From sparking curiosity in elementary classrooms to driving innovation in high school robotics programs and beyond, each Certified Educator brings a unique perspective and passion to their work. Together, they represent the very best in educational leadership and a shared commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving world.

Meet a few of these exceptional certified educators below and learn why they’re passionate about STEAM education. 

Barb Ritch – Elementary Information Systems Coordinator

Location: New York

I wear many hats, but my favorite is going into classrooms to teach students about coding. Ozobots are my favorite because they can be used screen-free and are applicable for all ages.

Carly Sapp – Elementary Innovation Teacher  

Location: California

As the Innovation Teacher for Redlands USD, I  support teaching with all things tech and innovation. I LOVE using Ozobot to create lessons that integrate with the standards teachers are teaching. Ozobot increases engagement, gets students excited to learn, and improves retention of skills.

Carrie Willis – Elementary & Middle School STEAM & Technology Director  

Location: California 

I love being a STEAM educator because it allows me to ignite curiosity and creativity in my students, helping them solve real-world problems through hands-on learning. Seeing them connect different curricular concepts and grow confident in their critical thinking abilities is incredibly rewarding.

Christine Thai-Pappa – Elementary STEAM Coach

Location: Virginia 

As a STEAM Coach, I love my job! STEAM education is essential as it builds crucial skills like problem-solving, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. Teaching learners to be thinkers helps them navigate situations throughout their lifetime—and STEAM is key to accomplishing this.

Dawn Zamora – Elementary STEM Educator

Location: Texas

As an Elementary STEM educator, I’m all about helping students explore how science, technology, engineering, and math connect to the world they live in. I love seeing their excitement when they realize they can solve real problems with creativity and critical thinking. Being part of those ‘aha’ moments is what keeps me inspired every day!

Emily Byers – District STEAM Facilitator 

Location: Ohio

I run one of our AWS Think Big Spaces. I LOVE watching students (and adults) work through challenging problems and seeing the excitement when they solve them. STEAM is exciting, and I enjoy teaching students and educators how to elevate lessons to meet all learners’ needs.

Janice Beard – STEAM STARZ Founder & STEAM Educator 

Location: Iowa

Inspired by my two young kids, I created an enrichment business to support the next generation of creative thinkers and problem solvers. Seeing students’ excitement as they learn to code and program robots as young learners brings me great joy.

Kimberly Folson – Elementary STEAM Specialist 

Location: Tennessee

I love being a STEAM educator because it allows me to inspire creativity and critical thinking in students while bridging the gap between science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Melissa Zeitz – Elementary Digital Literacy & Computer Science Educator 

Location: Massachusetts

As a passionate CS educator, I love sparking curiosity and creativity in students through hands-on, real-world projects. Creating inclusive learning environments that empower all students, especially girls and underrepresented groups, is incredibly rewarding.

Nancy Tavarez – Elementary Technology Educator

Location: New York

I am a 7th-year teacher, in my 4th year as a tech teacher, and I love it! I enjoy seeing the smiles on my students’ faces when they solve problems in STEAM, as it challenges them to think outside the box.

Nikki Jones – Elementary Instructional Technology Coach 

Location: Virginia

As an Instructional Technology Coach, I love integrating CS into core content areas! In collaboration with the STEAM teachers, we’ve built a foundation of coding for all K-5 learners. I’m passionate about creativity, edtech, and STEAM!

Susan Kunze – Elementary Volunteer Educator 

Location: California

I’m a veteran elementary teacher and recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Since retiring, I have volunteered in local schools, providing impactful STEAM lessons using Ozobots to support student learning.

Sunshine Ouimette – Elementary Para-Specialist 

Location: Vermont 

I love igniting curiosity and creativity in my students. Problem-solving in computer science equips students with essential skills for the future, and seeing them collaborate and tackle challenges together inspires me every day!

Trish Henry – Elementary Educator, Librarian & Tech Specialist 

Location: Washington 

Our library/tech program focuses on hands-on STEM connected to literacy. Ozobots were among the first tools we adopted to provide hands-on learning with robots.

Wendy Townlin – Elementary STEM Educator

Location: California 

Math and science were my favorite subjects to teach before STEM was a “thing.” I co-founded my school’s STEM program, and I love how students with learning challenges excel socially and academically through hands-on activities. Win-win!

We are also proud to recognize the contributions of our other Certified Educators in the program:

• Robyn Williams, Elementary Instructional Technology Coordinator 
• Kathleen Pickard, Second Grade Teacher & Tech Team Facilitator
• Sheila Slawiak, Technology & Computer Science Teacher
• Sarah Phelps, K-12 CS & STEM Program Manager
• Jennifer Weaver, Elementary Computer Science & STEAM Integration Teacher
• Amy Fowler, Elementary Educator & School Technology Coordinator
• Jana Gerard, Coordinator, EDvolution Center
• Macie Harringa, Elementary & Middle School Computer Science Teacher
• Kathy Jarret, Elementary Educator & Librarian 
• Jessica Lay, Elementary STEAM Educator
• Sarah McClure, Manager of Learning Technology
• Enrique Lopez, Director of Educational Technology 
• Alma Boothe, K-12 STEAM Outreach Coordinator
• Rebecca Buck, Tech Integration Specialist
• Ashton Carovillano, Elementary Math & Science Educator
• Julie Carson, Digital Teaching & Learning Coordinator 
• Christine Danhoff, Technology Integration Specialist
• Caitlin Esmond, Elementary Librarian
• Stephanie Finlay, Elementary School Teacher
• Carla Hollinger, Elementary Computer Lab Teacher
• Allie Schultze, K-12 Technology Coach & Trainer 

As we celebrate the incredible achievements of these certified educators, we recognize their dedication to shaping the future of education. Through their innovative use of Ozobot and STEAM, they are inspiring the next generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers.

These exceptional leaders demonstrate how hands-on learning can empower students to dream big and boldly tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Join us in celebrating their impact and commitment to transforming education!

