Teaching Strategies – Ozobot https://ozobot.com Thu, 06 Mar 2025 22:20:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.3.2 https://static.ozobot.com/assets/4b9d6553-cropped-7fb68a80-ozobot-brandmark-white-32x32.png Teaching Strategies – Ozobot https://ozobot.com 32 32 Learning to Code with Ozobot Color Code Magnets https://ozobot.com/learning-to-code-with-ozobot-color-code-magnets/ Wed, 19 Feb 2025 16:46:24 +0000 https://ozobot.com/?p=36550 Coding is an essential skill in today’s world, and introducing it at an early age can give your students a jump start in computational thinking, logical reasoning, and perseverance. At Ozobot, we offer versatile coding options to meet learners at every stage, even as young as Pre-K. One of our beginner-friendly offerings is the Color …

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Coding is an essential skill in today’s world, and introducing it at an early age can give your students a jump start in computational thinking, logical reasoning, and perseverance. At Ozobot, we offer versatile coding options to meet learners at every stage, even as young as Pre-K. One of our beginner-friendly offerings is the Color Code Magnets, which provide a hands-on, screen-free coding experience perfect for young coders. 

What Makes This Type of Coding Unique?

Easy to use and manipulate, Color Code Magnets are ideal for PK-1 students who are just starting to explore the world of coding. We understand that young learners are still developing their fine motor skills, which can make using markers to draw precise tracks and Color Codes a challenge. 

With Ozobot Color Code Magnets, the magnet pieces lock into place, enabling students to create and modify their codes effortlessly. If they want to test a new idea or adjust their sequence, they can simply swap or reposition the magnets without having to start over, making the learning experience feel more effortless and achievable. As they experiment with arranging and adjusting the magnets, they continue to refine their fine motor skills in a fun, low-pressure way.

Building Foundational Skills

Color Code Magnets give students the tools to learn the basics of sequencing, pattern recognition, and logical reasoning. By arranging the magnets in different sequences, they create coded tracks that instruct Ozobot how to move, change speed, or perform actions. This simple yet powerful approach allows students to experiment with cause and effect, reinforcing key concepts that will serve as building blocks for more advanced coding in the future.

With this seamless process, students are more confident not only when experimenting with different code sequences, but also when encountering roadblocks. This flexibility encourages them to debug their work, test new ideas, and iterate on their designs without the fear of making permanent mistakes. As a result, they develop resilience and a growth mindset—essential traits for any coder!

Learning with Ozobot Color Code Magnets

The Color Code Magnets – Base Kit includes the magnetic board, a wet erase marker, and 36 magnetic track and color code pieces that pair with Evo. The Color Code Magnets –  Special Moves Kit and Speed Kit are designed to be used as add-ons to the Base Kit with 18 magnetic color code pieces in each set.

To support educators and students, Ozobot Classroom offers a lesson series designed specifically for use with Color Code Magnets. This series includes 10 Base Kit lessons, 7 Special Moves lessons, and 6 Speed lessons, providing structured activities to introduce and build upon coding concepts.

A few of our favorite compatible lessons are:

Try the Kangaroo Loops lesson to strengthen problem-solving skills while reinforcing sequencing, logical thinking, and adaptability in coding. Students are challenged to think critically as they navigate a maze using Line Switch and U-Turn Color Codes. Just like a kangaroo hopping from path to path, Ozobot must switch lines strategically to reach the Win/Exit point.

Combine coding and literacy skills with the lesson Telling a Story. Using Color Code Magnets, students develop their own unique stories by creating a basic storytelling structure and bringing it to life by coding Ozobot to navigate through their narrative. This hands-on experience reinforces the connection between storytelling and programming while fostering creativity and logical thinking.

Unleash your students’ creativity by building a Winter Wonderland out of paper and cardboard. Students have the freedom to design and construct their very own town, tapping into their engineering skills. Once their Winter Wonderland is complete, students will program a track using Color Code Magnets for Ozobot to tour through their creation.

With Ozobot Color Code Magnets, young learners can dive into the world of coding in a way that is intuitive, hands-on, and engaging. By providing a flexible, screen-free introduction to sequencing and problem-solving, these kits empower students to think critically and experiment fearlessly, all while building foundational STEM skills. Whether they’re navigating a maze, crafting a story, or designing a winter wonderland, every activity is an opportunity to spark creativity and confidence.

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Best Games & Tools to Make STEM Fun and Engaging in 2025 https://ozobot.com/best-games-tools-to-make-stem-fun-and-engaging-in-2025/ Fri, 07 Feb 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://ozobot.com/?p=36404 STEM education is more exciting than ever, thanks to innovative tools and games that make learning hands-on, interactive, and fun. Whether you’re a parent looking for educational activities at home or a teacher searching for classroom resources, these STEM games and tools will inspire creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in 2025. Coding & Robotics …

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STEM education is more exciting than ever, thanks to innovative tools and games that make learning hands-on, interactive, and fun. Whether you’re a parent looking for educational activities at home or a teacher searching for classroom resources, these STEM games and tools will inspire creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in 2025.

Coding & Robotics with Ozobot

Ozobot Evo

Evo brings coding and robotics to life, making STEM learning accessible and engaging. With Color Codes, students can program their robot screen-free using markers and paper, while Ozobot Blockly introduces block-based coding for more advanced challenges.

