[Hidden-tech] Robots for Kids

[Robert Heller]

At Fri, 31 Oct 2014 11:40:17 -0400 Rich Roth <webmaster at hidden-tech.net> wrote:

> 
> 
> 
> 
> I just found out that the play-i (now called Wonder workshop) robots (Dash/Dot was Yanna 
> and Bo) will be shipping soon
> These are part of a massively successful kickstarer campaign last year.
> 
> I have a few (including developer kit) coming and am wondering if anyone else locally has 
> them due ?
> (Mine are for a 8 yr old and an 11 year old -- and me, of course)
> 
> OR for that matter is anyone has any other type of learning, teaching, programming robot 
> that they have experience with or interest it.
> 
> Do tell ??

I would suggest looking at the Arduino line of 'products'.  There are some 
robot chassis built around an Arduino clone board
(
http://www.robotshop.com/en/dfrobotshop-rover-tracked-robot-basic-kit.html
is one). I did a survey of Arduino books available in the C/W Mars system
(most local town libraries are part of C/W Mars) -- here is the URL of the
list of books I checked out: 

https://bark.cwmars.org/eg/opac/results?bookbag=26722;page=0;locg=307;depth=0

These books range from very beginner to somewhat advanced. One covers
cross-breeding between Arduino and Lego's robotics. Subjects include robotics
(at various levels from simple to advanced), interactive 'art' projects, and
wearable computing (both 'decorative' and functional -- there is a project for
creating a turn-signal jacket one wears while riding a bike). Basic computer
programming and basic electronics are covered in a learn by experimenting way,
rather than [boring] formal teaching methods -- something kids can better
relate to. All of the hardware and software used by Arduino is Open Source.
The Arduino IDE is available for ALL operating systems (MacOSX, MS-Windows,
and Linux) and is free.

Oh, and Radio Shack sells Arduino boards and accessories (and there are many 
on-line suppliers of Arduino bits and pieces).  You can also download the 
circuit diagrams and build your own Arduino board, but the boards are really 
cheap enough.


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