Understanding the Importance of Time-Telling Skills

Mastering the ability to read both analog and digital clocks is foundational for children’s daily lives. It fosters punctuality, responsibility and enhances cognitive skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving. Engaging with analog clocks, in particular, aids in understanding the concepts of fractions and spatial reasoning, as children interpret the positions of the hour and minute hands.

Introducing Ozo Tells Time: An Interactive Learning Experience

The Ozo Tells Time STEAM Kit is designed to transform the traditional method of teaching time into an interactive and enjoyable experience. By pairing with the Evo coding robot, this kit allows students to explore hours and minutes in a hands-on manner. The inclusion of fraction-of-the-clock pieces provides a visual representation of how clocks are divided into quarters, halves, and thirds, reinforcing essential math skills related to fractions. ​

Key Features and Educational Benefits

1. Hands-On Learning: Students actively engage with the clock components, moving beyond passive learning to a tactile experience that reinforces understanding.​
2. Integration with Coding: By utilizing the Evo robot, students not only learn to tell time but also gain introductory exposure to coding and robotics, aligning with STEAM education goals.​
3. Comprehensive Curriculum: The kit includes ready-to-use lessons covering topics such as differentiating between AM and PM, reading 24-hour time, and relating daily routines to specific times. ​
4. Collaborative Learning: Designed to engage up to four students per kit, Ozo Tells Time promotes teamwork and communication skills as students work together to solve time-related challenges.

Aligning with Daylight Saving Time

With daylight saving time approaching, Ozo Tells Time offers a timely opportunity to discuss the concept of time changes with students. Educators and parents can use the kit to explain why clocks are adjusted and how it affects daily schedules, making the learning experience relevant and current.​

Supporting Educators and Parents

Ozo Tells Time is not only a tool for students but also a valuable resource for educators and parents. The kit’s structured lessons and activities provide a clear roadmap for teaching time-telling skills, ensuring that instructional time is used efficiently. For parents, it offers an opportunity to engage with their children’s learning in a meaningful way, reinforcing concepts at home

The ability to tell time is a crucial life skill that serves as a foundation for various aspects of daily life and academic learning. The Ozobot Ozo Tells Time STEAM Kit brings this learning to life through interactive, hands-on experiences that resonate with students. As we prepare for the upcoming daylight saving time change, integrating this kit into educational settings can enhance students’ understanding of time, making the transition smoother and more educational.​

By embracing innovative tools like Ozo Tells Time, we equip our children with the skills they need to navigate the world confidently and competently.

The post Prep for Daylight Savings with Ozo Tells Time appeared first on Ozobot.

Spring is in the air, and with it, new opportunities to invest in your classroom! The March edition of the Ozobot Grant Report delivers a fresh batch of funding designed to empower your K-12 students with engaging STEM and CTE experiences. Dive in to discover how you can leverage Ozobot’s innovative solutions to build impactful programs. Don’t forget to utilize our free Grant & Funding Tool for expert guidance on grant writing and program development.

New & Noteworthy 

Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center Program Cohort

State: WV

Intent to apply deadline: March 21, 2025

Application deadline: April 18, 2025

To support opportunities for communities to establish or expand high-quality activities in community learning centers that provide quality out-of-school time for academic enrichment opportunities, offer families opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in their children’s education, and offer students programs and services complimentary to their academics.

Eligible Ozobot product: 

• Evo
• Ari
• ORA
• STEAM Kits
• Challenge Mats
• Professional Development
• Curriculum

Quick facts: 

• Up to $250,00 available for eligible applicants 
• Application deadline is 4/18/25
• Learn more here 

South Dakota Workforce Education Grant

State: SD

Application deadline: March 28, 2025

The Workforce Education Grants provide Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in South Dakota the opportunity to make transformative change in career and technical education programs. High quality CTE programs give students the knowledge, skills and experiences to be well prepared for postsecondary education and the workforce. Partnerships among secondary education, postsecondary education, and business & industry lay the foundation for modern CTE programs. These grants will efficiently increase the number of students with access to high quality career and technical education programs in the state.

