A screenless coding STEM toy offers an engaging and hands-on approach to introducing children to programming and computational thinking fundamentals. These innovative toys leverage physical components, such as blocks, cards, or robots, to enable kids to create sequences of commands and solve problems without relying on screens or digital devices.

By fostering a tangible and interactive learning experience, these toys introduce coding concepts and promote critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Screenless coding toys make learning more accessible and enjoyable for children, encouraging them to explore the exciting world of STEM while developing a solid foundation in programming principles.

Matatalab Coding Robot

Matatalab Coding Robot is a STEM toy that teaches children ages 4-10 about coding basics. It comes with a robot, a set of coding blocks, and story cards. Children use the coding blocks to create sequences of commands that tell the robot what to do. The robot can then execute these commands and perform actions such as moving around, making sounds, and interacting with the environment. The Tale-Bot Pro kit is not only popular amongst K-12 schools in Dubai but also other institutes across the globe. Here’s a pro tip: start with simple commands and gradually introduce more complex concepts like manipulating the robot to walk, draw, sing, dance, and even speak!

Mochi

Mochi is a screenless game that teaches beginner-level coding to children ages 3-6. Students learn about queues, sequences, algorithmic thinking, and pattern recognition without any complicated software or excessive screen time. Mochi promotes hands-on activities that allow children to learn by doing. To use Mochi, simply follow the instructions in the manual and get coding by using the Set of coding blocks and the Mochi robot.

Code & Go Robot Mouse

Code & Go Robot Mouse is a programmable robot mouse that comes with a set of double-sided coding cards. Children use the coding cards to create sequences of commands that tell the robot mouse what to do. The robot mouse can then execute these commands and perform actions such as moving forward, turning, and making sounds. Code & Go Robot Mouse is an enthralling STEM toy to teach preschoolers about coding.

Sphero Indi

Sphero Indi is a screenless coding robot with a car-like model and a set of colorful silicone mats. Children create tracks out of silicone mats for the robot to follow. These mats can be remodeled into different shapes, adding challenge and replayability to the game. The game offers a Sphero Indi app with a self-explanatory drag-and-drop function to input sequences of commands by our 5-year-old coders.

Learning Resources Coding Crew

Learning Resources Coding Crew is yet another screenless STEM toy that assists preschoolers. It comes with a robot vehicle and a set of 46 interactive town play pieces. Children use the play pieces to create obstacles for the robot to avoid. They can then use the Coding Crew app to curate sequences of commands that instruct the robot to avoid obstacles. Learning Resources Coding Crew is a simple and engaging way to teach children about coding and problem-solving.

Osmo Coding Jam

Osmo Coding Jam is a melodious coding game where children embark on a musical journey, creating their own unique rhythms by arranging the coding blocks on the Osmo base. As students experiment with different combinations of blocks, they discover the cause-and-effect relationships between their actions and the resulting music. This activity encourages experimentation and self-expression through music composition.

The diverse range of STEM toys mentioned in this Blog, from the Matatalab Coding Robot to the Osmo Coding Jam, exemplifies screenless coding tools’ versatility and educational value. As educators and parents seek engaging methods to introduce children to the exciting world of STEM, these screenless coding STEM toy sets stand out as an effective and enriching solution.

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Calling all drone enthusiasts and data scientists! Embark on an exhilarating mission to explore the depths of volcanic landscapes and uncover the secrets of these awe-inspiring natural phenomena. Join the Drone Master challenge and put your drone piloting and data analysis skills to the test as you navigate treacherous volcanic fields and collect crucial CO2 data. Participate in this extraordinary STEM project where passion meets purpose.

Mission Overview:

Volcanic Vistas In this immersive learning experience, you’ll transform into a volcanologist and utilize your drone expertise to gather valuable data from a simulated volcanic eruption. Your task is to program your drone to precisely navigate a course littered with “volcanoes” represented by paper bags. As you fly over each volcano, you’ll activate it by inflating the bag, simulating the release of CO2 gas. This STEM project aims to capture the highest CO2 data spike during its simulated eruption.

What You Will Need for this STEM Project:

• databot™ 2.0 & Vizeey™
• IOS/Android Smart Device
• Drone (Tello or larger)
• A method to top mount databot™ on the drone.
• Read the Vizeey™ Fast Start Guide and install Vizeey™
• Use Vizeey™ to scan the QR Code
• Baking Soda
• Vinegar
• 5 Large Paper Bags – grocery type
• One gallon jar to mix your chemicals.