  • Try It: Create a racetrack or maze with markers and program Evo to navigate it!
  • Access Free Lessons: Ozobot Classroom

Ozobot Blockly (Free)

Ozobot Blockly offers a drag-and-drop coding interface, allowing kids to control Evo’s movements, lights, and sounds while building foundational programming skills.

Free Online Coding Games & Tools

Scratch

Scratch is a beginner-friendly platform where students can create animations, games, and interactive stories using block-based coding.

Code.org

Code.org provides free coding tutorials, including popular activities like Minecraft Hour of Code and Dance Party, making coding fun and accessible.

LightBot

A free puzzle game that introduces the basics of programming logic through interactive challenges.

Fun STEM & Math Games for Problem-Solving

Prodigy Math

A role-playing math game where kids solve equations to level up their characters, making math engaging and competitive.

NASA Kids’ Club

A collection of space-themed STEM activities, puzzles, and challenges designed to inspire the next generation of astronauts and engineers.

Sudoku & Logic Puzzles

Boost problem-solving skills with free KenKen puzzles, brain teasers, and online Sudoku games.

Hands-On Science & Engineering Activities

Egg Drop Challenge

Build a protective capsule using household materials and program Evo to deliver an egg safely!

Obstacle Course

Design a DIY obstacle course using books, LEGOs, and ramps, then program Ozobot to navigate through it.

DIY STEM Experiments

Engineering Challenges for Hands-On Learning

LEGO STEM Challenges

Encourage engineering creativity by building zip lines, bridges, or catapults with LEGO bricks.

Spaghetti & Marshmallow Towers

Test structural engineering by designing the tallest, most stable tower using only spaghetti and marshmallows.

Cardboard Engineering

Repurpose recycled materials to create bridges, tunnels, and 3D structures at home.

Final Thoughts

STEM education doesn’t have to be boring or intimidating! With interactive coding robots like Ozobot Evo, free coding platforms, and hands-on science activities, kids can explore, experiment, and develop essential problem-solving skills while having fun.

Get Started Today!

Visit Ozobot to explore STEM kits, coding robots, and free lessons that make learning exciting in 2025!

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Fun Fall STEM Activities with Ozobot: Autumn Learning Adventures https://ozobot.com/fun-fall-stem-activities-with-ozobot-autumn-learning-adventures/ https://ozobot.com/fun-fall-stem-activities-with-ozobot-autumn-learning-adventures/#respond Fri, 18 Oct 2024 21:40:53 +0000 https://ozobot.com/?p=34791 Fall is here! The leaves are changing, and it’s a great time to bring exciting fall-themed STEM activities to your classroom or home. Ozobot, the cool coding robot, offers a fun way to mix seasonal activities with important STEM learning. Let’s explore some awesome Fall STEM activities using Ozobot that kids of all ages will …

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Fall is here! The leaves are changing, and it’s a great time to bring exciting fall-themed STEM activities to your classroom or home. Ozobot, the cool coding robot, offers a fun way to mix seasonal activities with important STEM learning. Let’s explore some awesome Fall STEM activities using Ozobot that kids of all ages will love.

Why Use Ozobot for Fall STEM Activities?

Ozobot is perfect for fall STEM learning because:

  1. It’s hands-on: kids learn by doing, which means Ozobot is a great fit for active learners.
  2. It teaches coding: students pick up basic programming ideas easily.
  3. It sparks creativity: users can come up with their own solutions to problems.
  4. It works for everyone: whether you’re in elementary, middle school, or high school Ozobot has something for learners of every level.

Now, let’s jump into our favorite Fall activities!

1. All About Apples

What you need: Evo robot, Apple Catcher, Colored Paper (red, yellow, and green), Timer, Activity Sheet, Blockly Editor

Did you know that right now is the best time to harvest apples? In this lesson, students will use their Ozobot Apple Catcher and Ozobot Blockly to catch as many apples as they can!

What kids learn: Students will demonstrate programming skills by writing code to move Ozobot in the desired direction to collect apples. Students will classify apples by color to create a bar graph and show further understanding by making comparisons and analysis of the data.

2. Monster Mash Off

What you need: Two Evos per group, Half of a 3’ X 5’ index card per student, markers, Ozobot Blockly, Tape, Ruler

Choreograph a dance for your Ozobot Monster and rival another student in a Monster Mash Dance Off!

What kids learn: Students will gain a deeper understanding of coding with creativity and precision by developing a program for Ozobot to run a dance-off with another student.

3. Ozobot Trick or Treat

What you need: Evo robot, Color Code Markers, Pencil, Crayons, Costume Page, Date Sheet, Trick or Treat Map

One of our most popular lessons in the library, this  Halloween-themed STEM lesson helps Ozobot go trick-or-treating! First, students will plan a path to decide which houses Ozobot will visit, then they will gather data to solve math operations to determine the amount of candy Ozobot will receive.

What kids learn: Students will use Color Codes to program their bot to move around a neighborhood map and visit multiple houses in thirty seconds. Students will collect data about the sequence their bot follows to go trick or treating. Students will solve addition, multiplication, or division problems to determine the amount of candy collected.

4. Spooky Halloween Adventures

Halloween is just around the corner, and we’ve got some great activities to get into the spirit:

  1. Explore our Halloween-themed lessons for more spooky STEM fun.
  2. Read our Spooky Season OzoThings blog for creative Halloween ideas.
  3. Check out our October Lesson Spotlight for featured Halloween activities.
  4. Try some STEAM Lessons in the Kitchen for Halloween to mix cooking with learning.