Eligible Ozobot product:

• ORA
• Ari

Quick facts:

• Up to $225,000 available
• Application deadline is 3/28/25
• Learn more here

North Carolina Digital Learning Initiative

State: NC

Application deadline: April 11, 2025

As the landscape of education continues to change across the state, the competitive Digital Learning Initiative Grants will support Public School Units (PSUs) as they address challenges, harness opportunities, and leverage resources for digital-age teaching and learning. The intention of these grants is to identify innovation across the state that models digital leadership, supports NC educators in their professional growth, and creates opportunities for student centered learning. All North Carolina Public School Units (PSUs) are eligible to apply for the Digital Learning Initiative Grants. Public School Units is an all inclusive term, which includes traditional public school districts, charter schools, lab schools, and regional schools.

Eligible Ozobot product:

• Evo
• Ari
• Professional Development
• Curriculum

Quick facts: 

• Up to $95,000
• Application deadline: April 11, 2025
• Learn more here

The Texas ACE High-Quality Summer Pilot

State: TX

Application deadline: March 13, 2025

The Texas ACE High-Quality Summer Pilot will strengthen the summer programming at existing Texas ACE centers using the Texas Summer Learning Framework.

The goals of the Texas ACE High-Quality Summer Pilot include:

• Support grantees in incorporating research-based practices that have been shown to reduce
  summer learning loss and improve student outcomes
• Support grantees in receiving guidance from summer learning experts to use data to inform
  summer program design and implementation
• Support grantees with developing and implementing a comprehensive impact reporting system
  to gather qualitative and quantitative data, showcasing the positive outcomes of the summer
  program to stakeholders.

Eligible Ozobot product: 

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

Quick facts: 

• Up to $55,000 available
• Application deadline is 3/13/25
• Apply here

Computer Science Professional Development Program

State: AZ

Application deadline: June 30, 2025

For schools that serve 9-12 grades and are going to offer a new computer science course(s). Funds must be used for professional development in computer science. The new computer science course must be offered by the school within two years of the grant application approval. Grants are awarded on a first come, first served basis, with priority given to rural schools and schools with 60% or more of their students eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch.

Eligible Ozobot product: 

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

Quick facts: 

• Up to $25,000 available for eligible applicants 
• Application deadline is 6/30/25
• Apply here 

Iowa Computer Science Endorsement Fund

State: IA

Application deadline: May 31, 2025

The goal of this grant funding is to build the capacity of teachers to provide high-quality computer science instruction on the Iowa Computer Science Standards. Grant funds must be used to reimburse educators seeking Computer Science or 5-12 CTE Information Technology endorsements for tuition, books, and associated fees.

Eligible Ozobot product:

• Evo
• Ari
• Curriculum

Quick facts: 

• Application deadline is 5/31/25
• Apply here 

Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant

State: MN

Application deadline: March 19, 2025

The Minnesota Department of Education makes this funding available to all eligible entities for the purpose of creating or expanding community learning centers in order to provide high-quality academic support, enrichment, and youth development programs during non-school hours for young people and their families.

Eligible Ozobot product: 

• Evo
• Ari
• ORA
• STEAM Kits
• Challenge Mats
• Professional Development
• Curriculum

Quick facts: 

• A minimum of $50,000 available for eligible applicants 
• Application deadline is 3/19/25
• Apply here 

STEM Scale-Up Program

State: IA

Application deadline: March 4, 2025

Through the educator application and a review process, educators are awarded the opportunity to participate in the selected STEM programs both in and out of the classroom.

• Evo
• Ari
• ORA
• STEAM Kits
• Challenge Mats
• Professional Development
• Curriculum

Quick facts: 

• Application deadline is 3/4/25
• Apply here 

MA Computer Science Professional Development and Devices

State: MA

Application deadline: March 26, 2025

The purpose of this competitive Computer Science (CS) Professional Development (PD) and Devices grant is to support Massachusetts public school teachers in learning Computer Science content and in purchasing student learning devices
for their classrooms. Funds under this grant may be used to attend select summer Professional Learning workshops run by our CS professional development provider CSforMA and purchase classroom devices and accessories associated with that workshop. Optionally, schools may use these funds to purchase devices or accessories for teachers using a CS curriculum marked as “comprehensive” in the Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science Curriculum Guide.

