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Robotics STEM Education Curriculum

 

Engage, excite, and inspire students
through hands-on Robotics experiences.

 
Kids_Robotics_three kids.png

At NextWaveSTEM®, the Robotics STEM Education Course for Grades K-8 introduces students to robotics and coding with Code & Go Robot Mouse, mBot, and mBlocky. Learners develop sequencing, problem-solving and logical-thinking skills while creating step-by-step algorithms, debugging code, navigating mazes and building their own robotic projects.

The program offers over 15 hours of structured, standards-aligned lessons and provides teacher training along with classroom-ready materials. Its flexible design supports implementation during the school day, in after-school settings, or in summer programs.

Prepare your students for the future of robotics and AI with a course designed to inspire and educate. Get in touch with us today!

 What is Robotics?

“Robotics is an interdisciplinary sector of science and engineering dedicated to the design, construction and use of mechanical robots.” - BuiltIn


Robots might seem like something of the future - think R2D2 or WALL-E - but the reality is robots are being used today for simple repetitive tasks like tightening screws to an engine and complex tasks such as helping surgeons perform extremely intricate operations.

A robot is a programmable machine that was originally built to help humans handle monotonous tasks, and they can be fully controlled by humans or can perform tasks without much input. 

Who Can Learn Robotics?

At NextWaveSTEM®, we offer Robotics and Stem Education courses for kids and professional development for teachers.

Grades K-2

Introduction to Robots:
What is a Robot?

In this Robotics STEM Education course, students are introduced to robots using Colby the Robot Mouse. They learn how to complete algorithms, how to give and follow directions, read maps, and apply them to Colby for results.

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements: Code & Go® Robot Mouse, Colby

Grades 3-5

Discovery of Robotics:
Coding mBot

Students will build their own mBot and be able to name the components as well. After learning simple algorithms, students will learn how to program their mBot in order to create various tasks and challenges.

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements: mBot®, mBlocky (free software download), iPads or Android tablets

Grades 6-8

Exploration of Robotics:
Coding mBot for a Purpose

Students will learn how to use the mBlock Blockly app to program the mBot and more components such as ultrasonic sensors. They will also begin to understand how to apply these robots to the real world.

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements: mBot®, mBlocky (free software download), iPads or Android tablets.

Grades 9-12

Creation and Evaluation: Coding Microbit for Manufacturing

In this STEM course designed for high schoolers, students will engage in the engineering design process to design, build, and program robots to solve real-world problems.

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements: Micro:bit microcontrollers, various sensors (light, ultrasonic, temperature, color), motors, breadboards, jumper wires, PC/Mac computers with the MakeCode editor.

Why Robotics?

Why should we learn and teach robotics? Because the world needs designers, developers, and engineers to make today’s robots better and to create new innovations that will improve our lives in the future. We need more people saying, “Hey, I can build a robot that will solve that problem!” Let’s learn some more reasons why students should learn STEM and robotics:

Learn 3 reasons to teach Robotics in 2022!

Developing Advanced Problem-Solving Skills

Robotics classes go beyond basic coding—they teach students how machines think and respond.

Students will:

  • Debug code to identify and fix errors

  • Optimize robot movement and performance

  • Build robots that complete tasks, follow commands, and overcome obstacles

  • Apply critical thinking to improve robotic functions and efficiency

Preparing for a World Driven by Automation

From smart vehicles to automated manufacturing, robotics and AI are changing the world.

With robotics education, students:

  • Learn how automation works across industries

  • Understand the technology behind robotics and AI

  • Develop skills to innovate, not just consume, technology

  • Gain future-ready knowledge for careers in a tech-driven world

Connecting Code to Real-World Machines

It connects digital code with real-world machines in a way that’s hands-on and meaningful.

Through robotics, students:

  • Explore the connection between coding, electronics, and mechanical design

  • See how software controls physical systems

  • Test and improve algorithms in real-time

Making Learning Robotics Engaging and Impactful

Robotics brings learning to life through hands-on exploration and real-world application.

With our robotics classes, students:

  • Build, code, and experiment with real robots

  • See their ideas come to life through interactive learning

  • Stay engaged with fun, project-based activities

  • Gain inspiration to explore careers in robotics, AI, software development, and more

Strengthening Math and Physics Understanding

Robotics STEM education turns abstract math and science concepts into practical, memorable experiences.

As students build and program robots, they:

  • Apply real-world math like angles, distance, and speed

  • Explore physics concepts such as force, energy, and friction

  • Learn through trial, error, and hands-on calculations

  • Understand STEM subjects more deeply by seeing them in action

Robotics can be easy to teach! Learn below how you can bring Robotics to your school.

 How Can I Bring Robotics to My School?

Anyone can teach Robotics! With all NextWaveSTEM® courses, Curriculum & LMS Access, Equipment Kits, and Student Connection Materials are included. The only thing left to decide is whether you want to teach the course or you want a NextWaveSTEM® certified mentor to teach.

Our All-In-One STEM curriculum, equipment and professional development make it easy for you to excite and inspire students through hands-on STEM experiences.

Perfect for schools needing:
- STEM equipment & curriculum
- Professional development

NWS sends trained teachers to your school, during or after school, or for summer programming. They bring the hands-on STEM curriculum, the equipment and the fun!

Perfect for schools needing:
-
Schools needing STEM resources
- After-school or enrichment classes

 FAQs

  • The duration of a robotics STEM education program depends on the grade level and frequency of sessions. Our program includes 15 hours of structured lessons, which schools can incorporate into semester or year-long coursework.

  • Yes, students build and program real robots. K–2 use pre-built Colby Mouse,  while Grades 3-8 assemble and program mBot. In Grades 9–12, students use Microbit and various extensions to create working conveyor belts and automated systems.

  • Learning STEM and robotics education, students can pursue careers in robotics engineering, AI, software development, and aerospace.

  • STEM robotics builds critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, preparing students for a technology-driven world.

  • Students learn how robotics is used in automation, self-driving cars, AI assistants, disaster response, and space exploration, equipping them with future-ready skills.