5. Spooky Patterns

What you need: One Evo robot per group, Color Code Markers, Activity Sheet, Glue Stick & Scissors

In this lesson, students take Ozobot through a spooky trail they’ve programmed with their own Halloween patterns! One student will build a pattern, then the other student will need to build the repetition of the pattern. Together they can code Ozobot to follow that pattern on the trail.

What kids learn: Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of creating and labeling patterns by following a Color Code key to create a spooky trail for Ozobot.

Growing STEM Skills with Ozobot

Fall-themed STEM activities with Ozobot are a great way to get kids excited about learning. These activities don’t just teach coding and robotics – they help young minds solve problems, be creative, and develop a love for learning.

The secret to good STEM teaching is making it fun and relatable. With Ozobot and these Fall activities, you’re setting up a learning adventure as colorful and exciting as the season itself.

Ready to bring Fall STEM fun to your classroom or home? Check out Ozobot’s robots and accessories and resources to start your autumn STEM journey today!

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Ozobot Standards Alignment Tools https://ozobot.com/ozobot-standards-alignment-tools/ https://ozobot.com/ozobot-standards-alignment-tools/#respond Fri, 20 Sep 2024 23:19:00 +0000 https://ozobot.com/?p=33881 In my early years of teaching, I knew there were a lot of things I was “supposed” to be doing. I was supposed to address gum-chewing and covert cell phone use in a way that didn’t disrupt the flow of my lesson. I was supposed to make positive phone calls home at a much higher …

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In my early years of teaching, I knew there were a lot of things I was “supposed” to be doing. I was supposed to address gum-chewing and covert cell phone use in a way that didn’t disrupt the flow of my lesson. I was supposed to make positive phone calls home at a much higher ratio than negative ones. I was supposed to provide written feedback on every single assignment my students took the time to complete. And, I was supposed to ensure that every single lesson and activity met the rigor of the standards before me. 

Each of these things, as it turns out, is much easier said than done. Widely accepted research tells us that teachers make upwards of 1,500 decisions a day, many of them on the spot and in front of 25+ students.  Living in that complex reality made so many of the “supposed tos” feel completely out of reach for me – particularly the one about unpacking and aligning standards. I knew that standards were essential for ensuring consistent, quality instruction, but finding the time and resources to align my lessons with them was overwhelming.

That’s why making Ozobot’s new standards alignment tool was so important to our education team. This tool is designed to simplify the standards alignment process, making it easy for teachers to connect Ozobot lessons to the key educational standards that drive impactful learning. Instead of struggling to piece together standards compliance, on top of everything else, this tool allows educators to seamlessly integrate standards-based coding lessons into their classrooms, ensuring that each lesson not only engages students but also meets critical academic benchmarks.

Ozobot’s standards alignment tool bridges the gap by helping educators identify which lessons meet major standards like ISTE, CSTA, and TEKS Technology. This tool is not just about adding robotics to the classroom; it’s about using Ozobot to meet educational standards effectively, allowing teachers to feel confident that their lessons are standards-compliant and impactful. 

Our standards alignment tool pairs seamlessly with our suite of educator support tools, specifically the Vertical Pacing Guides and Self-Service Professional Development. As teachers navigate our self-paced courses, they can directly apply what they learn by accessing Ozobot lessons that are specifically aligned with key educational standards like ISTE, CSTA, and TEKS. This integration allows educators to immediately see the practical application of standards within the lessons they are exploring, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By combining the pacing guide with the standards alignment tool, educators can maintain consistency, rigor, and standards compliance in their instructional pacing, making it easier to meet academic goals.

As technology continues to reshape every aspect of our lives, many states are prioritizing computer science instruction in K-12 education to prepare students for a tech-driven future. States like Arkansas, Maryland, and South Carolina have recently made significant strides by adopting requirements for computer science education across all grade levels. Arkansas, for instance, was a trailblazer in mandating computer science courses for high school students and has continued to expand its initiatives to ensure students gain essential coding and computational thinking skills from an early age. Maryland passed legislation requiring every public high school to offer at least one computer science course, with efforts underway to broaden access and integrate these standards across K-8 education. South Carolina also requires computer science instruction as part of its high school graduation requirements, reflecting a broader trend among states to embed technology standards in education.

With these growing requirements, educators are faced with the challenge of aligning their lessons with these new mandates, often without clear guidance on how to integrate complex standards into everyday classroom practices. That’s where Ozobot’s standards alignment tool becomes invaluable. It helps teachers easily connect their Ozobot lessons with key computer science standards, whether they are required by state mandates or recommended guidelines. By offering standards-based coding lessons and a standards-aligned robotics curriculum, the tool supports educators in meeting these new expectations while keeping learning engaging and hands-on.

For schools in states like Texas, which emphasizes technology applications in its TEKS standards, or California, which has adopted the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards, Ozobot’s alignment tool provides a direct link between classroom activities and state educational goals. This not only helps teachers meet curriculum requirements but also ensures that students gain the critical STEM skills needed for success in a rapidly evolving digital world. As more states continue to implement and refine technology standards in education, having a resource like Ozobot’s standards guide empowers educators to bring innovative, standards-compliant lessons into their classrooms with confidence.