Eligible Ozobot product

• Evo
• Ari
• ORA
• STEAM Kits
• Challenge Mats
• Professional Development
• Curriculum

Quick facts: 

• Application deadline is 3/21/25
• Apply here 

The post Ozobot Grant Report: March 2025 Edition appeared first on Ozobot.

What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM education, and what do you enjoy most about being a K-12 CS & STEM Program Manager? 

I did not start out as a STEM focused educator.  I was a 4th grade teacher the first eight years of my career.  Honestly, science was not my favorite subject growing up. While I was really good at doing work in textbooks, when it came to hands-on or applied learning, I was completely intimidated.  I think that came from a place of inexperience- I didn’t get to actually explore concepts in the real world until middle school and high school where they were now more advanced.  I am also a classic perfectionist, so digging in and experimenting was terrifying, because I could (and probably would) fail from time to time.  When I first got into my own classroom, I attended training on hands-on and problem-based learning where I saw the real benefit in those experiential learning opportunities.  I learned that I don’t have to be uncomfortable not knowing how to do it correctly the first time, and there’s not always a right answer.  Those trainings ignited a passion to help empower my students and help them explore the world, not just memorize the facts and answer the multiple choice questions correctly.  I saw increased engagement as well as increased confidence and joy in learning from all my students.  Science became my students favorite part of the school day, because we asked big questions, and explored all the possible solutions.  When the opportunity arose to take on a STEM education specialist position, I knew that was the right place for me, because I could ensure more students had the opportunity to grow their STEM knowledge through meaningful hands-on activities.  Now as a state level program manager, I get to bring these opportunities to even more students and teachers!

How do you use Ozobot in the K-5 (younger students) and 6-12 (older students) classrooms, and what impact have you seen on student engagement—especially among young girls in STEM?

Ozobot was one of the first robots I had in my STEM classroom.  For K-12 students it is such a low intimidation tool to introduce computational thinking and Computer Science.  As young as pre-K we have talked about sensors and algorithms, and older students get to see their abstract code come to life as they program the robot to accomplish a task.  Whether they are using lines, color codes, blocks, or Python, Ozobot allows students to embrace failure as part of their learning process and to learn through all elements of the experience.  Girls, who are sometimes not as excited about robots, find Ozobot endearing because it can be so easily integrated into areas they are typically more excited about like ELA and the arts. And the reverse is true as well.  Students who feel insecure with content areas are more likely to engage and succeed despite their lack of confidence when Ozobot comes in to facilitate the learning.  Sometimes students forget how much joy there is in learning, and Ozobot reminds them all that learning is so much fun!  

Why do you think it’s important to encourage more girls to explore STEM, and how can educators help break down barriers for them?

Girls begin to endorse stereotypes related to who belongs in CS and STEM and who enjoys CS and STEM activities as early as 1st grade!  Earlier exposure as well as exposure that relates to interests will help more girls see themselves in STEM.  STEM and CS are both embedded in every aspect of society at this point, and we need more female perspectives and participation in creating that technology.

What advice would you give to young girls interested in STEM, and what message do you have for fellow educators working to create inclusive STEM learning environments?

My advice is to ask students what they love- what do they care about?  Ask them what big problems they see? And then ask them, how do YOU think we can solve those problems? Be intentional about selecting activities that are unique or different from other opportunities to show your students all the variety that exists in STEM and help them see how it connects to THEM.

Thank you to Sarah for sharing her work with Ozobot and inspiring girls to pursue STEM in their education journey!

The post Ozobot CE Spotlight: Celebrating Int’l Day of Women and Girls in Science appeared first on Ozobot.

