The upgraded Cubelets app!

Have you used the cool new features of the revamped and upgraded Cubelets app yet?  The app was designed not only to be another fun way students can play with Cubelets, but a learning experience where they can manipulate software before moving on to writing their own code. 

7 Everyday Tasks Brought to You By Code

Long before the Internet of Things began exploring a computerized world with app-controlled home thermostats, lights, and security, computers changed the way we live. Did you know that these 7 everyday tasks are only possible because of computer code?

An Education For The 21st Century Means Teaching Coding In Schools

There is merit in school students learning coding. We live in a digital world where computer programs underlie everything from business, marketing, aviation, science and medicine, to name several disciplines. During a recent presentation at a radio station, one of the hosts said that IT would have been better background for his career in radio than journalism.

Being introduced to coding gives students an appreciation of what can be built with technology. We are surrounded by devices controlled by computers. Understanding how they work, and imagining new devices and services, are enhanced by understanding coding.

What makes a STEM teacher?

Developing identities of STEM teachers at emerging STEM schools

What kind of picture of a STEM teacher do you have? El Nagdi and colleagues attempted to answer this question by conducting a study with participants of emerging STEM schools in the US, published in the International Journal of STEM Education. Since STEM schools are a recent initiative, a STEM teacher is a learning, developing and multi-disciplinary-oriented not yet defined kind of person.

Why Children Have To Learn The Importance Of Robotics And Coding

Robotics and coding are just some of the many ideas that are reserved for the technically-inclined adults. But is it possible to teach these concepts to our kids these days? Are their innocent minds able to handle the complexities of computer science?

Read further as we are going to discuss some reasons why children have to learn the importance of robotics and coding.

What makes a Good STEM/STEAM Toy?

Having probed parents for their feelings on STEM/STEAM, we now turn to toy experts for their perspectives on what makes a good STEM/STEAM toy.

This section consists of input from a survey in which 67 Toy Association members and toy experts participated. This was followed with 26 in-depth phone interviews along with insights gathered from two expert panels hosted at both the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and at the 116th annual North American International Toy Fair.

Based on the above input, the Toy Association identified 14 unifying characteristics of STEM/STEAM toys, including 2 mandatory and 12 strengthening, all of which are detailed below.

Parental perspectives about STEM careers and the role of toys in helping their kids master these concepts

Parents are the gatekeepers of toys for their kids, especially for younger children. Their attitudes and appreciation of toys and play are paramount to providing kids with playful opportunities to grow, learn, and explore their ever-changing world.

The Toy Association asked parents to share their understanding and insights about how science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics skills relate to toys, play, and their children. Here’s a summary of what was revealed by investigating the thoughts, fears, and beliefs of 2,000 parents.

6 Characteristics of Effective STEM Classroom Design

Centered around project-based learning, an effective STEM classroom fosters a positive culture that allows students to problem-solve, collaborate, create, test ideas, and build with their hands. The goal of stem classroom design is to inspire students to think, innovate, prototype, and research in teams.

Here are 6 characteristics of effective STEM Classroom Design that you can implement to encourage a positive STEM environment.

By Sonja Jacobson

4 Benefits Of Learning Programming At A Young Age

Computer coding is the universal language of the planet. People who know how to code will be able to communicate across countries and cultures, be innovative, and solve problems more efficiently, with no barriers to impede their success. Learning programming at a young age helps your children solve everyday problems and get set up for a lifetime of opportunities.

By John Porter

Feature a Teacher: NAO as a dancing tool to understand human-robot interaction. 

Amy LaViers is an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, and director of the RAD Lab a website of Robotics Automation and Dance (RAD). During her PhD Thesis she realized that Nao robot is the tool for her engaging for the public and researches alike.