Teachers can browse robotics lessons aligned to a specific technology strand of standards in one user-friendly platform. This approach not only enhances student engagement but also helps educators maintain classroom standards compliance, offering a streamlined way to bring technology into learning. It’s a tool I wish I had throughout my years in the classroom, and we are so grateful to bring it to you.

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10 Exciting Ozobot STEM Challenges Kids Love: Boost Coding Skills with Hands-On Learning https://ozobot.com/10-exciting-ozobot-stem-challenges-kids-love-boost-coding-skills-with-hands-on-learning/ https://ozobot.com/10-exciting-ozobot-stem-challenges-kids-love-boost-coding-skills-with-hands-on-learning/#respond Tue, 10 Sep 2024 16:48:18 +0000 https://ozobot.com/?p=33685 In today’s tech-driven world, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is more crucial than ever. Ozobot, a leader in educational robotics and coding, offers engaging hands-on activities that spark curiosity and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Here are 10 exciting Ozobot STEM challenges that kids love, perfect for classrooms, home learning, or after-school …

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In today’s tech-driven world, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is more crucial than ever. Ozobot, a leader in educational robotics and coding, offers engaging hands-on activities that spark curiosity and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Here are 10 exciting Ozobot STEM challenges that kids love, perfect for classrooms, home learning, or after-school programs.

1. Ozobot Color Code Maze Challenge

Skills developed: Programming, logical thinking, spatial awareness

2. OzoBlockly

Skills developed: Visual programming, sequencing, algorithmic thinking

  • Materials: Evo, tablet or computer with OzoBlockly
  • Challenge: Complete the Basic Training lessons in OzoBlockly to learn fundamental coding concepts

3. Shape Tracer

Skills developed: Geometry, spatial reasoning, precision in coding

  • Materials: Evo, paper, markers
  • Challenge: Program d to trace various shapes using OzoBlockly or color codes

4. OzoBowling

Skills developed: Physics, measurement, strategic thinking

  • Materials: Evo, Color Code Chart, OzoBlockly, Ozobot Classroom, paper
  • Challenge: Program Evo to navigate the bowling alley and knock over pins.

5. Evo Dance Party

Skills developed: Creativity, sequencing, music and movement

6. OzoFarm Challenge

Skills developed: Problem-solving, agriculture concepts, resource management

  • Materials: Evo, Color Codes, OzoBlockly, Ozobot Classroom
  • Challenge: Program Ozobot to perform various farm tasks like planting crops and feeding animals

7. Infrared Secrets Part 1 and Part 2

Skills developed: Randomization, conditional logic, life lesson about gossiping & sharing secrets

  • Materials: Evo, OzoBlockly, Ozobot Classroom, Blockly Editor
  • Challenge: Transmit a secret using Ozobot’s infrared sensors

8. OzoSports Soccer Challenge

Skills developed: Sports strategy, timing, precision control

  • Materials: Evo, OzoBlockly, printable sports field
  • Challenge: Program Evo to count goals and dodge opponents.

9. Storytelling with Ozobot

Skills developed: Narrative skills, creative writing, bringing a story to life

  • Materials: Evo, Color Codes Chart, paper
  • Challenge: Bring technology into narrating and bringing to life a story. Develop a program that has a moving component.

10. Every Job is Important!

Skills developed: Career awareness, recognizing and understanding how jobs are dependent on other jobs

  • Materials: Evo, Student Maze Sheet, markers, The Top Job Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
  • Challenge: This lesson aims to help students understand that all jobs and specialists depend on other specialists, and if one cannot do his/her job, others might suffer because of a break in the interdependence web.

These engaging Ozobot STEM challenges offer kids the perfect blend of fun and learning. By incorporating hands-on activities like these into education, we can foster a love for science, technology, engineering, and math from an early age. Ozobot’s intuitive design and user-friendly programming interface make it an ideal tool for introducing children to the world of coding and robotics.

Remember, the key to successful STEM learning is encouragement and allowing room for creative problem-solving. So, power up your Ozobots, access these exciting challenges, and watch young minds flourish with curiosity and innovation!

Ready to take STEM learning to the next level? Explore Ozobot’s full range of educational resources, lesson plans, and coding challenges to continue the journey of discovery and innovation!

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Introducing Ozobot Pacing Guides https://ozobot.com/introducing-ozobot-pacing-guides/ https://ozobot.com/introducing-ozobot-pacing-guides/#respond Thu, 05 Sep 2024 22:40:58 +0000 https://ozobot.com/?p=33455 We are thrilled to announce the latest addition to our (free) Educator Resources: Ozobot Vertical Pacing Guides! Ozobot Pacing Guides have been a big hit with educators since their initial release in 2021, and for good reason–they provide educators of all grade levels with a roadmap for guiding students as they begin their Ozobot journey. …

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We are thrilled to announce the latest addition to our (free) Educator Resources: Ozobot Vertical Pacing Guides!

Ozobot Pacing Guides have been a big hit with educators since their initial release in 2021, and for good reason–they provide educators of all grade levels with a roadmap for guiding students as they begin their Ozobot journey.

But we also know that, like most tools in education, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution when planning instruction. Our new Pacing Guides are tailored to STEM educators who see students across grade levels over several years so that instruction can be both paced out and scaffolded. We know your time is precious–no more browsing through the 800+ lessons in our library wondering where to start. Ozobot pacing guides include the best lessons so you don’t get lost in the search bar.