Picture this: a school of 880 students all partake in building an Ozobot Coding City. They start by dividing up five boards per class, then compile a total of 200 boards as the foundation of their city. Up next are the buildings and these students did not disappoint! In Ozobot Coding City, you’ll find your local neighborhood Starbucks, high-end shopping to the likes of Sephora and Lululemon, small-town staples like a library, parks and tunnels, and even an indoor waterpark! The final task? Add a coding track that winds through all 20′ x 13′ of this incredible city for Ozobot robots to cruise. Complete with speed and special move color codes, Evo robots navigated their new city with ease, taking onlookers through a journey of pure delight.

A prime example of the creativity and collaboration Ozobot evokes, this coding city brings to life all the best aspects of STEAM education. Students work in teams to plan and troubleshoot where tracks will go, which color codes will work, how the bots will react and adjust and iterate as needed. It also provides opportunities for critical-thinking and teamwork that spans grade levels, education groups and even subject matter.

We can’t say thank you enough to this school for sharing their amazing creation with us! And if you’re a teacher or parent who is looking for more inspiration, be sure you’re following us on social media, sign up for a free webinar and create an Ozobot Classroom account–it’s free and a must-have resource for downloading standards-aligned lesson content to use with all of our products.

The post Classroom Spotlight: Ozobot Coding City in Houston, TX appeared first on Ozobot.

Happy February! As we settle into the spring semester, we’re bringing you the latest in available funding opportunities to bring engaging, hands-on STEM and CTE learning into your classrooms. The Ozobot Grant Report is your comprehensive guide to finding financial support for building a program with Ozobot’s innovative classroom solutions. For additional support with grant writing, program examples and more, download our free Grant & Funding Tool.

New & Noteworthy 

FY26 Middle School Foundation Academies Planning and Implementation Grant

State: CA

Application deadline: March 31, 2025

The program aims to establish MSFAs to prepare students for participation in a complete, high-
quality career technical education pathway at the local high school.

Eligible Ozobot product: 

• ORA 

Why Ozobot aligns:

• ORA curriculum is specifically aligned with 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 $50,00 available for eligible applicants 
• Application deadline is 3/31/25
• Learn more here 

2025-2026 Elementary Reading Initiative

State: TX

Application deadline: February 21, 2025

The Elementary Reading Initiative (ERI) provides districts with Technical Assistance to support district leaders, campus leaders, and educators to implement high-quality instructional materials and research-based instruction.

Eligible Ozobot product:

• Ozobot Evo with access to over 200 standards-aligned ELA lessons available in Ozobot Classroom

Why Ozobot aligns:

• Evo comes with access to Ozobot Classroom, which offers 200+ ELA lessons for K-12
• This grant calls out adhering to an innovative approach to elementary reading
• Evo provides a hands-on experience which increases student engagement in core content subjects

Quick facts:

• Up to $500,000 available
• Application deadline is 2/21/25
• Learn more here

Teacher Grants for Innovation

State: GA

Application deadline: Rolling

Innovative project designed to improve learning outcomes.

Quick facts: 

• Up to $2,500
• Application deadline is rolling
• Learn more here

The Texas ACE High-Quality Summer Pilot

State: TX

Application deadline: March 13, 2025

The Texas ACE High-Quality Summer Pilot will strengthen the summer programming at existing Texas ACE centers using the Texas Summer Learning Framework.

The goals of the Texas ACE High-Quality Summer Pilot include:

• Support grantees in incorporating research-based practices that have been shown to reduce
  summer learning loss and improve student outcomes
• Support grantees in receiving guidance from summer learning experts to use data to inform
  summer program design and implementation
• Support grantees with developing and implementing a comprehensive impact reporting system
  to gather qualitative and quantitative data, showcasing the positive outcomes of the summer
  program to stakeholders.

Eligible Ozobot product: 

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

Quick facts: 

• Up to $55,000 available
• Application deadline is 3/13/25
• Apply here

Computer Science Professional Development Program

State: AZ

Application deadline: June 30, 2025

For schools that serve 9-12 grades and are going to offer a new computer science course(s). Funds must be used for professional development in computer science. The new computer science course must be offered by the school within two years of the grant application approval. Grants are awarded on a first come, first served basis, with priority given to rural schools and schools with 60% or more of their students eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch.

