Teach Kids about Robotics and Coding with Cubelets Robot Blocks

Our world is constantly changing. I find that many of today’s kids are a lot more knowledgeable than people give them credit for.

I still remember when our son was about 9 or 10 years old (he’s an adult now). I was having an issue with my computer. He literally walked over to my desk, did something and BOOM! My computer was fixed. Even my husband – who is an IT person – had no clue what he did the fix the issue.

I find that even the kids I work with, including the kindergarteners, are pretty well versed in a lot of things, including technology. I’d like to think that I’m pretty knowledgeable about things, but these kids blow me out of the water, so to speak.

I’m not a huge fan of video games, or smartphone gaming apps. Some are okay, but I think many of them just encourage children to mindlessly sit there for hours on end playing games. There isn’t much involved when it comes to critical thinking skills, education or interacting with other people. It’s like they turn their brains off and end up as brainless zombies playing games.

I recently had the opportunity to learn about a new product line that is not a game, and not necessarily a toy in the true sense of the word, however it is fun, challenging and educational.

Let me introduce you to Cubelets.

Cubelets are robot blocks that help teach important problem-solving skills – like collaboration, engineering, design, and computational thinking. They are from the brand Modular Robotics.

Blocks have been around for hundreds of years, if not longer. They are used to build so many things. They are also a classic toy that children have been playing with for what would seem like forever. As a kid, I would spend hours upon hours with my blocks, building so many things.

Cubelets are blocks that you can build with too, but they are robotic blocks that you can make do different things to create really cool robots.

There are seventeen unique kinds of Cubelets that can be combined in countless different ways to create new robot constructions. You can make robots light up, move, and so many other interesting actions.

All you need to start creating are at least three basic Cubelets – a thinking cube, a sense cube and an action cube.

The Cubelets have magnets to help them stick together quickly and easily. They also can be pulled apart easily too. I like that they have magnets so that your designs will not fall apart.

Cubelets are made for ages 4+. Don’t let the low age think these are only for little ones. I am an ADULT and I think these are really cool too. These are designed for people of ALL AGES, from Pre-K to PH.D.

There is more to Cubelets than just connecting blocks together. You can actually change the cube’s behaviors to make them do new and exciting things. There is a Cubelets app that you can use to help you change the cube’s behaviors by using coding. You DO NOT need to know coding! As I said, these are great for ages four and up. I don’t know too many four year olds who know coding. Thankfully the app makes it pretty easy to learn. For “newbies” (or little ones) you can start to learn how to code quickly enough. For older children, teens or those with coding experience, you can do more advanced things with the Cubelets.

Admittedly I’m still learning. I think I have a “mental block” to some things. I won’t tell you how long it took me to finally learn how to make spreadsheets in Excel.

You can also use the Cubelets console on your computer to play around with the coding too.

I shouldn’t keep saying “coding.” There is more than just that.

It’s pretty amazing all the things you can do with what look like simple blocks.

There are different kits available. There is a Cubelets Discovery Kit, and a Cubelets Curiosity Kit.

The Discovery Kit allows you to create over 50 unique robot constructions and comes with five robot blocks. The Curiosity Kit allows you to create over 300 unique robotic constructions and comes with ten robot blocks. Each kit also comes with a Bluetooth hat, free shipping and allows you to connect to the app.

I received to review the Discovery Kit.

In the above photo you can see the light cube on. You can also see the wheels on the clear cube (that makes your creations move).

I’m still trying to figure out the coding stuff. Like I said, I have a “mental block” sometimes. BUT… I’m still determined to learn. I bet if I ask my “work kids” they could figure it out in a heartbeat.

I did have a video of my creation moving across the table, but for the life of me I don’t know where that video is (unless I accidently deleted it).

I forgot to mention that you do need to charge the power cube first and foremost. It comes with the power plug, you just need one of those cubes to plug it into an outlet. You can also charge it off your computer.

Cubelets are not only for home use – schools use them too. You can purchase lesson plan bundles for Pre-K/K, Grads 1-3, Grades 4-6 and Grades 7-12.

I could go on and on about how awesome these simple little cubes are. But don’t take my word for it. Check out some of the videos of Cubelets in action by visiting the brand’s YouTube channel.

There you can learn how to make racing robots, a robot that can sense the edge of a table, a room projector and more. You can also see how the console works as far as coding and changing behaviors of the cubes.

Needless to say, Cubelets would make an amazing gift this holiday season, and beyond. They are a bit pricey as an initial investment, but what you’re child will learn from them will be worth the cost over and over again in the years to come.

If you are interested in learning more, visit the brand online at ModRobotics.com. You can also check them out on social media.

Kimberly

*I received free product samples in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.