Most lessons found in our Pacing Guides also feature student-facing instructional videos, and all lessons are standards-aligned to CSTA, ISTE, NGSS, CCSS Math/ELA.

Ozobot Elementary STEM Vertical Pacing Guide

We created a comprehensive vertical scope-and-sequence for Ozobot in Elementary School that builds a strong foundation starting in Kindergarten with Ozobot Color Codes, going all the way through 5th-grade robotics programming. We heard loud and clear that many of our Elementary STEM programs use our bots in every grade and wanted a recommended Ozobot curriculum map. With these guides, coding skills build on one another each year to expose students to new content at increasing levels of complexity. We have included Color Codes as the focus for Kinder, 1st and 2nd grade and Blockly as the focus for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade to pace over several years of instruction with Ozobot. The introductory lessons have been laid out for each coding type while ensuring students get multiple at-bats with both color coding and block-based coding.

Ozobot Middle School Computer Science Pacing Guide

Our Middle School Pacing Guide is a blueprint for Middle School teachers who have students with varying degrees of skill, interest, and expertise in coding and robotics – all in one class section.

Level 1 takes students through the basics of both types of coding students can do with Ozobot: color codes and Ozobot Blockly.

Level 2 allows students to practice their color code and blockly skills in various contexts and build on their computational thinking and technical skillsets.

Level 3 is for advanced students who are ready to push their programming with more sophisticated blocks of code. Coding skills build on one another within and throughout the levels to expose students to new content at increasing levels of complexity.
If your state has recently adopted CS standards then this guide is an ideal resource and demonstrates how Ozobot can meet CS requirements for middle school.


How to Use the Pacing Guides


Our new Pacing Guides come in both PDF and Google Sheets format and include direct links to lessons. To access the lessons, log in or create an account at classroom.ozobot.com (it’s FREE for educators!)

With up to 30 lessons per grade level, Pacing Guides are designed to keep students and teachers engaged for an entire school year, but they’re also flexible and can be tailored to the needs of your school, class, or camp. Your actual lesson pacing can include a regular cadence of:

  • One lesson per week for a year
  • 2-3 lessons per week for a semester or unit

Each lesson runs 45-60 minutes. Featured lessons include Introduction to Color Codes and Introduction to Blockly lessons, which provide a solid, grade-level-differentiated CS foundation for your students with and without screens. Student-facing instructional videos make it easy to lead instruction, whether you’re a STEM Teacher or an English teacher with zero computer science or coding experience! These lessons are aligned with CSTA standards, meaning they can help you reach new goals if your state has adopted CSTA standards or has state-specific CS standards that can be mapped to CSTA.

What’s Included?


When it comes to teaching the lesson content, check out the Full Lesson Plan to find everything you need and the flexibility to teach as you choose. There you’ll find:

  • Synchronous Lesson Plan (with Direct Instruction Steps)
  • Instructional Video
  • Student Activity Guide
  • Student Activity Sheets
  • Teacher Answer Key/Potential Solution

Almost all lessons in the Pacing Guides, including all the Introduction to Color Codes and Introduction to Blockly lessons, feature student-facing instructional videos. These are a great solution for remote and hybrid models, and even in the classroom some educators find that using the instructional videos gives them time to check in on students and provide individualized support and instruction as needed. If you prefer to lead instruction yourself, follow the Direct Instruction steps also included in each Lesson Plan.


Meet the Curriculum Development Team


Ozobot Pacing Guide lessons, scope, and sequence were all designed by the Ozobot EDU team. Meet this group of passionate, credentialed teachers with real classroom experience and specializations in instructional tech, curriculum development, and PD.

Michaela Baruch, Vice President of Education Strategy
M.Ed. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education – University of Colorado Denver
B.A. – Secondary Education and English Literature – University of Colorado Boulder
Certification – Special Education Leadership – Relay Graduate School of Education

Prior to stepping into her role as the head of Ozobot’s Education team, Michaela spent 15 years working in public education, primarily in the middle school space. Most recently, she oversaw teacher development for a district of 16 secondary schools in the city of Denver. She taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade ELD, Literacy, and Composition and was an instructional coach and school leader for seven years.


Jen Maher, Curriculum Developer & Professional Development Specialist
M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction – Weber State University
B.A. – Brigham Young University


Jen’s journey in education has been multifaceted, spanning roles as a teacher, tutor, artist-in-residence, and professional development specialist. She is a dedicated educator with over 12 years of classroom experience and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction. For nearly five years, she has immersed herself in the world of Ozobot, bringing innovation and excitement to various learning environments.

Jordan Hanna, Curriculum Developer
Masters in Elementary Education and Teaching – University of Southern California
B.A. – California Polytechnic State University


Jordan focuses on developing Ozobot curriculum and marketing content for Ozobot. She has taught both kindergarten and 5th grade, and spent 3 years tutoring elementary and middle school students. Jordan previously worked at a marketing agency, providing social media and public relations support to technology companies.

