Learning Resources
Robotics Company Releases STEM-Teaching Kit
More companies outside of education are attempting to move into the classroom, stating the importance of equipping students with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills. The latest is DFRobot, a robotics and open source hardware provider headquartered in Shanghai, China, which recently released a kit to teach young inventors to think creatively.
Each Boson module is color-coded. Input modules (pictured) are blue. Image: DFRobot.
DFRobot’s Boson Kit includes color-coded, modular electronic building blocks. With more than 50 different modules per set, students learn about sensors and circuit logic hands-on as they build a variety of gadgets. No coding is required to use Boson; however, users learn to program with Scratch, Blockly, Python and JavaScript.
Additionally, Boson is compatible with Arduino, micro:bit, Legos, magnets and more units commonly used in STEM classroom experiments. Modules can also be upgraded to connect to Intel Curie, harnessing machine learning and pattern matching capabilities.
The company also launched a Kickstarter offering 25 percent off Boson, in an effort to raise $36,695 to further develop the product. There are 38 days left in the online campaign and more than 100 backers have pledged $16,867 to date.
DFRobot stresses the impact that robotics can have on fostering STEM concepts. The company has designed more than 1,300 components and widgets — delivering 1.5 million units to 220 countries worldwide to date. To learn more, watch the video below or visit the company site.
About the Author
Sri Ravipati is Web producer for THE Journal and Campus Technology. She can be reached at [email protected].