National Robotics Week is coming our way April 8 – 15, 2017! Believe it or not, ready or not, coding is the future. Exposing your children to robotics, coding or other STEAM activities not only gives them exposure to how technology works behind the scenes, but it gives them experience with problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, and engaging in a growth mindset.
If you want to expose your children to robotics and coding, check out Fisher Price’s Think & Learn Code-A-Pillar, Ozobot, Code & Go Robot Mouse, or Makey Makey. Each of these is different but similar in that they give children the opportunity to explore coding. A robot works when you write specific directions that tell the robot what you want it to do. That’s what coding is all about. With any of these, I suggest planning to take time to learn about and practice with your child. They’re each engaging but some adult guidance along the way is helpful.
Not interested in spending money but still want to give your kids the experience of coding? Check out the Hour of Code for online activities. If you have pre-readers or just want to focus on the coding without having to do a lot of reading, Kodable is a great option.
National Robotics Week events
April 6
ScratchJr Family Coding Night
Kohl Children’s Museum
2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
Children ages 5-7 and their adults can participate in a family coding night. Registered participants will learn the introductory language of ScratchJr and create their own interactive stories and games. Registration is required.
April 8, 9 and 15
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S, Lake Shore Dr, Chicago | (773) 684-1414
The Museum of Science and Industry is hosting various National Robotics Week events. Here is a list of daily events including make-and-takes, robot demos, and Robot Dance by Culture Shock.
April 8
FIRST LEGO League Jr. Celebration
Buffalo Grove Community Art Center
225 McHenry Rd., Buffalo Grove | (847) 850-2175
FIRST Lego League is all about inspiring young minds to engage in science and technology. For the past two years, I’ve been a judge for FIRST LEGO League and it’s an awesome experience for children to design robots while also developing skills needed to work on a team that competes but also lives the core values of the FIRST LEGO League. To learn more, check out the FIRST Lego League.
April 13 & 27
Toying with Tech
Kohl Children’s Museum
2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
Explore if/then conditional statements of coding by creating and following patterns through cause and effect games. Free with general admission.
However you decide to celebrate, National Robotics Week is a chance to bring your child’s attention to all that technology that goes on behind the scenes of their favorite smart phone, tablet, or computer.
How will you celebrate National Robotics Week with your children? Leave us a comment below and let us know.
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