Why teach coding?

Scratch is a programming language and an online community where children can program and share interactive media such as stories, games, and animation with people from all over the world. As children create with Scratch, they learn to think creatively, work collaboratively, and reason systematically. Scratch is designed and maintained by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab.

Crumble controller is an easy-to-use electronics controller. A few ‘croc’ leads and a USB cable are all you need to connect motors, LEDs and sensors and begin experimenting.

The Crumble is designed to be simple to use by hiding a lot of the complex technical details. While mistakes can still be made – indeed, this is an important part of the learning process – they are usually solvable by the students themselves. This really helps build perseverance and independent thinking. Also, the Crumble is very robust – it’s pretty much impossible to damage by connecting things up wrongly.

At Stem Den we love VEX Robotics as children can start building and programming from the age of 5 with the VEX 123 kits. VEX GO incorporates programming with developing knowledge about mechanisms, such as gears and levers and will happily see the children through to the end of Year 6. Incorporated with a stimulating theme with problem solving at the route, children have ownership over their project work and are doing so much more than following prescribed instructions.

Our VEX IQ is suitable for novice builders of 11 years + a opportunity to get started as well as challenge the more able and experienced of young people.