Interested in becoming an Ozobot Certified Educator? Sign up for updates about 2025-2026 applications, here.

The post Meet the 2024-2025 Ozobot Certified Educators appeared first on Ozobot.

Discover the latest funding opportunities for K-12 schools to enhance STEAM education with Ozobot! Our December Grant and Funding Report is your comprehensive guide to exploring financial support available now for building a program with Ozobot’s innovative classroom tools. With updated resources, actionable tips, and grant suggestions tailored for educators, this report is designed to empower schools to bring engaging coding, robotics, and hands-on learning to students. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or parent advocate, explore how to make STEAM education more accessible and impactful for the next generation.

In case you missed it, check out the Ozobot Grant Report: November edition here!

New & Noteworthy 

Teacher Grants for Innovation

State: GA 

Application deadline: 12/15/24 

The goal of Teacher Grants for Innovation is straightforward: they are intended to fund an innovative project designed to improve learning outcomes for a specific teacher. With a very approachable application, this grant can be used for the Ozobot product of choice, as long as a compelling case is made that details how it will solve a problem related to student academic achievement.

Eligible Ozobot product: 

• ORA 
• Evo Classroom Kits 
• Color Code Magnets 
• Challenge Mats 
• STEAM Kits 

Ozobot meets the grant’s definition of “innovative” in the following ways:

• Targets the root cause: Ozobot solves many problems pervasive in education today, such as lack of engagement, lack of hands-on opportunities for students, authentic integration of technology, quality instruction of computer science principles, lack of professional development in science and technology.
• Inclusive: Ozobot has several options to accommodate a range of learning needs. All of our curriculum was designed by educators and the Ozobot Education Team is comprised of former classroom teachers. That said, there are several resources to support teacher onboarding and make it accessible for teachers who have no experience in robotics or coding.

Quick facts: 

• $2,500 available for eligible applicants 
• Application deadline is 12/15/24 
• Apply here 

Pathways in Technology Early College High School

State: TX

Application deadline: 12/13/24 

The Pathways in Technology Early College High School program is an open enrollment initiative that offers campuses an opportunity to plan to build a P-TECH within their district. Designed to support historically underserved and at-risk students, P-TECH schools offer opportunities for students to earn a high school diploma while simultaneously earning industry-based certifications and/or an associate degree on or before the sixth anniversary of a student’s first day of high school.

Eligible Ozobot product: 

• ORA 

Why Ozobot aligns:

• ORA curriculum is specifically aligned with TEKS and CTE Pathways.
• The focus of this grant is on dual enrollment; students and institutions focused on career readiness. Additionally, the focus is on a high school diploma – our curriculum guides students to both.
• ORA’s six-axis configuration mirrors the robotic arms utilized in contemporary manufacturing, providing students with hands-on experience in operating advanced machinery.

Quick facts: 

• Up to $200,000 per district; $2m total available
• Application deadline is 12/13/24 
• Apply here

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Innovation in STEM Grant

State: ID 

Application deadline: 1/13/25

Idaho National Laboratory cultivates Idaho’s education landscape by leveraging partnerships and resources to grow science,
technology, engineering and math opportunities for all. The program seeks to align future workforce needs with
STEM education in Idaho.

Eligible Ozobot product: 

• ORA 
• Evo Classroom Kits 
• Color Code Magnets 
• STEAM Kits 

Why Ozobot aligns:

• Ozobot is a hands-on approach to integrating STEM into everyday contexts and academic content
• Ozobot emphasizes 21st Century Skills that are essential for today’s workforce
• ORA curriculum specifically aligns to several nationally recognized CTE standards

Quick facts: 

• Up to $30,000 available for eligible applicants 
• Application deadline is 1/13/25
• Apply here

NEW STEM BEST Program

State: IA

Application deadline: 12/11/24

The STEM BEST (Business Engaging Students and Teachers) Program is offered to prepare the students of Iowa for future success. These models will focus on developing programs that foster opportunities for growth within high-demand skill sets so students develop future-focused skills that align with the Iowa Academic Standards Universal Constructs (Future of Jobs Report 2023, World Economic Forum). These opportunities for students will afford them the ability to acquire the skills needed to become leaders and innovators of a future-focused Iowa.

Eligible Ozobot product: 

• ORA 
• Evo Classroom Kits 
• Color Code Magnets 
• Challenge Mats 
• STEAM Kits 

Why Ozobot aligns:

The application rubric includes several sections that align well with Ozobot, including:

• STEM Curriculum: to achieve the highest score, applicants must demonstrate the curriculum they will purchase shows, “evidence of hands-on authentic learning opportunities versus a traditional sit and get” and “Clear evidence that curriculum developed aligns with standards and industry needs.” Ozobot is a hands-on tool whose engagement speaks for itself. It is aligned to CSTA, ISTE and CTE standards developed for workforce readiness and 21st Century skill development.

Quick facts: 

• Up to $40,000 available for eligible applicants 
• Application deadline is 12/11/24
• Apply here 

Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program

State: Federal

Application deadline: 1/10/25

The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program is designed to increase the availability of local foods in schools and connect students to the sources of their food through education, taste tests, school gardens, field trips, and local food sourcing for school meals.

Eligible Ozobot product: 

• Lettuce Grow x Ozobot

Why Ozobot aligns:

• Lettuce Grow and its accompanying curriculum meets two of the acceptable uses of this funding: edible gardens and standards-aligned curriculum addressing learning of sustainable agriculture practices.

Quick facts: 

• Minimum of $5,000, up to $50,000 
• Application deadline is 1/10/25 
• Apply here

The post Ozobot Grant Report: December Edition appeared first on Ozobot.

Developing Future-Ready Skills

Coding is more than just writing lines of instructions for computers. It’s a powerful tool that helps children develop future-ready skills, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Learning to code cultivates essential abilities known as the Four C’s: critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Coding challenges children to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts. This process enhances their critical thinking skills, teaching them to approach issues logically and systematically. As they debug their code and find creative solutions, kids learn persistence and develop a growth mindset.

