Are you looking at fun ways to get your child involved with robot building? Making a simple homemade robot is a fun and easy activity for kids of any age to unleash their creativity, while learning (the fun way) how to make electronic components work for them.
Introducing kids to robotics or any new project has its share of benefits. This is one activity that has its start in consulting a list of instructions or a blueprint, which has its own set of benefits. Structured construction activities help kids develop the ability to visualize three-dimensional objects, according to research cited in the blog Parenting Science.
Keys to a successful home robotics project
When you add a powerful payoff at the end of the project — where the robot creation performs a task of some kind — it comes with a built-in motivator for kids to finish and see the fruits of their efforts.
Still, frustration can get in the way of completion of any homemade bot. Here are some tips to help you guide and encourage your kids to see their robotic toy creations to completion.
* Be patient. The key is to make sure you stick to one step at a time. It’s not a bad idea to remind your child that going back to repeat a step is not a bad thing, and it doesn’t mean they’re failing. It’s all part of the process of learning.
* Like any good maker, it’s always wise to cultivate the habit of going back every now and then to check the work done so far. Not only is this a good habit, it can minimize some majorly frustrating moments down the line.
* Resist the urge to answer and take over. When they struggle, ask open-ended questions. This is especially crucial when they get stuck on a step! Instead of handing out answers and solutions, say, “Well, what do you think we should do next? Why do you think that will work? What do you think will happen?” If they discover they have what it takes to come up with the answer, they’ll feel empowered.
* Take a break. When they get stuck, encourage them to put it away for a while — better yet, know when to stop pushing them to continue, because science makes a good case for stopping. Research suggests that hitting pause on a tricky step can renew their motivation and promote learning. In fact, when they return, they may find the solution magically pops out at them.
5 ways to launch your child’s interest in robotics
Build your own robotics project at home with a few simple supplies, and a little know-how. Once they start building these connections with one another, their horizons start to expand.
Art bot: There are many small and inexpensive starter projects to launch your journey into home robotics. To keep it interesting, choose one that does something you can’t. How about one with marker legs that draw? With the help of a trusty red disposable cup, a small DC motor, a battery pack, electrical tape and a few other supplies, you and your child can piece together a little “bot” with an artistic specialty.
Motorized car with LEGO Bricks: Not a robot per se, but this handy guide gives you and the kids the 101 on making those wheeled creations move without assistance.
Bristlebot: Toothbrushes and scrub brushes get a motorised push with a little battery-operated engine power. These are just two robot projects you can find on the extensive ScienceBuddies website. Even better, its partner website helps you find essential supplies to get your robots moving, and the site has lots of ideas of projects as your child becomes more apt at building their own bots.
Vacuum hacking: The popularity of the remote-controlled vacuum cleaner by iRobot took a fascinating detour. Engineers and tech enthusiasts were pulling apart these little home bots and repurposing them to perform new tasks. That’s why the company came out with the Create, a less expensive “hackable” project that lets you tinker around so you can safely put together some of your own modifications. How about a robot that does things like create live-action Pac-Man, or a rolling bot that measures air quality?
Enroll in an after-school class: Enhance your child’s learning and exposure to the exciting world of robotics by signing them up for an after-school class through Bricks 4 Kidz. We offer two age-appropriate levels of robotics building in a collaborative setting with their friends and peers. Our classes are more than just building to a template. We encourage problem solving, creative thinking and teamwork, while giving kids this valuable hands-on experience with technology.
Discover and register for local robotics programmes offered by Bricks 4 Kidz today.