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Computer coding and Robotics
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Does anyone have good recommendations for learning coding (computer, video game, etc)? And/or robotics? Kits, bundles, software, classes, whatever!!! We have a Mac if that makes a difference. And I guess I would need information on how to use Windows-based programs on my Mac.
I am NOT a tech person, but want to make sure that my kids grow up tech savvy!
Thanks.
Are you planning on helping your kids, or just let them do it on their own? And what ages are your kids? My 9yo is learning this stuff, but she has my programmer dh to help her. My dh learned the very basics of programming when he was 11, and then he learned several languages on his own since then.
We have a robot kit or 2, one is programmable. I would have to ask my hubby what brand, etc.
BTW, you don’t have to program robots to make sure your kids are tech-savvy! 😉
Oops, we posted at the same time. 🙂
One more question. Are they all genuinely interested in learning this? Or is this your or your dh’s idea that you want them to learn? That will make a huge difference in how much time they take to learn it, how motivated they are to learn it, and how quickly they learn it – and if they’ll do it on their own or not.
My son is using “Scratch” to learn – just on his own…. http://scratch.mit.edu/
My dh has taught my kids Logo (that old language with a turtle that draws; remember it?) and then moved on to a book called Hello World. It’s worked really well for us.
Nebby
To answer questions…I can’t ‘help’ them as I don’t know any of this and neither does dh, but can we learn with them. They are super interested. All 4 have expressed interest (and career choices) in making their own video games, computer games, and apps. They went to a VEX robotics competition and would love to be on a team, but there aren’t any in the area with openings (just one homeschool team in IA and no spots for the next many years as siblings usually take older sibs place). And VEX is not something we can afford on our own! So we’re hoping to find something similar that they CAN do at home.
Any learning format suggestions are welcome! Ages 13, 10, and 7.
I’ll second some of the recommendations from others. Scratch is a fun, simple, and free resource for learning the basics of programming and the logic it requires. I also like the Hello World book, but you might need some help to get things set up at first.
For robotics, Lego Mindstorms is probably the easiest way to get into it. It’s a good introduction to programming logic as well. It may be a bit advanced for the younger kids, though. I’ve found that some of the mechanical concepts don’t really click until kids get a bit older.
I may not be much help here, but does your 4h program have a robotics division? They use Lego robotics here in MS.
Have you ever heard of FIRST organization? FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. They have FLL (FIRST Lego League) for 9-15 yo’s, FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge), and FRC (FIRST Robotics Challenge) for highschool. We’ve been involved for years now –it’s an outstanding program! There are teams and competitions held all over the world and most likely some in your area. For your ages, FLL might be perfect. They use the LEGO Mindstorms robotics systems, which the kids program themselves. FLL is in season right now with regionals and state tournaments being held, so maybe you could go and check one out.
My husband and son are having fun doing the tutorials/projects on the SparkFun Inventor’s Kit together.
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12001I don’t know a ton about it except that they connect it to his computer and program the LED lights to do different patterns and stuff.
Just saw this article and thought it might spark so more ideas:
http://mommypoppins.com/coding-kids-free-websites-teach-learn-programming
Thank you all so much! I looked up all your suggestions and found a few others. I created a Pinterest board to keep track of them all. I’m excited and feel empowered that it’s actually doable. There are even some Lego Leagues in our area – we’ll be hitting some competitons to see if the kids are interested.
Thanks again!
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