Creativity and Innovation

Contrary to popular belief, coding is a highly creative endeavor. It allows children to bring their ideas to life, whether it’s designing a game, creating an animation, or solving real-world problems. Ozobot encourages this creativity through various lessons and activities that combine coding with artistic expression.

Communication and Collaboration

Coding often involves teamwork, especially in larger projects. Children learn to articulate their ideas, listen to others, and work together towards a common goal. These skills are invaluable in any future career path.

Preparing for a Tech-Driven Future

Every job is becoming a STEAM job, and coding literacy is increasingly important across various industries. From museum curators to interior designers, professionals in diverse fields are leveraging technology to enhance their work. By learning to code, children are better prepared for this tech-driven future, regardless of their chosen career path.

Fostering Inclusivity and Diversity in Tech

It’s crucial to ensure that coding education is inclusive and accessible to all children. Ozobot is committed to showing girls and young women that coding is for everyone. By breaking down stereotypes and providing engaging, diverse coding experiences, we can inspire the next generation of innovators from all backgrounds.

Integrating Coding Across the Curriculum

One of the beauties of coding is its versatility. It can be introduced into every subject, from math and science to language arts and social studies. For example, Ozobot offers math-focused coding lessons that make abstract concepts more tangible and engaging for students.

Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

Learning to code can significantly boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem. As they master new concepts and see their projects come to life, children develop a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. Ozobot provides lessons designed to build students’ self-eSTEAM, combining coding skills with personal growth.

Embracing Creativity in the Classroom

Coding with Ozobot opens up a world of creative possibilities in the classroom. Teachers can leverage various tech tools to inspire classroom creativity, making learning more engaging and interactive for students.

In conclusion, coding for kids is an essential skill in our increasingly digital world. It fosters critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration – all vital skills for future success. With Ozobot, children can explore the world of coding in a fun, engaging, and educational way, preparing them for a bright future in any field they choose to pursue. By introducing coding early and making it accessible to all, we’re empowering the next generation to shape the technology of tomorrow.

The post Why Coding is Important for Kids: Preparing for A Tech-Driven Future with Ozobot appeared first on Ozobot.

1. Evo Entry Kit

Evo Entry Kit

The Evo Entry Kit is the perfect starting point for introducing students to the world of coding and robotics. This kit includes:

• 1 Evo robot
• 5 Color Code markers
• Access to 700+ lessons
• USB charging cable

Ideal for individual or small group learning, the Evo Entry Kit allows students to explore both screen-free color coding and block-based programming.

What Teachers Are Saying: “We recently ordered the Evo Entry Kit based on my son’s request as they use it in school and he wanted to practice at home. He has been in love with it, a great way to learn and apply coding skills. We love it!” – Sumi P. ★★★★★

2. Evo Classroom Kit (12 Bots)

Evo Classroom Kit (12 Bots)

The Evo Classroom Kit is a comprehensive solution for teachers looking to integrate robotics into their curriculum. This kit includes:

• 12 Evo robots
• Color Code markers
• Wireless charging cradle
• Access to 700+ lessons

Perfect for larger classes, this kit allows teachers to engage multiple students simultaneously in coding activities.

What Teachers Are Saying: “We have gotten to use the bots twice now and both times the kids were highly engaged and enjoyed them. The bots make learning any subject fun. The students look forward to the lessons with the bots. So glad to have them as a part of our class.” – Lydia S. ★★★★★

3. Color Code Magnets: Special Moves Kit

Color Code Magnets: Special Moves Kit

Add excitement to your Ozobot lessons with the Color Code Magnets: Special Moves Kit. This set includes:

• 18 color code magnet pieces
• Storage case

These magnets allow students to create and modify color codes easily, making programming a hands-on, tactile experience.

What Teachers Are Saying: “These special tiles were an amazing addition. I bought these to complete the set. The Magnets are not as strong with the magnet board from the Base Kit, but gets the job done. We use these almost every week and have enjoyed the products thus far.” – Patrick R. ★★★★★

To fully utilize the Special Moves Kit, you’ll also need:

• Color Code Magnets: Base Kit
• Color Code Magnets: Speed Kit

The Base Kit is essential for getting started with magnetic color coding, while the Speed Kit adds speed commands to your coding arsenal.

4. Ozobot STEAM Kit: OzoGoes to the Solar System

Ozobot STEAM Kit: OzoGoes to the Solar System

This innovative STEAM kit combines coding with astronomy, offering a unique interdisciplinary learning experience. The kit includes:

• Solar System board
• Planet attribute cards
• Ozobot covers for inner planets
• Lesson plans and activities

Students can model the solar system, learn about planetary attributes, and code Ozobot to simulate planetary orbits and rotations.

What Teachers Are Saying: “My students learned so much from this project. They put the planets in order. They placed attribute cards in front of each planet. Then, they used Ozobots with inner planets attached to them on the provided Ozobot cover to create a model of the Solar System. They were able to time the planets moving in their orbits. Having a model allowed them to understand abstract ideas about space and planets’ positions and time spent orbiting the sun. They also coded the Ozobots to rotate as they orbited the sun. This allowed them to see and comprehend the difference between orbiting and rotating visually. Students were able to interpret data and make comparisons among planets orbits. It allowed them to apply this knowledge to the other planets in the solar system. Students used critical thinking and cooperative learning throughout this project.” – Anonymous ★★★★★

Why Teachers Love Ozobot

Ozobot products have become favorites among educators for several reasons:

1. Cross-curricular Applications: Ozobot can be integrated into various subjects, from math and science to art and storytelling. Check out our lesson plans for inspiration!
2. Scalable Difficulty: Activities can be tailored for different grade levels and abilities, making Ozobot suitable for K-12 education.
3. Engaging for All Learners: The combination of physical robots and coding challenges appeals to different learning styles.
4. STEM Skills Development: Ozobot products help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and coding skills essential for future careers.
5. Easy to Implement: With comprehensive guides and ready-to-use lessons, teachers can quickly incorporate Ozobot into their curriculum.