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Navigating the STEELS Standards: Download the Free Ozobot Integration Guide! https://ozobot.com/navigating-the-steels-standards-download-the-free-ozobot-integration-guide/ Wed, 28 Aug 2024 18:36:33 +0000 https://ozobot.com/?p=33199 With the recent adoption of the STEELS (Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Literacy, and Sustainability) standards, schools across Pennsylvania are looking for effective ways to navigate the new science guidelines. The STEELS standards emphasize a holistic approach to science education, integrating critical thinking, problem-solving, and sustainability into the core of student learning. As educators adjust to …

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With the recent adoption of the STEELS (Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Literacy, and Sustainability) standards, schools across Pennsylvania are looking for effective ways to navigate the new science guidelines. The STEELS standards emphasize a holistic approach to science education, integrating critical thinking, problem-solving, and sustainability into the core of student learning. As educators adjust to these standards, finding resources that align with the STEELS framework becomes crucial for implementation.

Navigating STEELS Standards with Free Ozobot Resources

We’ve created a STEELS Standards Integration Guide to support teachers during this transition using free lessons from the Ozobot Classroom library. This guide is organized by grade level, making it easy for educators to find lessons that align with specific standards. Each lesson has been carefully selected to ensure it meets the new requirements and engages students with interactive and hands-on learning experiences. The result is a resource that helps educators integrate STEELS into their existing curriculum.

‘Trait Matchup’ Third Grade Lesson

One example of a lesson that fits perfectly within the STEELS framework is the “Trait Match Up” activity. In this lesson, students use the Evo robot to select traits from two-parent animals to create offspring randomly. Students then draw the resulting offspring, exploring the concepts of genetics and variation creatively and engagingly. This lesson is ideal for a classroom station and can easily be scaled to include 3D printing or 3D art, allowing students to bring their creativity to the table.

Incorporating Ozobot into Your Curriculum

It’s important to note the Ozobot STEELS Standards Integration Guide is not intended to be a standalone science curriculum. Instead, it offers a variety of hands-on and project-based learning activities that can be easily incorporated into your existing lesson plans, whether as a project, a classroom station, or an enrichment activity. These activities allow K-5 students to apply STEELS concepts in real-world contexts, making science both fun and meaningful.

Download the Guide

Ready to take the next step? Download the Ozobot STEELS Standards Integration Guide here!

If you have lesson ideas for the missing standards, please submit them using the Lesson Creator Tool in Ozobot Classroom. 

For questions about implementing Ozobot in your classroom or for more information on the Ozobot STEELS Standards Integration Guide, please reach out to Nathan Hack, Ozobot’s Account Executive for Pennsylvania, at nathan@ozobot.com. Nathan is readily available to assist with any inquiries and help you maximize Ozobot’s resources in your classroom.

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Ozobot 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Implementing Ozobot in Your Classroom https://ozobot.com/ozobot-101-a-beginners-guide-to-implementing-ozobot-in-your-classroom/ Mon, 26 Aug 2024 21:42:00 +0000 https://ozobot.com/?p=33080 Whether you’re just starting with Ozobot or exploring how this coding robot can fit into your school or classroom, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of the Ozobot platform and provide tips for seamless instruction for using Ozobot in your classroom. We’ll also share our best …

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Whether you’re just starting with Ozobot or exploring how this coding robot can fit into your school or classroom, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of the Ozobot platform and provide tips for seamless instruction for using Ozobot in your classroom. We’ll also share our best tools and resources to help you plan your lessons for the year.

What is Ozobot and How Does It Work?

Ozobot offers coding robots and STEAM-based learning solutions. With our robots, there are two primary methods for coding: Color Codes and Blockly. Here’s a quick overview of both:

  1. Programming with Color Codes is a screen-free option for coding using Color Code Markers or Color Code Magnets. Color Codes are patterns of 2, 3, or 4 color blocks that program Ozobot to perform certain actions. To get started, you’ll need a piece of paper, markers, and a Color Codes Chart containing all the codes that Ozobot recognizes.
  2. Programming with Ozobot Blockly allows students to create programs using intuitive drag-and-drop blocks. The platform offers a range of levels, from beginner to advanced, with various block categories to explore. Students can run Blockly on a device, such as a laptop, tablet, or Chromebook, and easily connect to their Ozobot via Bluetooth.

Just Received Your Ozobots? Here’s What to Do Next

So, you’ve either just received a brand new set of Ozobots, or perhaps you’ve been gifted a dusty set from another teacher’s closet. Now what? Follow these 3 steps to get started and successfully implement Ozobot in your classroom. 

  1. Head to Ozobot Classroom and create your free account to access hundreds of lessons aligned with academic standards, including ISTE, CSTA, NGSS, and more!
  2. For those new to coding, watch the Basic Training Series that teaches how to use both Color Codes and Blockly. The lessons include videos that guide you and your students step-by-step, making it easy to facilitate the activity.
  3. Easily search for lessons by grade, subject, coding method, and more. We offer hundreds of lessons and upload new ones monthly for you to implement in your classroom. Enjoy fun, seasonal lessons like Run Turkey, Run for Thanksgiving or Ozobot Goes Ice Skating for winter!

Unlocking STEAM Potential with Ozobot in Your Classroom

  1. We’ve created Pacing Guides for Kindergarten through middle school to help you plan out lessons year-over-year. These guides start with review lessons from previous years and gradually introduce more complex coding skills. Our middle school guide is divided into three levels, catering to students with varying degrees of skill and experience.
  2. Use our Standards-Alignment document to find lessons that meet specific educational standards, including CSTA, ISTE, NGSS, TEKS, and Florida standards.
  3. If you have access to a 3D printer, check out our 3D CAD Library where you can download files to print accessories for your Ozobot. Use our Ozobot-created lessons to connect various disciplines of STEAM education while integrating 3D-printed accessories, such as our Bowling with Ozobot activity!