Educational Objectives

Through this engaging lesson, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of:

• Volcanology: Delve into the fascinating world of volcanoes, exploring their formation, behavior, and environmental impact.
• Drone Piloting: Hone your drone piloting skills as you maneuver through a challenging course requiring precision and control.
• Data Analysis: Develop your data analysis prowess by interpreting the CO2 data collected during the simulated eruption.
• Mission Preparation: Before embarking on your mission, ensure you have the following resources:

Drone Blocks or other coding environment:

This will be your tool for programming your drone’s flight path.

• Paper bags: These will represent the volcanoes you’ll encounter on your mission.
• Vinegar and baking soda: These ingredients will simulate the chemical reaction that occurs during a volcanic eruption.
• Data gathering device: This could be a smartphone, tablet, or any device capable of recording data.

Mission Execution of your STEM Project

1. Set up the volcanic field: Create a staggered course of 15-20 feet, placing five numbered paper bags at intervals.
2. Prepare the volcanoes: Fill four of the paper bags with a book or other weight to represent dormant volcanoes. In the fifth bag, pour a gallon of vinegar, representing the active volcano.
3. Conduct trial runs: Allow students to fly their drones over the course, practicing their piloting skills and familiarizing themselves with the layout.
4. Activate the volcano: Without the students’ knowledge, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the vinegar-filled bag, simulating the onset of an eruption.
5. Capture CO2 data: As each team flies their drone over the active volcano, record the CO2 data readings.
6. Analyze and compare data: Once all teams have completed their runs, analyze the collected CO2 data to identify patterns and draw conclusions on the STEM project.

Career Integration:

The demand for both drone pilots and volcanologists is on the rise, driven by the increasing use of drones in various industries and the growing recognition of the importance of volcanic hazard mitigation. Drone pilots can pursue careers in aerial photography, surveying, inspection, and research, while volcanologists can work in academia, government agencies, and private consulting firms.

databot™: The Ultimate STEM Project Education Tool available in Dubai

In the ever-evolving world of education, teachers constantly seek innovative tools to engage students and foster a deeper understanding of STEM concepts. Look no further than the databot™, a revolutionary STEM education tool that combines versatility, ease of use, and cutting-edge technology to transform science lessons into unforgettable experiences.

Conclusion:

The Drone Master mission, “Volcanic Vistas,” provides an engaging and hands-on learning experience integrating drone piloting, data analysis, and volcanology. Through this mission, students develop their technical skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the importance of scientific research.

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Hitting the slopes and racing down a ski slope is an exhilarating experience, but have you ever wondered what forces are at play as you glide down the mountain? In this engaging science lesson, students will explore the concepts of force and motion by building and experimenting with a model ski slope. The key to unlocking this educational journey lies in the hands-on exploration of a model ski slope constructed using the LEGO® Education BricQ Motion Prime set. The set is widely available in Dubai and the Middle East, emerging as a popular educational tool for schools.

Targeted Skills

• Understanding Newton’s second law of motion
• Recognizing the relationship between mass and momentum
• Identifying the impact of friction on motion

Materials

• BriQ Motion Prime set
• Student worksheets or science notebooks
• Tape or marker to mark the starting line
• Smooth surface, at least 1 yard long

Lesson Procedure Engage (5 minutes)

1. Show students a video or picture of a skier in action.
2. Facilitate a discussion about the forces that affect a skier on a ski slope to understand engaging science lessons.

Ask questions like:

1. Which force(s) make a skier move down a slope? (Gravity)
2. How does weight affect a skier’s motion? (More weight causes more momentum.)
3. Introduce the model ski slope activity. Explain that students will build and experiment with a model to understand the forces at play on a ski slope.

Explore (30 minutes)

1. Divide students into pairs.
2. Distribute a BriQ Motion Prime set to each group.
3. Instruct students to build the Ski Slope model according to the instructions for initiating engaging science lesson in classroom. Encourage them to work together and take turns searching for bricks and building.
4. After 20 minutes, have students pause their building. At this point, they should have at least built the skiers and the ramp with the scale for measuring angles.
5. Demonstrate how to ensure a fair test of the skiers. Emphasize the importance of using consistent starting positions.
6. Ask students to set the angle of the ski slope to 20 degrees.

Have each group conduct Experiment 1:

• Slide each skier down the ramp one at a time and measure the distance traveled.
• Mark the distances on student worksheets or science notebooks.
• Perform three or more runs for each skier and calculate the average distance.

Explain (5 minutes)

Gather students together to discuss their findings from Experiment 1.

Ask questions like:

• Why did the heavier skier go the farthest? (More mass, more momentum, keeps sliding longer.)
• What would happen if you removed the skis from the heavier skier?