Getting Started with Ozobot in Your Classroom

Ready to bring Ozobot into your classroom? Here are some steps to get started:

1. Choose Your Kit: Select the Ozobot product(s) that best fits your needs and budget.
2. Explore Resources: Visit our Educator Resources page for lesson plans, webinars, and teaching tips.
3. Join the Community: Become an Ozobot Certified Educator.
4. Attend a Workshop: Check out our professional development opportunities to become an Ozobot expert.

As we head back to school, equipping your classroom with engaging STEM tools is crucial for fostering student interest and success in technology and coding. Ozobot’s range of products offers something for every grade level and subject area, making it easier than ever to integrate robotics and coding into your curriculum.

Start the school year right with Ozobot and watch as your students develop a passion for learning, problem-solving, and innovation!

The post Back to School Teacher Favorites: Must-Have Ozobot Products for Engaging STEM Learning appeared first on Ozobot.

Understanding Robotics for Kids

Robotics for kids is an educational approach that introduces children to the basics of robot design, construction, and programming. It’s a hands-on way to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity from an early age.

Key Components of Robotics Education:

1. Engineering: Learning about gears, motors, and structural design. Understanding sensors, circuits, and power sources
2. Computer Science: Exploring coding and algorithms to control robot behavior
3. Design Thinking: Applying creative problem-solving to real-world challenges

Benefits of Robotics for Kids

Engaging in robotics activities offers numerous advantages for young learners:

• Develops Logical Thinking: Programming robots enhance algorithmic thinking and step-by-step problem-solving skills.
• Encourages Creativity: Designing and building robots sparks imagination and innovation.
• Builds Teamwork Skills: Many robotics projects involve collaboration, fostering communication and cooperation.
• Prepares for Future Careers: Early exposure to robotics can inspire interest in STEM fields and future tech careers.

Introducing Ozobot: Making Robotics Accessible and Fun

Ozobot offers an ideal entry point into the world of robotics for kids. These small, smart robots are designed to make learning about coding and robotics engaging and accessible for children of all ages.

Key Features of Ozobot:

1. Color Coding: Kids can program using colored lines and patterns, introducing basic programming concepts without a screen.
2. OzoBlockly: A visual programming language that allows for more advanced coding as children progress.
3. STEAM in Every Subject: STEAM can be integrated into various subjects, from math and science to art and technology.
4. Scalable Complexity: Activities can be tailored for different age groups and skill levels, growing with the child’s abilities.

Getting Started with Robotics Using Ozobot

Here are some ways to introduce kids to robotics with Ozobot:

1. Color Codes: Start with simple color sequences to control Ozobot’s movements.
2. OzoBlockly Challenges: Progress to visual block-based programming for more complex behaviors.
3. STEM Challenges: Engage in problem-solving activities like maze navigation or pattern creation.
4. Storytelling with Robots: Combine creativity and coding by having Ozobot act out stories.
5. Lesson Spotlights: Collaborate on larger-scale activities, like creating an Ozobot city or ecosystem.

The Future of Robotics Education

As technology continues to advance, robotics education for kids will play an increasingly vital role in preparing the next generation for the jobs of tomorrow. Ozobot provides a foundation for understanding complex systems, fostering innovation, and developing the skills needed in an AI-driven world.

Robotics for kids is more than just playing with cool gadgets – it’s a gateway to understanding and shaping our technological future. With Ozobot, children can embark on an exciting journey of discovery, learning valuable STEM skills while having fun. Whether in the classroom, at home, or in after-school programs, robotics education offers endless opportunities for growth and innovation. Ready to start your child’s robotics adventure? Explore Ozobot’s range of educational robots and coding challenges to ignite their passion for STEM learning today!

The post What is Robotics for Kids? A Guide to Engaging STEM Learning with Ozobot appeared first on Ozobot.

Spring Bloom is here!

Pollination Garden

Grade 2

Students create an interactive model of a flower garden to demonstrate how animals help with pollination. Then students collect data about the flowers pollinated.

Pollen Love with BEES! Author: Heather Myers

Grades K-5

Using Color Codes (or Ozobot Blockly) students will dress up their Ozobot like a bee. Then, they will recreate the bee’s daily journey.

Ozo-bug Zoo Exhibit Author: Kaitlin Chidester

Grades 2-6

Students will be presented with the challenge of creating a Ladybug exhibit at a new zoo including key features of a habitat.

Life Cycle of a Butterfly Author: Frances Amato

Grades K-5

This lesson is for students with disabilities to participate in the coding process  and understanding of the cycle of a butterfly.

Are You My Mother? Author: Robin Adkins

Grades K-2

Students will listen to the story “Are You My Mother?” by P.D. Eastman and then use color codes to direct Evo to the correct mother.

Ozobot Joins May the 4th Author: Cindy Gonzalez

Grades K-4

Students will celebrate computer science skills during the May the 4th events.

Code for the Gold – 50cm Race

Grades K-4

Students will plan and execute a program with a variety of parameters, practice measurement, sequencing and debugging as they create a racetrack for Ozobot.

Every Job is Important!

Grades K-2

This lesson is for students to understand that all jobs/specialists depend on other specialists, and if one cannot do his/her job, others might suffer because of the break in the interdependence web.

Sorting Food into Food Groups Author: Laura Bruno

Grades 1-3

Students will decide which food group a food item belongs to by programming the Ozobot to turn left or right at an intersection.

My Local Community Author: Laura Bruno

Grades K-4

Students will plan and code a route to visit common buildings in their local community by programming the Ozobot to turn left or right at an intersection, to turn around and go straight.