Seamless Setup

Setting up for a lesson with Ozobot in your classroom is straightforward. At the beginning of each school year, updating your bots to ensure they are running the latest firmware is good practice. For Color Code lessons, the only setup required, beyond lesson preparation, is calibrating your bots and printing out the activity sheets. If you’re using Ozobot Blockly, make sure to rename your bots and print any necessary activity sheets. Remember, the battery life of an Ozobot is about one hour of continuous use, and it takes approximately an hour to charge fully.

We Are Here to Support

If you need hands-on support or would like us to present an Ozobot training session, we offer in-person, virtual, and self-paced asynchronous options covering Color Codes, Ozobot Blockly, and lesson integration. For more information, you can email sales@ozobot.com. Additionally, we have monthly webinars led by the Ozobot EDU Team to dive deep into more technical applications of Ozobot.

If you encounter any technical issues, our support team is quick and thorough—just send a detailed email to support@ozobot.com.

With these tools and resources, you’re well on your way to successfully integrating Ozobot in your classroom. Happy coding!

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Back to School 2024 with Ozobot: Your Ultimate Guide https://ozobot.com/back-to-school-2024-with-ozobot-stem-education-your-ultimate-guide/ Tue, 06 Aug 2024 20:45:54 +0000 https://ozobot.com/?p=32414 As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, educators everywhere are gearing up for another exciting academic year. With the ever-evolving landscape of technology and education, preparing for back-to-school as an educator has never been more crucial. This year, make the transition smoother and more innovative with the help of Ozobot STEM education tools. In …

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As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, educators everywhere are gearing up for another exciting academic year. With the ever-evolving landscape of technology and education, preparing for back-to-school as an educator has never been more crucial. This year, make the transition smoother and more innovative with the help of Ozobot STEM education tools. In this guide, we’ll explore how to prep for back-to-school, highlight essential tools and tech, and showcase the best Ozobot products for back-to-school 2024, including the Evo Classroom Kit and Color Code Magnet Kits.

How to Prep for Back-to-School as an Educator

1. Organize Your Curriculum

Begin by reviewing and updating your curriculum to incorporate the latest educational trends and technologies. Integrating Ozobot classroom activities can enhance your STEM curriculum, making it more engaging and interactive for students. Plan your lessons around coding, robotics, and problem-solving to keep students excited about learning.

2. Create an Inviting Classroom Environment

A welcoming classroom environment fosters a positive learning atmosphere. Decorate your classroom with colorful posters, organize seating arrangements for collaborative learning, and set up designated areas for STEM projects with Ozobot. This not only makes the space inviting but also emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning.

3. Plan Interactive Lessons

Interactive lessons are key to keeping students engaged. Incorporate Ozobot coding lessons into your daily schedule to introduce students to the basics of programming and robotics across a variety of subjects, including Science, ELA, and Math. Use resources such as Ozobot Classroom, Ozobot’s free lesson library, to find pre-made lessons and activities that align with your curriculum goals.

4. Prepare Essential Supplies

Ensure you have all the necessary supplies for the school year. Stock up on essential items like markers, paper, rulers, and other materials needed for Ozobot coding activities. Having these supplies ready will save you time and help you smoothly transition into the new school year.

5. Engage with Parents and Guardians

Effective communication with parents and guardians is vital. Host an open house or send out newsletters to inform them about the exciting projects their children will be participating in. Highlight the benefits of STEM education and how Ozobot can enhance their child’s learning experience.

Tools & Tech to Make Back to School an Easier Transition

1. Digital Lesson Plans

Leverage digital tools to create and share lesson plans. Platforms such as Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams make it easy to distribute assignments, track student progress, and provide feedback. Integrating Ozobot coding activities into these platforms allows for seamless lesson execution and monitoring.

2. Interactive Whiteboards

Interactive whiteboards are fantastic for visual learning and collaboration. Use them to display Ozobot coding activities, demonstrate programming basics for children, and engage students in group problem-solving tasks. Interactive whiteboards make lessons more dynamic and interactive.

3. Ozobot Classroom

Ozobot Classroom is a comprehensive platform designed to support educators in integrating Ozobot into their teaching. Ozobot Classroom offers hundreds of free lesson plans, activities and coding challenges for grades K-12. Utilize this platform to enhance your teaching and provide students with a rich learning experience.

4. Classroom Management Apps

Classroom management apps like ClassDojo and Remind help you stay organized and communicate effectively with students and parents. Use these apps to send reminders about upcoming Ozobot lessons, track student behavior, and share classroom updates.

5. Online Coding Courses 

Supplement your teaching with online coding courses for kids. Websites like Code.org offer free resources and tutorials that align with Ozobot STEM education. These courses provide additional practice and reinforce the concepts taught in the classroom. For educators looking to

Best Ozobot Products for Back to School 2024

Evo Classroom Kit

The Evo Classroom Kit is perfect for introducing students to the world of coding and robotics. This kit includes everything you need to get started with Ozobot STEM education in the classroom. Available in sets of 12 or sets of 18 robots. Features include:

  • Evo Robots: Versatile desk-friendly robots that teach students programming basics through fun and interactive activities.
  • Color Code Markers: Allow students to create Color Codes by drawing paths that Evo follows, making coding accessible, hands-on, and exciting. 
  • Getting Started Guide: Provides step-by-step instructions for setting up and using Evo in the classroom.