As a part of the engaging science lesson, have a group demonstrate the effect of removing the skis. Show how the skier would travel a shorter distance due to increased friction. Explain that curved skis reduce friction compared to a sharp rectangular corner.

Introduce Experiment 2:

• Set the angle of the ski slope to 30 degrees.
• Ask students to predict where each skier will finish by placing colored bricks beside the yardstick.
• Slide each skier down the ramp and compare their predictions to the results.
• Calculate the average distance for each skier and record it.

Elaborate (5 minutes)

1. Gather students to review the results of both experiments.
2. Discuss the patterns observed in the skiers’ motion with different slope angles.
3. Encourage students to describe the phenomenon in their own words.
4. Allow time for cleanup and model disassembly.

Evaluate (Ongoing)

• Observe students’ participation in discussions and activities.
• Provide feedback on their understanding of forces and motion.
• Use the assessment rubrics provided to evaluate their performance for this engaging science lesson.

Extensions (Additional Time) Incorporate math skills development by calculating and comparing the momentum of each skier:

P (Momentum), M (Mass), V (Velocity)
P = M x V
(Small skier) P1 = 5g x ? m/s
(Large skier) P2 = 62g x ? m/s
V = V (acceleration due to gravity is the same for both, with minor differences in sliding friction, but we can assume the speed of each is very similar)
P2 > P1

This engaging science lesson provides students with a hands-on opportunity to explore the concepts of force and motion in the context of skiing. By building and experimenting with a model ski slope, students gain a deeper understanding of how gravity, mass, and friction affect the movement of skiers on a slope.

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Radio broadcasting is a captivating world of audio storytelling and communication. Whether you’re an aspiring broadcaster, a media-loving student, or an educator, knowing terms like ‘transmitter,’ ‘studio,’ ‘mixing console,’ ‘microphone,’ ‘widescreen monitor,’ and ‘headphones’ is crucial. The School Radio platform, comprising radio studio equipment for schools, provides a fantastic starting point for young enthusiasts.

With tools like the School Radio Podcast Studio Kit, students can delve into radio’s magic, honing their skills and perhaps igniting a lifelong passion for broadcasting.

Essential Tools of the Radio Broadcasting

Transmitter:

A transmitter is a typical radio studio equipment used by radio stations to broadcast their music and talk shows to your home radio system. It emits invisible radio waves into the air, allowing you to listen to your favorite songs and stories from greater distances.

Studio:

A radio studio is a dedicated space for live broadcasting or professional audio recording. It is meticulously soundproofed to eliminate external noise interference in radio shows. In an educational setting, a studio can be set up in a quiet and comfortable area, such as a corner of the school library.

Mixing Console:

A mixing console resembles a DJ’s mixing board. Just as a DJ adjusts sound levels to create perfect music, a mixing console serves the same purpose for radio shows. It also includes an Equalization (EQ) feature to enhance voice clarity or deepen bass sounds, adding an impressive quality to the broadcast show.

Widescreen Monitor:

Widescreen monitors are essential radio studio equipment for maintaining audio quality during radio broadcasts. They function as ‘noise detectives,’ identifying and resolving unwanted background sounds in real time. Monitors boost the confidence of radio hosts and DJs by providing real-time feedback, enabling clear communication in interviews and discussions.

Headphones:

Specialized headphones prevent sound leakage and maintain a quiet recording environment. They allow hosts and guests to hear themselves and others clearly, ensuring smooth conversations. Headphones, as one of the most popular radio studio equipment, play an important role in monitoring audio quality, providing complete control over the broadcast. Wireless headphones are a great choice when mobility is required.

Microphone:

Microphones used in radio broadcasting come in diverse types, such as dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones, each offering distinct qualities. Radio professionals select microphones that best complement the tonal quality and clarity of the voices being recorded. These microphones are commonly affixed to adjustable stands or boom arms.

‘School Radio’ Podcast Studio Kit

The School Radio ‘Podcast Studio Kit’ is the perfect starting point for embarking on your School Radio journey. This comprehensive kit is thoughtfully designed to empower you to effortlessly create radio programs and even conduct live broadcasts.

This package includes user-friendly radio studio equipment such as the Rodecaster Pro 2 podcast mixing console, a high-quality microphone, headphones, and professional Myriad LT & AutoPlayer radio software. Additionally, they provide a full year of streaming, web player access, and UK office hour support at no additional cost.

This straightforward, compact, and budget-friendly package is exceptionally well-suited for novice broadcasters, and the entire studio setup can be easily arranged in any location within your school.