The post Kentucky Derby, Nurse Day and Spring Bloom: May Lesson Spotlight appeared first on Ozobot.

What are some key strategies you’ll be using in the 2023/2024 school year for STEM teaching?

I always had a lot of interest in technology and STEM in general, but this is my first year teaching STEM. I have fallen in love with it! I love seeing the students come in with excitement. I have learned to give students access to materials and set guidelines for them. They can handle it if I set expectations from the beginning about how to keep the classroom organized. The students feel empowered when they come to STEM. Now that we are moving past the crazy times of 2020, it’s more clear to me than ever how valuable our time is when we are all together in the classroom. I think we learned a lot but I think the kids are more grateful for normalcy now. 

What are some Ozobot project(s) from this school year that were particularly impactful for your students?

I’ve used Ozobot Bits with my third graders a lot this year. They learned how to use them and then we practiced during football season. I teach STEM to 3rd, 4th and 5th grade! My school is located right outside of Athens, GA so we are big Bulldog fans! The kids had to do a couple of different maze activities. My favorite was when we covered the bots with Georgia players and used the bowling pins as opposing team players! This was an extremely engaging unit for my students. They used a lot of problem-solving skills and had to work through frustrations. I saw a lot of teamwork as students figured out how to make their code work best. Friends were willing to jump in and help others fix mistakes. They were working so well at planning ahead and mapping everything out. 

A few weeks later, we brought the Ozobots back out for a trick-or-treat mapping activity. For this, I tied the activity in with 3rd grade social studies standards for map skills. The kids had a blast using their creativity a little bit more for this. 

Why did you want to become a teacher? Is there someone who inspired you when you were younger? 

I always had a feeling that I would become a teacher. I don’t like to sit still for too long. My mom was a 3rd grade teacher when I was growing up. She had a clear passion for teaching. It poured over into me as I grew up and headed toward my future. I didn’t realize it then, but her enthusiasm for teaching was showing me what it looks like to love what you do. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. I love coming to work each day, now. 

What made you interested in teaching STEAM? What is your favorite part about being a STEAM educator? Please feel free to include anything else you’d like to share with us about yourself or your school. 

I never thought I’d become a STEM teacher, honestly. When I was offered the job, my principal told me she thought this was something that I could be really good at. I had a hard time at first, but now I see that she was right. I have always enjoyed creating things. Now I can channel that into my lessons with a lot more structure and parameters. I’ve realized that kids love structure, but they also love to have some freedom within the borders. I try to implement that into my days now! Flexibility is key. I want them to know that failure is going to happen. When it does happen, we back up and re-evaluate. We improve and move on! 

The post March Outstanding STEAM Educator Spotlight: Rachel Carter appeared first on Ozobot.

Introducing Bit+ x Arduino At Heart — a coding experience for students of all ages and expertise levels that provides frustration-free coding experiences. Be up and running in minutes and unlock a new world of critical-thinking, problem solving and developing future-ready skills.

What are the advantages of Bit+ x Arduino At Heart?

• Arduino^® community
• Easy-to-learn, powerful programming language
• Coding versatility

Ozobot Bit+ is now Arduino At Heart certified, enabling full compatibility with Arduino^®.

Ozobot Bit+, a feature-packed programmable coding robot, aligns perfectly with the Arduino^® ecosystem, offering an intuitive entry point for learners of all ages and expanding its potential in and out of the classroom.

ENTRY KIT

Bit+ x Arduino At Heart

Join the Arduino^® community with the Bit+ x Arduino At Heart Entry Kit. This Ozobot kit features a Bit+ robot with Arduino At Heart that’s ready to begin coding right out of the box.

SKU: 50103BIT

£99.99 (Excludes VAT)
€120 (Excludes VAT)

Includes:

• 1 Bit+ robot
• 5 Dual-Tip Color Code Markers
• 1 Charging Cable
• 1 Zip Case
• Quick Start Guide

CLASSROOM KIT (12 BOTS)

Bit+ x Arduino At Heart

Join the Arduino^® community with the Bit+ x Arduino At Heart Classroom Kit. This Ozobot kit features 12 Bit+ robots with Arduino At Heart that are ready to begin coding right out of the box.

 

SKU: 51202BIT

£1,200 (Excludes VAT)
€1,440 (Excludes VAT)

Includes:

• 12 Bit+ robots
• 12 Dual-Tip Color Code Marker Packs
• 1 Wireless Charging Cradle
• Bot stickers and accessories
• Quick Start Guide

CLASSROOM KIT (12 BOTS)

Bit+ x Arduino @ Heart

Join the Arduino^® community with the Bit+ x Arduino At Heart Classroom Kit. This Ozobot kit features 12 Bit+ robots with Arduino At Heart that are ready to begin coding right out of the box.

 

Includes:

• 12 Bit+ robots
• 12 Dual-Tip Color Code Marker Packs
• 1 Wireless Charging Cradle
• Bot stickers and accessories

The Ozobot Bit+ package comes with Arduino^® program examples tailored for the Bit+ robot.

The examples can be found in the “File -> Examples -> Ozobot Bit+” menu. The reference manual below refers to these examples. 

Arduino^® Quick Start Guide

1. Download and install the latest version of Arduino^® IDE.

• Download and install the latest version of Arduino^® IDE. Arduino IDE version 2.0 and later is supported. 
• Please note: the steps will not work with Arduino^® version older than 2.0.

2. In the Arduino^® IDE software:

1. File -> Preferences -> Additional Board Manager URLs:
   1. Copy and paste the following URL:  https://static.ozobot.com/arduino/package_ozobot_index.json
2. Tools -> Board -> Boards Manager
3. Search for “Ozobot” 
4. Install the “Ozobot Arduino^® Robots” package

3. Compile and load an example program to Ozobot Bit+:

1. Tools -> Board -> Ozobot Arduino^® robots
2. Select “Ozobot Bit+”
3. File -> Examples -> Ozobot Bit+ -> 1. Basics -> OzobotBitPlusBlink
4. Connect the product to the USB port of the computer using the USB cable provided in the packaging
5. Tools -> Port -> ***(Ozobot Bit+)
   1. (Select the appropriate port of the product. If unsure, test all available sequentially until one is successful.)
6. Sketch -> Upload (Ctrl+U)
7. Ozobot will flash all of its LED outputs in half-second intervals. The Bit+ is not able to do any other operation until a different Sketch or default firmware is uploaded. 

