Rookie Robotics

Rookie Robotics builds on the kids’ coding skills. The teams learn the basics of electronics, motor control, and sensors using a kit based on the Arduino platform. We typically teach Rookie Robotics using the Quarky kit from STEMpedia. However, we can also use the Micro:bit platform popular in many schools. Our next public Rookie Robotics cohort is scheduled for Heatherdowns Branch Library, March 23 – April 20, 2027.

For older students, we use the Evive platform based on the Arduino Mega board. In the very first week, teams wire up an LED circuit on the breadboard and connect a DC motor. Then, they control both devices using Evive’s onboard interface. These basic tasks serve as the foundation for learning how to control their projects with progressively more remote interfaces: first, a joystick, then a phone app, and finally, embedded code. The Evive uses PictoBlox, a customized version of Scratch, as the programming environment. 

We can adapt Rookie Robotics to the needs of your homeschool or youth organization. We furnish all materials, kits, and computers. The host organization supplies the venue and internet access.