Thames & Kosmos Kids First Coding & Robotics

Meet Sammy! This cute little peanut butter and jelly sandwich is actually a coding robot that teaches coding principles and skills to children in grades K-2. You don’t need a tablet, smartphone, or computer to program this robot. Instead, create programs by simply laying down a sequence of physical code cards. As the robot drives over the code cards, an OID optical scanner on the bottom of the robot reads the code cards one by one and loads the program.

Next, place the robot on a grid made of map coding cards, and the robot runs the program. There are 38 different map cards included, allowing you to run more complex programs once you get the hang of it!

Program the robot to move in different directions, activate its output gear, light up its LED, play sounds, and respond to different function cards. The integrated output gear allows you to build simple robotic creations with arms or other moving parts that respond according to the program’s instructions. This robot kit also teaches physical engineering and problem solving skills through a series of building and coding lessons.

The 30 lessons align with standards for computer science education developed by the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) and the International Society for Technology (ISTE) Education, as well as courses from Code.org. With lessons progressing in complexity through the illustrated manual, the kit is appropriate for kids as young as 4 (with adult help) and as old as 8.

The lessons cover six key areas in coding:

• sequencing,
• loops,
• events,
• conditionals,
• functions,
• and variables.

Besides Sammy, there are five other stories, each with a series of model-building and coding challenges and lessons related to it. A mouse moves through a maze to find cheese. A penguin wanders around a zoo. A soccer player moves a ball into the goal. A fire truck puts out a fire, and a factory robot performs tasks in a factory scene. A full-color 64-page illustrated manual guides kids through 30 coding lessons and the assembly of the different models. All models use the same robotic base unit.  

Bonus: A special math mode offers simple lessons in number comparisons, addition, variables, and algorithms for hands-on math explorations. Just switch the robotic base unit to math mode and program your robot in the same way as before, this time with the goal of solving specific math problems.

You provide three AA batteries. 

Warning: Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc), or rechargeable (nickel-cadmium) batteries. Not suitable for children under 3 years. Keep the packaging and instructions as they contain important information.

Note: The Kids First Coding and Robotics Challenge Pack introduces 8 new models & builds upon the lessons from this Coding & Robotics kit. With each new challenge, kids expand their skills & Sammy's robotic world! 

• 2018 ASTRA Best Toys for Kids winner (Bots category)
• 2018 ASTRA Best Toys for Kids winner (Bots category)
• The Toy Insider's 2018 STEM 10 list
• 2018 NAPPA Winner
• 2018 Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner
• 2019 Toy of the Year finalist (Tech Toy category)

Thames & Kosmos Kids First Coding & Robotics contents:

• 417 pieces
• 30 experiments
• 38 map cards
• 64-page, full-colored illustrated lesson plan and experiment manual