Installing 3rd Party Arduino^® Boards to Arduino^® IDE

How to Install

The versatility and power of Arduino^® comes from the fact that it is open source. Due to the nature of open source ecosystems you’re able to design your own Arduino^®-based boards and make code libraries to go along with them. Some developers even include an example library of Arduino^® sketches to help you learn their functions, constants, and keywords.

• First, you need to locate the board package link. The link will point to this will come in the form of a .json file. For Ozobot Bit+ Arduino^® package, the link is https://static.ozobot.com/arduino/package_ozobot_index.json. Open up Arduino^® IDE and hit ‘Ctrl + ,’ (control and comma) if you’re on PC and Linux. If you’re using a Mac, it will be ‘Command + ,’.
  
  
• You’ll be greeted with a version of this screen:

• At the bottom of the window, you’ll see an option to add ‘Additional board manager URLs’, You can post the .json link there or click the icon with two small boxes to add multiple boards to your board manager at once. You just have to hit enter/return after you put a link into the box to start a new line.

• You can add the Ozobot Bit+ plus board with this link: https://static.ozobot.com/arduino/package_ozobot_index.json

• Once you’ve posted your links in the box hit ok and exit the preferences menu.
  
  
• You can now click on the second option on the side bar, it’s a little circuit board which will open the board manager menu. You can now click “Install” to get all the necessary files to program with your board, in this case the Ozobot Bit+.

• You can also click on “Tools” on the menu bar at the top and find the Board Manager in the “Board:” sub-menu. Or by hitting ‘Ctrl+Shift+B’ on Windows and Linux (‘Command+Shift+B’ on Mac).

• After you’ve installed the files for your Arduino^® board, restart your software to make sure that Arduino^® is aware of all the files you just installed.
  
  
• Next you’ll want to click the drop down at the top of your window and select the board you want and which port it’s plugged into on your computer:

• In this case we chose Ozobot Bit+ on COM4 virtual serial port. If your board doesn’t appear in this list click on the “Select other board and port option”:

• You can search for your board by typing in the top left box, as you can see we’ve searched for ‘ozobot’ and selected the Ozobot Bit+ Board connected to COM4, click OK.
  
  
• To look at the included example sketches available for your new board click on “File” then hover over “examples” and you’ll see a menu populated with the standard Arduino^® examples, followed by all the examples from libraries that your Board is compatible with. As you can see, we’ve included some modified versions of some of the standard Arduino^® examples as well as added some custom ones, in the “6. Demonstration” sub-menu.

Just as easy as that, you’ve installed the supporting files for your board and are ready to start exploring a new environment in the world of Arduino^®.

Happy Coding!

Challenges

Let the programming fun begin with these challenges, tailored for the Bit+ and Arduino. 

Cave Explorer

Transform Bit+ into multi-function flashlight, perfect for exploring the darkest of caves. Learn how to program the side button to cycle through a series of LED colors and intensities to best suite your cave-exploring needs.

Ocean Swimmer

Bit+ has learned that the best way to study ocean life is to be like ocean life. Create the code that turns Bit+ into a fish-like swimmer or crab-like walker using delays and motor speeds.

Mars Sample Collector

Our newest Mars rover, Bit+, is tasked with collecting soil and rock samples from the floor of Martian craters. Discover how a for loop can be used to repeat the rover’s movements to establish a sample collection perimeter while using the LEDs to signal its progress along the way.

Recovering the “out-of-box” Bit+ functionality

Loading an Arduino^® sketch to the Bit+ robot will overwrite the “stock” firmware. That means the robot will execute the Arduino^® firmware and is not capable of the usual “Ozobot” functionality, such as following lines and detecting color codes. The original behavior can be recovered by loading the “stock” firmware back to the Bit+ unit that was previously programmed with Arduino^® IDE. To load the stock firmware, use Ozobot Blockly:

1. Navigate to https://www.ozoblockly.com/editor
2. Make sure to select “Bit+” robot in the left panel
3. Create any program, or load any program from the “examples” panel on the right.
4. On the right side, click the “Programs” icon, so the right panel opens
5. Make sure Bit+ is connected to the computer via USB cable
6. Click the “Connect” button
7. Click the “Load” button.
8. The Bit+ stock firmware will be loaded to the robot, together with the Blockly program (not important, as we did this exercise to load the stock FW in first place)

Battery Cutoff Switch

There is a slide switch on the side of the robot that will turn the robot off. This is especially handy if you loaded an Arduino^® program that does some repetitive action, but cannot suspend itself. The slide switch will always stop the program as it disconnects the battery. However, when connected to a charger, the battery will always start to charge and the Arduino^® sketch will run, no matter the position of the slide switch.

Reference Manual

Setting LEDs (green, blue and red)

• Defined as LED_GREEN, LED_BLUE, LED_RED
• See the “OzobotBitPlusBlink” example

Analog write

• See the “OzobotBitPlusFading” example (uses the analogWrite Arduino^® built-in)

Button state checking

• Uses the standard Arduino^® API, example “Button” works after the pin constants are changed to:

const int buttonPin = BUTTON_PIN; // the number of the pushbutton pin
const int ledPin = LED_GREEN; // the number of the LED pin

• Note that the internal pull-up must be configured. Some hardware revisions of Bit+ do not have external button pull-up, and on these, the code will not work if internal pull-up is not configured:

pinMode(BUTTON_PIN, INPUT_PULLUP);

• See our example “OzobotBitPlusButton”
• Set the motors PWM duty and direction. We provide a library function for controlling motor speeds:

/**
* sets the speed of left and right wheel
* the arguments range is from -100 to 100
* negative arguments mean reverse rotation (back)
*/
void Ozobot_setMotors(int left, int right);

• See the “OzobotBitPlusBasicLineFollower” example program.

