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Robotics STEM Education Curriculum

 

Engage, excite, and inspire students
through hands-on Robotics experiences.

 
Kids_Robotics_three kids.png

At NextWaveSTEM®, our Robotics STEM Education Course introduces students in Grades K-8 to the fundamentals of robotics and the world of coding. Using Code & Go Robot Mouse, mBot, and mBlocky, students gain practical experience with sequencing, problem-solving, and logical thinking—essential skills for today’s technology-driven world.

With over 15 hours of structured lessons, students will learn to complete step-by-step algorithms, debug errors, navigate mazes, and even build robotic projects. Designed for schools, our turn-key curriculum includes in-person and virtual options, teacher training, and standards-aligned robotics classes. Easy to implement during school, after-school, or as summer programs, these robotic classes prepare students for the future of robotics and AI.

Make Robotics a Part of Your School! Get in touch with us today!

 What is Robotics?

“Robotics is an interdisciplinary sector of science and engineering dedicated to the design, construction and use of mechanical robots.” - BuiltIn


Robots might seem like something of the future - think R2D2 or WALL-E - but the reality is robots are being used today for simple repetitive tasks like tightening screws to an engine and complex tasks such as helping surgeons perform extremely intricate operations.

A robot is a programmable machine that was originally built to help humans handle monotonous tasks, and they can be fully controlled by humans or can perform tasks without much input. 

Who Can Learn Robotics?

At NextWaveSTEM®, we offer Robotics and Stem Education courses for kids and professional development for teachers.

Grades K-2

Introduction to Robots:
What is a Robot?

In this Robotics STEM Education course, students are introduced to robots using Colby the Robot Mouse. They learn how to complete algorithms, how to give and follow directions, read maps, and apply them to Colby for results.

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements: Code & Go® Robot Mouse, Colby

Grades 3-5

Discovery of Robotics:
Coding mBot

Students will build their own mBot and be able to name the components as well. After learning simple algorithms, students will learn how to program their mBot in order to create various tasks and challenges.

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements: mBot®, mBlocky (free software download), iPads or Android tablets

Grades 6-8

Exploration of Robotics:
Coding mBot for a Purpose

Students will learn how to use the mBlock Blockly app to program the mBot and more components such as ultrasonic sensors. They will also begin to understand how to apply these robots to the real world.

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements: mBot®, mBlocky (free software download), iPads or Android tablets.

Grades 9-12

Creation and Evaluation: Coding Microbit for Manufacturing

In this STEM course designed for high schoolers, students will engage in the engineering design process to design, build, and program robots to solve real-world problems.

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements: Micro:bit microcontrollers, various sensors (light, ultrasonic, temperature, color), motors, breadboards, jumper wires, PC/Mac computers with the MakeCode editor.

Why Robotics?

Why should we learn and teach robotics? Because we need designers, developers, and engineers to make today’s robots better and to create new innovations that will improve our lives in the future. We need more people saying, “Hey, I can build a robot that will solve that problem!” Let’s learn some more reasons why students should learn STEM and robotics:

Learn 3 reasons to teach Robotics in 2022!

Developing Advanced Problem-Solving Skills

Robotics classes teach students how machines think and operate, challenging them to debug code, optimize movement, and improve robotic functions. They learn how to build efficient, task-oriented robots that can navigate obstacles, follow commands, and complete complex operations.

Preparing for a World Driven by Automation

From self-driving cars to robotic arms in manufacturing, robotics and AI are transforming industries. Teaching robotics ensures that students understand and contribute to the future of automation rather than just being passive users of technology. 

Robotics uniquely combines coding, electronics, and mechanical engineering, allowing students to see firsthand how software controls physical machines. Unlike traditional programming, robotics provides a hands-on way to test and refine algorithms, making abstract coding concepts more interactive and practical.

Making Learning Robotics Engaging and Impactful

Robotics isn’t just theoretical—it’s hands-on, interactive, and fun. Students don’t just read about technology; they build, code, and experiment with real robots, seeing their creations come to life. This engagement fuels curiosity and innovation, encouraging students to explore future careers in robotics, artificial intelligence, software development, mechatronics, and beyond.

Strengthening Math and Physics Understanding

When students work on robotics projects, they naturally apply concepts like angles, force, acceleration, speed, friction, and energy—all core ideas in math and physics. Instead of solving equations on paper, they’re calculating how far a robot needs to move or what speed it needs to climb a slope without tipping over. These practical application makes math and science more meaningful and easier to grasp, as students can see and feel the results of what they’re learning. It’s STEM education in action—and it sticks.

 How Can I Bring Robotics to My School?

Anyone can teach Robotics! With all NextWaveSTEM® courses, Curriculum & LMS Access, Equipment Kits, and Student Connection Materials are included. The only thing left to decide is whether you want to teach the course or you want a NextWaveSTEM® certified mentor to teach.

Our All-In-One STEM curriculum, equipment and professional development make it easy for you to excite and inspire students through hands-on STEM experiences.

Perfect for schools needing:
- STEM equipment & curriculum
- Professional development

NWS sends trained teachers to your school, during or after school, or for summer programming. They bring the hands-on STEM curriculum, the equipment and the fun!

Perfect for schools needing:
-
Schools needing STEM resources
- After-school or enrichment classes

 FAQs

  • The duration of a robotics STEM education program depends on the grade level and complexity of the curriculum. Our program includes 15 hours of structured lessons, which provide students with a progressive learning experience from basic to advanced robotics concepts. Schools can incorporate this program into either semester or year-long coursework.

  • Yes, students can access online robotics courses to supplement their learning. While our program focuses on classroom instruction with Colby the Robot Mouse and mBot, students can practice coding remotely using platforms like mBlocky. Hybrid options allow students to explore robotics both in class and at home.

  • Yes, students build and program real robots. K–2 use pre-built Colby Mouse,  while Grades 3-8 assemble and program mBot, learning about motors, sensors, and automation.

  • Students can pursue careers in robotics engineering, AI, software development, aerospace, and automotive innovation through a strong foundation in STEM and robotics.

  • STEM robotics builds critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, preparing students for a technology-driven world.

  • Students learn how robotics is used in automation, self-driving cars, AI assistants, disaster response, and space exploration, equipping them with future-ready skills.