Color Code Magnet Kits 

The Color Code Magnet Kits are a fantastic addition to any K-5 classroom. These kits allow students to learn coding through hands-on activities that involve creating color-coded paths for their Ozobot Evo robot to follow. Benefits include:

  • Engaging Learning: Students can see the immediate results of their coding efforts as their Ozobot follows the color-coded paths.
  • Interactive Lessons: These kits encourage collaboration and problem-solving among students.
  • Easy Integration: The magnet kits are easy to set up and use, making them ideal for any classroom setting.

OzoGoes to the Solar System STEAM Kit

OzoGoes to the Solar System

Engage students in exploring the wonders of the solar system while learning fundamental STEAM concepts and engineering skills with OzoGoes to the Solar System. This STEAM Kit Gain is designed to supplement classroom learning, and offers ready-to-go creative and educational activities that encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration through practicing real-world applications. Benefits include:

  • Interactive, Hands-on Project: One kit engages groups or individual learners
  • Standards-Aligned Lessons: Ready-to-go lessons, activities, and fact cards aligned with NGSS
  • Additional Resources: QR code to access free digital STEAM Kit lessons in Ozobot Classroom

Using Ozobot to Transform Your Classroom

Preparing for back-to-school 2024 as an educator is an exciting opportunity to embrace new tools and technologies that can enhance your teaching and engage your students. By incorporating Ozobot STEM education into your curriculum, you can make learning fun, interactive, and impactful. From organizing your curriculum and creating an inviting classroom environment to utilizing essential tools and tech, this guide has provided you with the insights and resources needed to make a successful transition.

Don’t miss out on the benefits of Ozobot for your classroom. Explore the Evo Entry Kit, Evo Classroom Kit, and Color Code Magnet Kits today to bring coding and robotics to life for your students. 

Ready to transform your classroom with Ozobot? Visit shop.ozobot.com to purchase the Evo Classroom Kit and Color Code Magnet Kits. 

By following these steps and utilizing the best educational tools and products, you’ll be well-prepared for an engaging and successful school year with Ozobot. For more tips, resources, and products, visit the Ozobot blog or follow @ozobot on social media and start planning your best school year yet!

Happy teaching!


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Ozobot’s New Self-Service PD Platform: Professional Learning When You Want, Where You Want https://ozobot.com/ozobots-new-self-service-pd-platform-professional-learning-when-you-want-where-you-want/ https://ozobot.com/ozobots-new-self-service-pd-platform-professional-learning-when-you-want-where-you-want/#respond Tue, 16 Apr 2024 20:23:20 +0000 https://ozobot.com/?p=31277 Here at Ozobot, we know one thing for certain: teachers are the best. There’s nothing more inspiring than engaging with educators who leverage our products to ignite, captivate, and propel their students to the next level of critical thinking. And, we also know that teachers’ most precious commodity–time–is under constant demand. For that reason, we …

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Here at Ozobot, we know one thing for certain: teachers are the best. There’s nothing more inspiring than engaging with educators who leverage our products to ignite, captivate, and propel their students to the next level of critical thinking. And, we also know that teachers’ most precious commodity–time–is under constant demand.

For that reason, we have created our self-service professional development platform,  so teachers can obtain the critical computer science development they are looking for at a time and place that works for them. This hub for professional learning will provide an array of courses tailored to educators and partners alike. It is ideal for anyone seeking to broaden their comprehension of coding, encompassing both the conceptual framework and the practical steps required to seamlessly incorporate Ozobot into their daily classroom routines. And the best part? Teachers can access the learning when they are in the head space to do so. 

Our platform offers an asynchronous learning experience coupled with immediate access to Ozobot’s wealth of educational materials. It allows schools the flexibility to introduce our products to teachers at any time throughout the year, eliminating the need to coordinate schedules for in-person or group sessions. 

Ozobot’s self-service platform launches today with three courses: 

  1. Creative Coding with Ozobot Color Codes
    This comprehensive course is designed for educators seeking to integrate Ozobot Color Codes into their classrooms to enhance learning and introduce young students to the basics of programming and computational thinking (CT). Through a series of interactive modules, participants will explore the fundamentals of Ozobot Color Codes, delve into creative problem-solving and storytelling, and learn how to effectively integrate these tools across various subjects to support curriculum standards.
  2. Ozobot Blockly Essentials
    A course designed to equip educators with the tools and insights necessary to bring coding to life in the classroom. Through engaging modules and practical application, this course lays the foundation for integrating programming across various subjects, empowering students to explore, innovate, and solve real-world problems.  
  3. Innovating with Ozobot Blockly
    A comprehensive journey into the world of advanced coding techniques and the transformative potential of Ozobot in the classroom. This course is designed for educators ready to take their skills to the next level, offering an in-depth exploration of advanced programming concepts such as conditional logic, variables, functions, and sensor integration. Through a combination of theoretical understanding and hands-on practice, participants will learn to harness the full power of Ozobot Blockly, enabling them to create dynamic and interactive learning experiences that inspire and engage students.

We are so excited to meet the needs of our teachers because we know it means incredible things for students. If you are still looking for that special touch live or in-person professional development provides, check out our other PD offerings!

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