshops
Robotics communities are thriving all over the country, with many cooperative clubs and seminars opening up in many places. They are usually hosted by enthusiasts seeking to combine their knowledge and efforts to improve their designs.
They know their stuff inside and out, and they are also open to newcomers be being willing to share their vast knowledge with them. They’re usually called Makerspace workshops. So try searching online for them and see if there’s one in your neighborhood or city.
2. After-school courses
Any good school will have some after-school session in robotics which children can attend after their classes. Ask around and see if there’s a possibility to sign up. At iCode, the approach to robotics is to ensure students gain a thorough understanding of the science behind the technology.
Make sure to speak with the leading teacher, as it’s vital to choose a tutor who knows how to motivate children while giving them the appropriate knowledge and skills.
3. Libraries and Institutes
The time when libraries only served for lending books is over. Modern libraries have become interactive institutions, offering insight from all sorts of areas. One of them is robotics. Although not that common, most libraries these days have some robotics workshop or can give you contacts to people who host them.
Make sure to check with your local or nearby library if they host any workshops, or if they know where to find one.
4. Give it a go with a Raspberry Pi or Arduino
Once considered exotic; handheld single-board computers have become an everyday item, perfect for robotics and all sorts of other hardware enthusiasts. There are many variations out there, but two stand out as the most popular and most useful.
Raspberry Pi is a family of single-computers developed by a group of enthusiasts with the core idea of promoting computer science in schools and bringing coding closer to ordinary people. With a price of just $60, it’s a powerful and versatile device which can be programmed in any way and connected to all sorts of systems, making it a perfect platform for experimentation.
Coming in at second place is Arduino, a series of microcontrollers which can be utilized for building and handling complex hardware systems. Standing at just $20 per piece, it’s a wise investment for those looking to build their systems, or experiment with coding.
5. Take on a challenge
Now that your children have the necessary knowledge and tools to start their first robotics projects, it’s time to crank things up by joining a challenge. This kind of activity is perhaps the best way to learn and perfect their skills, as it will teach them not only to improvise but also learn from their mistakes, which is essential in building their career.
There are many robotics challenges hosted annually, both state and countrywide, so check online to see which one is nearest and best for you.
By gradually introducing your children to robotics and finding the best experts and tutorials to teach them, you will send your kids on a beautiful and inspiring journey which will not only lead them to a successful career but also show them some valuable skills that will help them throughout their lives.
To enroll your child in iCode’s robotics camps or computer science classes, visit us at www.icodeschool.com.