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The Benefits of Tobbie II Coding Robot for Growing Brains

Posted on August 06, 2019 by Lubica Misevski

Tobbie II Coding Robot with micro bit | Kidzinc Australia | Online Educational Toys

Introducing Tobbie ii: Although computer programming has been a critical part of our world for over half a century, it can still be difficult to introduce the concepts of programming to a new user. Children, especially, can have trouble grasping the somewhat-abstract concepts of programming until everything "clicks".

Tobbie II, the new coding robot from micro:bit, does an excellent job at building the bridge from programming ideas to action. And a Robot Kit that is unparalleled in using micro bit technology. 

Benefits for Growing Children

As everyone knows, programming skills are becoming critical for more and more careers. And coding is bringing about an exciting future for us all.  However, even if a child doesn't end up in the science or engineering fields, programming carries plenty of benefits that extend to any career path.

> Creativity
    Learning to express ideas in machine code is like learning another language. As children work out how to step the robot through programming loops and decision trees, they'll learn to present their ideas in a clear, concise way.
     
    > Confidence
      With the immediate feedback that programming Tobbie II provides, children can immediately figure out if they've done something correctly or not. Once they've put together a working subroutine, their confidence in themselves will build as they're reassured they can repeat it going forward.
       
      > Resilience
        Working through frustrating problems is a skill that every child needs to learn. In the micro:bit programming environment, errors are helpfully detailed and children are assisted in fixing them. At the end of the day, they won't even realize they've been conquering obstacles, but they'll hang onto their resilience and face future problems with the same strength.
         
        > Programming!
          In addition to all the positive ways programming helps children develop, the programming itself will give them a huge leg up in school and work. Whether they continue in Python or Javascript, or another language, many of the object-oriented programming principles will carry forward.
           
          > STEM exposure
            Regardless of what career children eventually end up choosing, it's likely they'll have regular interaction with the STEM fields. Getting an idea of how programming works and what to expect can pay major dividends for them down the road.
             

            Building The Robot

            While it's the last time Tobbie II will resemble a traditional toy, the building process itself is the first fun step. Just like putting any other toy together, you'll need to carefully follow the instructions and get everything in place. Once Tobbie II is constructed with its motor, moving parts, and IR sensor, it's ready to move on to testing out some programs and teaching you and your children to code!

            No Installation Necessary

            The Tobbie II robot allows you to program its instructions directly through the web app. With the choice between a simple Javascript Blocks Editor and more advanced Python, you can access the programming functions from your desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet. Being able to work completely in-browser removes one of the biggest hurdles to programming.

            Immediate Feedback

            As soon as a user finishes a set of commands and pushes them to Tobbie II, you'll see it immediately attempt to follow the instructions. If something doesn't work, Tobbie will provide feedback on what needs to be changed in the code to get everything running. Tobbie II arrives with 12 programs immediately available for testing (light tracker, rock paper scissors, bowling, and a notice board application). After a short amount of time, you'll be able to edit these programs into your own versions and immediately see results as Tobbie executes the commands.

            It's Fun!

            Perhaps most importantly, it's an absolute blast to play with Tobbie II. Whether you're just getting started and running the onboard programs or putting something together from scratch, working with the robot is fun at any age. Of course, there are dozens of benefits for growing children (even those outside the STEM field) but the foremost is that it's just fun!

            To purchase the Tobbie II coding robot with micro:bit, please click here. 

            Posted in CIC STEM Robotic Kits, coding toys for kids, STEM toys, Tobbie II Australia

            Kick Start Your Kids Love of Engineering with STEM Robotic Kits from CIC

            Posted on May 26, 2019 by Lubica Misevski

             

            You want your kids to grow up to be successful and happy. You've probably heard a lot about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and careers. Since the 1990s, available STEM jobs in the US have grown by 79 percent, and the average college-educated STEM work makes $81,011 per year in contrast with the $60,828 for other college majors earn.

            But how do you engage your children in STEM topics? You want them to show an interest in STEM without it seeming like they're back in school. One of the best ways is through play. Kids love to build things and use their imaginations, so why not use STEM toys to instill a love of science and other subjects in them.

            Here's a look at two new hot STEM robotic kits to help your kids grow a passion for science and engineering. 

            Robotic Hedgehog Robot Kit

            Love the idea of a family pet but hate the idea of all the work involved? The CIC Robotic Hedgehog Kit makes it easy for your kids to build their own pet, an adorable hedgehog. While building their new prickly pet, your kids learn more about robotics and the inner workings of robots. They discover how the mechanics work together to move the robot as it responds to sounds. This is a toy that provides as much fun in the building phase as it does in the playing stage. 

            After the fun of creating their new pet is over, the euphoria of playing with their new pet begins. Your child's new hedgehog responds to a variety of sounds. Your kids will enjoy watching as their pet rolls over, spins around and tumbles across the floor. The built-in sound sensor is designed to respond to a variety of sounds that your kids can use to make their pet respond in a variety of ways. The cutest action occurs when the hedgehog bristles its quills and then calms them again. 

            Suitable for kids age 10 years old and up, this STEM robotic kit teaches your child about the inner workings and mechanics of a robot. 

            CIC Robotic Hedgehog Robotic Kit | STEM Toys | KidzInc Australia Online Educational Toys

            CIC 5 in 1 Mechanical Coding Robot

            Who doesn't love choices, and with this cool STEM Robotic Kit, your children have the choice of building five different robots? They can even build one today and change it to a different one next week. The robotic options include:

            * drawing bot
            * forklift bot
            * throwing bot
            * gripper bot
            * and soccer bot. 

              The 5 in 1 Mechanical Coding Robot helps teach your child how to code, part of computer science. Children, as young as eight years old, can build each of these robots and learn valuable lessons about the connection between coding and actions without needing more screen time. It also teaches your child through play how coding makes a difference in the real world and fuels their imagination for their own futures. 

              The "coding wheel" helps your child learn to code. The best part is that this is a toy that doesn't need to go online so you don't need to worry about what your child is finding on the internet. Your child can easily remove and replace the pieces of code to make the robot become the various options. Your child learns the basics of computer coding in a fun way that encourages them to learn more. 

              CIC 5 in 1 Mechanical Coding Robot Kit | KidzInc Australia | Online Educational Toys

              STEM toys are an invaluable tool to encourage your child's love of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics without lectures and classes. Once they get the bug, they'll pursue more information and learning on their own.

              Making sure that you have STEM toys available for their play is an essential part of your job as a parent. 

              Posted in CIC 5 in 1 Mechanical Coding Robot Kit, CIC Robotic Hedgehog STEM Kits, CIC STEM Robotic Kits

               

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