Robotics is an exciting field that combines the principles of engineering, programming, and mathematics to create machines that can perform various tasks. With the increasing emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, robotics has become a popular way for students to learn about these subjects in a fun and engaging way. However, many parents of middle schoolers may be hesitant to invest in expensive robotics kits. In this blog post, we will explore some budget-friendly options for educational robotics that parents can consider for their middle schoolers.

1. Lego Spike Prime
Lego Spike Prime is a great start for building a robot and learning Python. The kit comes with everything needed to build and program a robot, including a programmable intelligent brick, motors, sensors, and a variety of Lego Technic elements. The kit also includes lesson plans and activities that teach students how to use the Spike App to program the robot.

While Lego Spike Prime is an excellent option for educational robotics, it can be quite expensive. The kit costs around $329, which may not be feasible for some families. However, if you can afford it, it is a great investment for your child’s education.

2. Build a robot with Arduino Uno, Mega, or Nano
Arduino is an open-source platform that provides a cost-effective and straightforward way to build and program robots. The programming can be done using C/C++ with the free Arduino IDE (integrated development environment) that is available for download from its official website.

There are several Arduino boards available in the market, including Arduino Uno, Mega, and Nano. Parents can purchase these boards from local stores such as Micro Center, which are often cheaper than the official Arduino website. Some of these boards come with a variety of sensors, such as temperature sensors, light sensors, and ultrasonic sensors, which can be used to build a wide range of robots.

Building a robot with Arduino not only teaches students about hardware but also provides them with valuable programming experience. By programming the robot to perform various tasks, students can learn about algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving.

3. Get Arduino Compatibles, such as ELEGOO UNO R3, ELEGOO Mega
In addition to the official Arduino boards, there are also Arduino-compatible boards available in the market. These boards, such as ELEGOO UNO R3 and ELEGOO Mega, are often much cheaper than the official Arduino products and can be purchased on Amazon.

While these boards may not have the same level of quality as the official Arduino boards, they are still an excellent option for parents looking for a cost-effective way to teach their middle schoolers about robotics. These boards are compatible with the same sensors and components as the official Arduino boards and can be programmed using the same languages.

4. Build a robot with Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi is another excellent platform for building robots. Unlike Arduino, Raspberry Pi is a fully functional computer that can run a variety of operating systems, including Linux and Windows 10 IoT Core. Raspberry Pi is also capable of running Python, which is a preferred language for programming robots.

The Raspberry Pi is an exceptional platform for constructing robots that necessitate higher computational power, such as robots utilizing machine learning or computer vision. With the Raspberry Pi, it’s feasible to design robots that can carry out a diverse array of tasks, such as managing a robot arm or directing itself through a maze.

While Raspberry Pi is more expensive than Arduino, it is still a cost-effective option for parents looking to teach their middle schoolers about robotics. Raspberry Pi costs around $45, but will cost more with more built-in memories. There are several kits available that come with all the necessary components to build a robot. Once more, you can discover more affordable prices at a nearby store like Micro Center, as opposed to Amazon.

5. Join School FLL Team
Finally, parents can encourage their middle schoolers to join a FIRST Lego League (FLL) team. FLL is a robotics competition for students aged 9-14 that encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. Teams work together to build and program a Lego robot to complete a series of tasks on a themed playing field. In addition to the robot game, teams are also required to complete a research project on a real-world problem related to the theme.

FLL is an excellent option for middle schoolers who are interested in robotics but may not have the resources or knowledge to build and program a robot on their own. By joining a team, students can learn from experienced coaches and mentors, work collaboratively with their peers, and participate in a fun and challenging competition.

The best part about FLL is that it is free to join. Schools, community organizations, and even groups of friends can form a team and register for the competition. While there may be some expenses associated with building and programming the robot and completing the research project, these can be minimized by using budget-friendly options such as the ones discussed earlier in this blog post.