One item on my wish list is WeDo Robotics
Designed for the elementary learner, WeDo Robotics is a cross-curricular set and series
of theme-based activities. With WeDo, your class can build animals, soccer players and more, then add movement with fun, drag and drop software. Complete lesson plans for science, math, literacy and social studies make it easy to get started writing stories, solving problems, and creating innovative projects.
Without the tech speak. It’s a fun cool set for any kids that have learned not to eat the pieces. It doesn’t take a scientist to figure it out and kids create lots of cool things with very little (to no) input from parents.
The LEGO WeDo and software is available from Lego Education and is around $130. If you would like to see your kids building as opposed to watching tv all day though, it’s a great investment. Kids will be able to use it for years. These are the type of toys I keep even after the kids have outgrown them for any kids that come to the house.
The programming interface was developed by National Instruments and uses same drag and drop concepts with just a few (and simple) blocks. I really would like to give it a try myself, so it’s on my wishlist for next cool electronics toy purchase. My little one isn’t quite old enough and my middle son has passed this and moved on to the NXT (bigger) robots. WeDo though is definitely on our list of cool tech toys to get in the future.
I couldn’t find it on Amazon, but I have ordered from LEGO Education many times and had no problem. WeDo is available at http://www.legoeducation.us/eng/product/detail/2096?sku=W979580
For more info check out GeekDad’s review.
I am a SAHM/WAHM of three boys ranging in age from 16 to 32. We are working on saving enough for college at the same time as dealing with school and our older independent kids. I author a few blogs, including http://teched4kids.com. I have in the past taught computer information technology classes for the local university and taught workshops for kid's in technology education besides being the Kentucky State FIRST LEGO League Championship Coordinator from 2005 to 2008. I now work as a computer consultant, run a handmade home business, and am available for workshops. Life here is always an adventure!