Control the sensor LEDs

• Defined as LED_SENSORS_GREEN, LED_SENSORS_WHITE

Read Color Sensor data

• Not implemented in initial release, will be added to the library later on.

Read line sensor data

• Defined PIN_LINE_SENSOR_n for use with the Arduino^® built-in analogRead function.
• See the “OzobotBitPlusAnalogInOutSerial” example

Retrieve charger state

• USB present signal defined as USB_CONNECTED_PIN
• Charging in progress defined as CHARGING_IN_PROGRESS_PIN
• Note: The pins are active LOW.

Serial port

• Works out of the box, see the “OzobotBitPlusAnalogInOutSerial” example.

Classroom Lessons

• Lessons compatible with Bit+ can be found on Ozobot Classroom here.

Using DC Motors as Speakers

Using DC Motors as Speakers with tone() Function

If you’ve played around with some of the included examples in the Bit+ library, you may have noticed that it can produce musical notes and pitches, but it does not have a built-in speaker.

It does however have two built in direct current (DC) motors, meaning it runs a constant voltage level, e.g. 5 volts. While they have two different intended uses, they do operate off the same basic design principle: taking electric energy and turning it into mechanical energy. Both of them have the same basic parts, including a magnet that doesn’t move and coils of copper arranged in an ideal way for the intended application. If you get creative enough you can use them to do the other’s job, but it won’t be as effective as the proper equipment.

When you run electricity through a metal coil it creates a magnetic field which allows it to interact with metallic objects, even if they aren’t magnetic. This allows you to push a speaker cone outward and pull it inward using an audio signal and rotate the output shaft of a DC motor.

Now, because you are creating a magnetic field in the metal coils, there is a vibration created by the formation of the magnetic field which we can sometimes hear, depending on how fast the coils are vibrating. You can even find this phenomenon in everyday electronics that aren’t meant to make sound or movement thanks to the inductor – a coil wrapped around a material (usually in a circular shape) that is used for many different applications to control how electricity flows within a circuit.

Using this information, we can use the tone() function to produce a “square” wave (50% duty cycle, meaning that the voltage is HIGH and LOW for an equal amount of time). Using the ‘PWM output’ pins on an Arduino board (in this case the left and right motor pins: MOTOR_LEFT_PWM and MOTOR_RIGHT_PWM), gives you direct access to the length of the duty cycle of the PWM output measured in hertz (Hz) instead of the duty cycle using the ‘analogWrite()’ function (which adjusts the duty cycle instead).

If you upload the OzobotBitPlusFreqSweep sketch included in the demonstrations section of the Bit+ examples to the Bit+, you will be able to hear the range of the DC motors ‘frequency response’ (the range of frequencies that the DC motor will produce an audible sound). Although with the tone() function you can go as high as an unsigned integer will allow (65535Hz), the average human hearing range is 20Hz-20000Hz so you will not be able to hear over 60% of the usable values. And with the consideration of a DC motor not being meant to reproduce audio, the usable range will likely be closer to 25% of the values as the vibration of the coils within the motor get very quiet in frequencies above 15000Hz.

Just because something doesn’t look like it will work on the surface, doesn’t mean that it won’t have an alternate purpose, don’t be afraid to get creative with your sketches!

Happy coding!

The post Arduino appeared first on Ozobot.

Emilie Workman is a STEAM teacher for grades K-6 in Baldwin County, Alabama and has been encouraging her students to use critical thinking for the past 23 years. 

Continue reading to learn more about Emilie and her excitement for bringing STEAM into the classroom.

As we reflect on the last two years that were unlike any others, are there any tools or resources you used in 2020-2021 that you’ll continue using in 2022/2023 and beyond?

Baldwin County Schools went back to in-person learning with masks in the fall of 2020, so the only virtual learning experience I have encountered was from March through May of that year. Due to the pandemic, our county now has a few built-in e-learning days within the school calendar. In our county our students are 1:1 with devices, and we use Chromebooks. Students use the Chromebooks daily and take them home nightly

The continued use of technology and e-learning days help students be prepared for virtual learning if needed. I am encouraged by the improvements made by many resources/websites we used prior to the pandemic. I think the improvements made were due to the increased demand stemming from the massive amount of students that continued to be virtual through the 2020-21 school year.

We use Google Classroom as a digital platform for our classroom learning and will continue to use it in years to come. I enjoy using Ozobot, Dash robots, Micro:bit, Makey-Makey, Flip-grid, See Saw, We-video, Adobe Spark, Discovery Education, and many other resources we have at our school to teach standards. These resources have really improved the last two years to make it very simple to use with all grade levels.

Please describe one (or more) Ozobot project(s) from this school year and the impact it had on your students.

I have used many of the Ozobot lessons from the online library of lessons that is offered on the website. These lessons and videos are awesome!! They are easy to follow, understand, and prepare. The students absolutely love these lessons. The lessons in the library also allow me to use what I need based on the time that I have. The Ozobot lessons can be assigned for students with video directions and steps to follow which can be assigned to the google classroom as well as the ability to adapt for a whole group lesson and activity if chosen.

I have used the energy road trip lesson with all fourth graders at our school. Students were studying potential and kinetic energy in the classroom and could apply their knowledge to this activity when they came to our STEAM lab. The students enjoy this lesson each year. The kindergarten and K-4 students at our school have used the Evo’s to practice the letters in the alphabet and the recognition of numbers. The lesson library has great tools to use that allow students to practice tracing the letters and numbers then watch Evo follow their line using Color Codes. I love how Evo can be used at any grade level with all students to aid in their learning.