Eligible Ozobot product: 

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

Quick facts: 

• Up to $25,000 available for eligible applicants 
• Application deadline is 6/30/25
• Apply here 

The post Ozobot Grant Report: February 2025 Edition appeared first on Ozobot.

Join us at a February event near you and experience hands-on demonstrations of Ozobot’s STEAM coding robots and discover how they can transform student engagement, creativity, and learning outcomes. Connect with fellow educators and district leaders to explore classroom solutions, curriculum integration, and funding opportunities tailored for K-12 education. Check out the details below and, as always, reach out for questions or to connect with your rep.

February 1, 2025 – GETEA in Athens, GA

Registration information available here.

February 2-4, 2025 – TCEA in Austin, TX

Join us at booth #1445 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX. Registration information available here.

February 7-8, 2025 – STEAM Symposium in San Diego, CA

Join us at booth #108 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA. Registration information available here.

February 11-13, 2025 – OETC25 in Columbus, OH

Join us at booth #513 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH. Registration information available here.

February 17-19, 2025 – IDEAcon in Schaumburg, IL

Join us at booth #1035 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Schaumburg, IL. Registration information available here.

February 19-21, 2025 – MECA in Jackson, MS

Join us at booth #427 at the Jackson Convention Center in Jackson, MS. Registration information available here.

February 26-28, 2025 – NCCE in Seattle, WA

Join us at booth #511 at the Seattle Convention Center in Seattle, WA. Registration information available here.

The post February 2025 Events appeared first on Ozobot.

Engaging with Educators from Around the Globe

BETT provided the perfect opportunity for us to connect with educators, administrators, and technology leaders from Europe and beyond. We had insightful conversations with teachers eager to bring coding and robotics into their classrooms, and it was inspiring to hear firsthand how Ozobot is already making an impact in schools worldwide.

Showcasing Ari: The Next Step in STEAM Learning

One of the most exciting elements of BETT was introducing Ari, the latest addition to the Ozobot family of K-12 coding robots. Ari is designed to make coding even more intuitive and engaging for students, with its hi-res interactive touchscreen, custom lesson content and the power of the Android platform. Attendees had the chance to interact with Ari’s STEAM lessons for elementary students and see how it empowers learners to jump into coding through both screen-free Color Codes and block-based programming via Ozobot Blockly.

Strengthening Partnerships and Looking Ahead to 2025

Beyond connecting with existing customers, we walked away from BETT energized by the new partnerships we formed with like-minded educators who are anxious to introduce STEAM and core content learning to their students with Ozobot. As global enthusiasm for STEM education continues to grow, we’re excited to work alongside these institutions to expand access to coding and robotics in classrooms everywhere.

Until next year, BETT!

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand, participated in hands-on demos, and shared their passion for STEAM learning with Ozobot. As we look to all 2025 holds, we’re more committed than ever to equipping educators with the tools they need to inspire the next generation of innovators.

Want to stay updated on our latest products, classroom resources, and events? Follow Ozobot on social media and sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know!

The post BETT 2025: Bringing STEAM and Robotics to Educators Worldwide appeared first on Ozobot.

Happy New Year! As schools and districts kick off another exciting semester, there’s no better time to explore funding opportunities that can bring engaging, hands-on learning to your classrooms. The Ozobot Grant Report is your comprehensive guide to exploring financial support for building a program with Ozobot’s innovative STEM and CTE classroom tools. These grants empower educators to introduce computer science in creative ways, boost critical thinking, and prepare students for future careers in tech-driven fields. In this post, we’ll guide you through current grant opportunities available to help schools and districts incorporate Ozobot products into their STEM and CTE programs. Let’s make 2025 a year of innovation in education!

New & Noteworthy 

Schools-To-Work Program Round 5

State: PA

Application deadline: 1/27/25

To support the establishment or enhancement of a workforce development partnerships between schools, employers, nonprofits, workforce development boards, organizations, or associations to create employment and training pathways.

