LEGO Education: WeDo Robotics
© 2009 LEGO Education North America
See WeDo 2.0. Designed to give students an introduction to robotics, WeDo Robots is a software/hardware bundle that requires a newer Macintosh or Windows computer with a free USB port. The kit is more affordable than LEGO Mindstorms, and makes it easier to zoom in on specific programming concepts. Besides the programming experience, children can better understand working with simple machines, gears, levers, and pulleys. The $40 software features a drag-and-drop icon-based interface. The $130 Construction Set includes 158 pieces -- including a motor, tilt sensor, motion sensor and USB hub. The third component is the Activity Pack ($130), a CD-ROM that features 12 activities which integrate with the WeDo software. The activities are based on four themes: Amazing Mechanisms, Wild Animals, Play Soccer, and Adventure Stories. The Activity Pack allows for installation on all computers in a single school or institution.
$40130, Windows, Mac OSX
Teaches: science, math, programming, writing