Here’s a list of the radio studio equipment included in the kit:

1 x Rodecaster Pro 2 – Podcast/Broadcast Mixer
1 x Playout PC (small form factor)
1 x Wireless Keyboard & Mouse (USB)
1 x 22″ Widescreen Monitor
2 x Rode Podmic
2 x Premium Rode Mic Arms
2 x Budget Studio Headphones
1 x Small Studio Speakers
1 x Myriad 6 Playout – LT Edition
1 x Myriad AutoPlayer Upgrade
1 x Cables & Connector Kit
1 x 12-Month UK Office Hours Broadcast Radio Software Support Contract
1 x Annual Broadcast. Radio Standard Streaming (1000 streams @128kbps + Web Player)
1 x Standard UK Delivery

Notably, the studio package by the School Radio platform also includes Myriad Playout, the UK’s top-rated radio playout and automation system. Furthermore, the studio package encompasses Myriad AutoPlayer, a self-contained system designed for playing pre-recorded shows or scheduled content at specific times. This feature is especially valuable when you don’t require 24/7 broadcasting but still want your content to be aired at strategic times.

In conclusion, radio broadcasting, complemented by essential studio equipment, presents an engaging opportunity to enhance traditional educational subjects. It seamlessly integrates with various academic disciplines, allowing students to explore and expand their understanding of subjects through the art of radio. This dynamic approach not only enriches learning but also fosters creativity and communication skills, making it a valuable addition to the educational landscape.

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In the traditional education system, teachers have often been specialized in a particular subject area. Math teachers teach math, science teachers cover science, and so on. However, as the world evolves and the demand for a well-rounded education grows, the concept of cross-curriculum teaching is gaining momentum, especially with the rise of the International curriculum and the emphasis on STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). In this blog, we aim to shed light on the cross-curriculum approach and its relevance in today’s ever-changing educational landscape. To successfully implement cross-curriculum teaching, educators must develop lesson plans integrating multiple subject areas.

What is Cross-curricular Teaching?

A cross-curricular approach is an educational strategy that integrates concepts and content from multiple subject areas into a cohesive curriculum. It promotes interdisciplinary learning, enabling students to connect with different subjects fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and a holistic understanding of the world. This approach breaks down traditional subject silos, creating a more well-rounded and relevant educational experience.

For example, the lesson plans would be as follows: In a Geography class, when students are studying about ‘natural resources,’ a cross-curricular approach may involve the teacher instructing students to write an essay that delves into the ‘Relationship between population growth and the increased demand for these valuable natural resources’.

Here’s Why Cross-Curricular Teaching Is the Best:

Real-World Relevance:

Cross-curricular teaching makes sense in the real world because it shows that many real-life problems need a mix of different skills to solve. Like, if you start a business, you need to deal with lots of things like handling your employees, making sure you get your supplies on time, and keeping your customers happy. Abiding by cross-curriculum learning in school by following relevant lesson plans can help you handle these challenges in the real world in the future.

Creativity:

Including art and creative elements in STEAM subjects encourages innovation, preparing students for an evolving job market. In the world of digital marketing, we don’t just create social media campaigns to sell products; we also craft captivating stories. Achieving this requires merging our digital marketing skills with content creation and understanding customer preferences. When students learn to integrate these elements in school, mainly through group project activities, they are better prepared to face competition.

Improved Retention:

Learning across disciplines helps students grasp the bigger picture rather than memorize isolated facts. Instead of remembering historical dates, students can engage in more active and experiential learning methods using appropriate lesson plans, like acting out a theatrical performance set in a specific historical era. This approach not only makes learning more enjoyable but also helps students better understand the cultural and social aspects of that period.

Enhanced Communication Skills:

Writing essays, presenting projects, or participating in debates significantly improves students’ communication. These activities encourage students to think critically, express themselves clearly, and develop the confidence to share their ideas. It fosters a broader mindset as students exchange and consider diverse perspectives and viewpoints.

Cross-Curriculum Coding for Students:

The Matatalab Pro Set is an exciting and comprehensive coding robot platform for kids aged 4 and up. What sets Matatalab Pro apart is its “Coding like ABC” approach. Its lesson plans are tailored for grades K-4 and introduce children to fundamental coding concepts such as sequencing, conditionals, and debugging. Here, the cross-curricular learning feature also comes into play. Matatalab Pro is packaged with challenge booklets and warm-up cards, which guide students from easy to advanced levels step by step. This not only supports coding skills but also encourages cross-disciplinary learning. For example, when kids code to create art, they blend coding with artistic expression, fostering creativity and problem-solving simultaneously.

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