Eligible Ozobot product: 

• ORA 

Quick facts: 

• Up to $250,00 available for eligible applicants 
• Application deadline is 1/27/25
• Apply here 

Middle School Foundation Academies Planning and Implementation Grant

State: CA

Application deadline: 3/31/25

The Middle School Foundation Acadameies Planning and Implementation Grant aims to establish MSFAs to prepare students for participation in a complete, high-quality career technical education pathway at the local high school.

Eligible Ozobot product: 

• ORA 

Why Ozobot aligns:

• ORA curriculum is specifically aligned with 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 $50,000 per district; $1.05M total available
• Application deadline is 3/31/25 
• Apply here

After School Education and Safety (ASES) Program

State: CA 

Application deadline: 1/15/25

The After School Education and Safety (ASES) Program connects schools and local community resources to provide literacy, academic enrichment and safe, constructive alternatives for students in kindergarten through ninth grade. Funding is designed
to: (1) maintain existing before and after-school program funding; and (2) provide eligibility to all elementary and middle schools that submit quality applications throughout California. The application is for new grantees as well as existing grant recipients who wish to increase funding.

Eligible Ozobot product: 

• Evo Classroom Kits 
• Color Code Magnets 
• STEAM Kits 

Quick facts: 

• Up to $203,482.84 available for middle schools
• Application deadline is 1/13/25
• Apply here

Computer Science Professional Development Program

State: AZ

Application deadline: 6/30/25

For schools that serve 9-12 grades and are going to offer a new computer science course(s). Funds must be used for professional development in computer science. The new computer science course must be offered by the school within two years of the grant application approval. Grants are awarded on a first come, first served basis, with priority given to rural schools and schools with 60% or more of their students eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch.

Eligible Ozobot product: 

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

Quick facts: 

• Up to $25,000 available for eligible applicants 
• Application deadline is 6/30/25
• Apply here 

Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant Program

State: PA

Application deadline: Rolling

To identify and teach missing essential skills for entry level applicants for existing or near future open positions, engage youth or those with barriers in awareness building activities of career opportunities in manufacturing, and or advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers.

Eligible Ozobot product: 

• ORA 

Quick facts: 

• Up to $25,000 
• Application deadline is rolling as long as funds remain 
• Apply here

The post Ozobot Grant Report: January 2025 Edition appeared first on Ozobot.

Introducing Challenge Mats: A New Dimension in Learning

This year, we launched a brand-new product category: Challenge Mats. Designed to provide hands-on coding experiences, these themed mats offer students interactive challenges that develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Each of the four mats presents unique scenarios, encouraging learners to apply their coding knowledge in practical, engaging ways using the Evo coding robot and Ozobot Blockly.

Ozo Tells Time: Integrating STEAM with Time-Telling Skills

In our ongoing effort to blend STEAM concepts with essential life skills, we introduced the Ozo Tells Time STEAM Kit. This kit combines coding and robotics with lessons that support reading analog clocks, helping students grasp the concept of time while honing their programming abilities. It’s been a joy to see educators and students embrace this innovative approach to learning.

A Viral Sensation: 12 Million Plays on TikTok!

Our community’s enthusiasm reached new heights when one of our TikToks went viral, garnering over 12 million plays! The video showcased Evo’s quirky side, highlighting the fun and educational experiences our products offer students. We are thrilled to see such widespread excitement and look forward to inspiring even more learners through our social media channels.

Expanding Ozobot Classroom: Over 200 New Standards-Aligned Lessons

Education is at the heart of what we do, and this year we significantly expanded our free online lesson library, Ozobot Classroom. We added over 200 new standards-aligned STEAM lessons, providing educators with a diverse array of resources to enhance their STEAM and core content teaching. These lessons cover various subjects and grade levels, ensuring that students receive comprehensive and engaging STEAM education.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate these milestones, we remain dedicated to our mission of empowering the next generation of creators, innovators, and problem-solvers. We are excited about the future and the opportunities it holds for further creativity in STEAM education. Thank you for being a part of the Ozobot community, we look forward to continuing this journey together in the coming year!

Shop Ozobot anytime at shop.ozobot.com and stay connected with us through our blog and social media channels for the latest updates, resources, and inspiration.

The post 2024 Year in Review 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

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