Why Robotics Is the Perfect STEM Activity for Kids
Robotics is one of the most powerful and engaging STEM activities available to children today. It combines engineering design, computer programming, mathematics, and physics in a hands-on, project-based format that children find intrinsically motivating. When a child builds a robot and programs it to do something — navigate a maze, pick up an object, respond to a sensor — they experience the full cycle of engineering: design, build, test, fail, revise, and succeed.
Getting Started: What You Need for Home Robotics
One of the most common misconceptions about robotics is that it requires expensive equipment. While professional robotics kits can be costly, there are excellent options at every price point. For beginners, the most important investment is a programmable robot kit that provides immediate, visible feedback. The best options for young beginners include the Bee-Bot (ages 4-7), the LEGO WeDo 2.0 (ages 7-10), and the LEGO Mindstorms (ages 10+).
Beginner Robotics Projects (Ages 5-8)
Project 1: The Cardboard Box Robot
Age Range: 5-8 | Time: 1-2 hours | Materials: Cardboard boxes, tape, markers, optional LED lights
Begin by asking children what they want their robot to do. Encourage them to think about specific, concrete functions. Then have them design their robot on paper before building it from cardboard. The design process — thinking about what the robot needs to do and what features it needs — is as valuable as the building itself.
Project 2: Bee-Bot Maze Challenge
Age Range: 5-8 | Time: 45 minutes | Materials: Bee-Bot robot, tape to create a maze on the floor
Children program a Bee-Bot to navigate through a maze by pressing directional buttons in sequence. Have children plan the sequence of moves needed before programming it. When the Bee-Bot does not follow the expected path, encourage children to debug — to figure out what went wrong and correct it.
Intermediate Robotics Projects (Ages 8-12)
Project 3: LEGO WeDo Earthquake Alarm
Age Range: 8-12 | Time: 2-3 hours | Materials: LEGO WeDo 2.0 kit, computer with WeDo software
Children build a device that detects vibrations and triggers an alarm response. Begin with a discussion of how earthquake early warning systems work. Children program the response using the WeDo software, adjusting the sensitivity threshold through experimentation.
Advanced Robotics Projects (Ages 12+)
Project 4: Autonomous Maze-Solving Robot
Age Range: 13+ | Time: 10-15 hours | Materials: Arduino or Raspberry Pi, ultrasonic distance sensors, motors, chassis
Children build and program a robot that can navigate an unknown maze autonomously using distance sensors and a maze-solving algorithm. Implement a maze-solving algorithm — the right-hand rule is a good starting point — that uses the sensor readings to decide which direction to turn at each junction.
Connecting Robotics to Literature
One of the most effective ways to deepen children’s engagement with robotics is to connect it to stories about robots and technology. Dallas W. Thompson’s children’s books, including Lilypad and the Quest for the Glimmering Gears, feature young inventors and engineers as heroes, making them excellent companions to robotics projects. Explore the full children’s book catalog here.
Conclusion: Build, Code, Learn, Repeat
Robotics is one of the most powerful educational experiences available to children today. The experience of making something that works — of turning an idea into a physical reality that does something in the world — is one of the most empowering experiences a young person can have. Share your favorite robotics projects and resources in the comments below. And for more STEM-focused books and resources, visit the Dallas W. Thompson catalog.