Premier Farnell brings robotics into the classroom with full range of educational products
New products from BinaryBots, Robotical and Wonder Workshop offer accessible, tactile learning platforms for children and teachers.
Premier Farnell, the Development Distributor, has added a full collection of educational robotics kits to their product range, offering an engaging and accessible platform for teachers to incorporate physical computing into the classroom.
A variety of kits are available from innovative suppliers including BinaryBots™, Robotical, and Wonder Workshop, suitable for children at primary and secondary education level. Whether it’s physically constructing and customising the robots or using them straight out of the box, these kits teach children the fundamentals of coding by exposing them to sensor technology, motor control and wireless communication, as well as working with microcomputer platforms such as micro:bit, in fun and engaging ways.
The BinaryBots™ starter range, designed for ages 8+, includes easy-to-assemble ‘Cardboard2Code’ beginner products designed to introduce robotics using the micro:bit. Their next level line of ‘Planet Totem’ mechanical animals, for ages 11+, can be programmed to respond to a variety of real-world actions using a specially customised sensor board. These robots are designed to be built by students and teachers to enhance engagement and imaginations. BinaryBots’ full range also has comprehensive lesson plans mapped to the National Curriculum for computing and STEM (KS2 & KS3) available for schools.
Robotical’s flagship product MARTY, is a fully programmable, wi-fi enabled walking robot compatible with a wide range of microcomputers including micro:bit, Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Designed for children 8 years and older, MARTY can be used as a standalone educational tool or, as recommended, used in groups to help children develop essential team working skills alongside coding experience. Robotical also provide supporting materials that fit a broad curriculum of Computer Science, Design & Technology, IT and Engineering education for teaching beginners through to advanced university level.
Wonder Workshop’s Dash and Cue are robust, responsive robots that are ready to go, straight out of the box. With numerous capabilities made available using multiple built-in motors, sensors, LEDs and audio features, Dash and Cue interact with students, their environment, and each other to provide an encouraging and collaborative learning experience. Wonder Workshop have designed Dash (age 6+) and Cue (age 11+) to grow with their students. Meaningful curricular and educational programs are available to support students with the development of critical and creative thinking, collaboration and communication skills.
Jonathan Smith, Head of Education at Premier Farnell, says: “Connected devices are already beginning to radically reshape our world, so it’s more important than ever that we provide young people with the tools they need to thrive and develop in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”
“Our new range of educational robotics products, developed by dedicated companies such as Binary Bots, Robotical and Wonder Workshop offer a new and interactive way for students to develop and improve their skills in the classroom. We continue to seek new relationships with education-focused suppliers that can help us promote robotics and physical computing as a cornerstone of a well-rounded modern education.”
To learn more about Premier Farnell’s full range of physical computing and education services, including teaching resources, project ideas and curriculums, visit https://uk.farnell.com/education-services
You can also view a wide range of projects and product road tests at our online community: https://www.element14.com/community/community/stem-academy
About us
Premier Farnell is a global technology leader with over 80 years in the high service distribution of technology products and solutions for electronic system design, production, maintenance and repair. Premier Farnell uses this experience to support its broad customer base, from hobbyists to engineers, maintenance engineers and buyers as ‘The Development Distributor’, working with leading brands and start-ups to develop new products for market, and supporting the industry as it seeks to develop the current and next generation of engineers.
Premier Farnell is a business unit of Avnet (Nasdaq: AVT). Premier Farnell trades as Farnell element14 in Europe, Newark element14 in North America, and element14 throughout Asia Pacific. The Premier Farnell Group is supported by a global supply chain of more than 3,500 suppliers and has an extensive inventory profile developed to anticipate and meet the needs of innovative customers everywhere. Premier Farnell sells direct to consumers through a network of resellers, and its CPC business in the UK.
For more information, visit the website at http://www.premierfarnell.com