The cross-curricular lessons have also been very valuable to me and other teachers on our Campus.

The fifth grade teachers and I used the constellation lesson from the Classroom library and slightly modified it to meet the needs of our students. Students had been learning about constellations in the classroom and were able to create constellations in the STEAM lab, code their constellations, then have Evo travel their constellations. We could also tie in math with scaled distance between the stars to form the constellations.

I have also used many of the holiday activities that are posted in the lesson library because they are great problem solving activities and fun. The students enjoy them so much that they don’t even feel like they are learning when they are using Evo. Many of these fun lessons teach the students the needed problem solving skills, perseverance, and collaboration when working with other classmates.

The first grade teachers created a lesson using Evo to help them teach some of their social study standards. The students were learning about the local government leaders and the state in which they lived. We found an outline of our state and dressed Evo as the governor. The students had to code a path from the capital of the state to the city where the students lived.

You’re someone who’s passionate about making CS accessible for every student. How would you “grade” the current state of CS education in your state? What do you see changing or hope to see change in the coming years?

I teach in a county of our state that is very fortunate to have a variety of CS resources readily available at our fingertips. I am also lucky to be at a school that believes in STEAM education and empowering students to lead their own learning. I know that there are schools in our county that don’t have the resources that our school has and there are counties around the state that don’t have 1:1 devices. So, we are very fortunate!

I hope that more teachers will see the value in STEAM education and will be motivated to learn themselves through Professional Development so that they will feel comfortable in their classroom using the technology. My teaching is a little different in that I am not afraid to let the students know that I don’t have all the answers when using the new technology, but that we will figure it out together. Sometimes not having all the answers teaches students problem-solving skills as well. Technology is constantly changing and it can be difficult to keep up with if you feel like you have to know everything before using it with the students. My students are constantly teaching me or we are learning together.

What is your favorite part about being a STEAM educator?

I just started my twenty-third year of teaching and I absolutely love what I do. I have taught many different grades over the years and have been out of the classroom as a Math Coach for a period of time before returning to the classroom. I recently moved to my current position as STEAM Coach beginning the 21-22 school year. In this position I am able to teach all K-6th grade students during a STEAM class and assist teachers in the classroom with STEAM Education.

I am able to work with the teachers to discuss the standards that they are teaching and determine how the time in the STEAM lab can help the student’s learning. The teachers also stay in the STEAM lab during this time to learn alongside the students and help as needed. I enjoy watching the students learn and discover new things while in the STEAM lab. It also helps that I get to have a lot of fun with the students during the lessons I teach and there is never a “dull” moment.

Why did you want to become a teacher? Is there someone who inspired you when you were younger?

I have been around teaching and education my entire life. My mother was a teacher, assistant principal, then principal before retiring. Even in retirement she is an online education instructor for college students. I also had awesome teachers in school that have shaped me into who I am today. Teaching elementary students was something that I also wanted to do. I love working with and teaching students. Seeing students’ new learning or “light bulb” experience never gets old. I was recently walking in the school building as the car line was continuing and one of our kindergartners was getting out of the car and with much excitement she said, “Mom, mom, look it’s the STEAM girl.” Teaching children with STEAM brings so much excitement not just to them, but me as well.

What grade do you teach and why do you like teaching that age of students?

I have the pleasure to teach and shape all grade levels K- 6th with STEAM learning. Each grade level brings a different challenge and enjoyment to teaching.

What made you interested in teaching STEAM?

STEAM is a relevant way of teaching the standards and an easy way to make connections with all the content areas. As a professional educator I also try to model the idea to others as being a “lifelong learner”. I have been interested in STEAM learning because it is the way forward in education to help our students be prepared for secondary education and jobs when they graduate. STEAM learning is engaging, motivating, and relevant for students which makes me interested in continuing my own growth.

“What Is Steam Education?” The Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM, 8 Sept. 2022,  https://artsintegration.com/what-is-steam-education-in-k-12-schools/.

The post October Outstanding STEAM Educator Spotlight: Emilie Workman appeared first on Ozobot.

Meet Tim Hemesath. He’s an Industrial Designer at Ozobot and an asset to our engineering team. From designing the renderings for STEAM Kits to creating new challenges for Evo, Tim is always busy with a new product or project. 

Continue reading to learn more about Tim and his love for turning ideas into something tangible.  

What made you want to pursue industrial design?

I had graduated with degrees in Art and Political Science and didn’t know what to do with them. I was working a part time job for an interior designer and loved all of the products that went into the buildings.That led me to discover the Industrial design program at Cal State Long Beach.

What differentiates your job from industrial engineering?

Honestly, not that much. I think it just depends on the job. Sometimes it’s more industrial and about manufacturing and sometimes it’s more design and aesthetics. 

What made you interested in working at Ozobot?

The bot itself. The way that the robotics interface with the coding is so satisfying to watch. Although Evo, the bot, is small, it is very intelligent and I love being able to see all that it is capable of. Evo definitely inspires me to come up with more ideas and designs. 

What has been the biggest challenge in your career?

Communicating across various disciplines–from the software side to the UI to marketing to the tool makers. Everyone is specialized and very good at their respective job.

What is your favorite project you are currently working on?

My favorite project is the latest OzoGoes Kit; I love seeing Evo run through its little courses. STEAM Kits have been a very exciting project for me and seeing the finished product has been very rewarding. 

Why do you love being an industrial designer at Ozobot?

I love working around the edges of what I know about electronics and software. It’s a product that empowers teachers and students to learn more about computers and robotics and it has worked for me too. 

What advice do you have for aspiring industrial designers?

So much. I like being able to go back to Cal State Long Beach (CSULB) alumni events and give out advice to anyone that will listen. Recently I got the opportunity to work with a CSULB student as an intern here at Ozobot and loved being able to bounce ideas back and forth and teach him more about industrial design.

The post Behind the Bot: Ozobot Industrial Designer, Tim Hemesath appeared first on Ozobot.