Dash Roboter for STEM Learning and Fun

Dash robots are an amazing tool for kids to learn about STEM concepts in a fun and interactive way. They're designed to encourage curiosity and creativity, and can be used in a variety of educational settings.

Dash robots are equipped with sensors and motors that allow them to move around and interact with their environment. This helps kids develop problem-solving skills and learn about programming and coding.

One of the best things about Dash robots is how easy they are to use. The Dash app makes it simple for kids to create and program their own adventures, even if they have no prior experience with coding.

With Dash, kids can learn about real-world concepts like physics, math, and computer science in a hands-on way.

The Dash robot is built with a range of hardware and components that make it a fun and educational device for kids.

The robot's brain is a powerful computer that runs a custom-built operating system, allowing it to process information and interact with its surroundings.

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The Dash robot has a range of sensors, including a camera, infrared sensors, and an accelerometer, which help it navigate and interact with its environment.

These sensors allow the robot to detect obstacles, track movement, and even recognize faces, making it a great tool for teaching kids about computer science and programming.

The Dash Robot is a versatile device that can connect to a wide range of devices via Bluetooth.

It's compatible with many iOS devices, so if you're an iPhone user, you're all set.

The Dash Robot also works with Android machines, making it a great option for those with Samsung or Google Pixel smartphones.

If you're a Kindle user, you'll be happy to know that the Dash Robot is compatible with those devices as well.

Chromebook machines are also on the list of approved devices, so you can use the Dash Robot with your Chromebook without any issues.

Dash and Dot's batteries are inbuilt and not replaceable, which means you'll need to replace the whole unit after a few years.

Lithium-Ion batteries, like the ones used in Dash and Dot, have a tendency to eventually stop holding a charge.

These batteries are long lasting, lasting for about 5 hours, and rechargeable, taking about 90 minutes to recharge.

You won't need to constantly run out to buy AA batteries like with other robot kits, thanks to Dash and Dot's inbuilt batteries.

The Blockly app is the main programming environment for Dash and Dot, and it's incredibly easy to use. Kids can drag and drop blocks of code to create their own programs, and it's free play at its best, letting kids explore and grow their skills with very few constraints.

The Blockly app is available on Chromebooks, but students can also access the virtual Dash's Neighborhood coding environment. If you use Chromebooks for coding, you may want to do some extra research on the Wonder Workshop Blockly app to ensure compatibility with student skill sets and your instructional goals.

Take a look at this: Apps for Dash Robot

There are also two manual control apps, Go and Path, that kids can use to interact with their Dash robot. Go is used to control the robots manually, record voices, and more, while Path helps kids learn to set paths for the robot by drawing paths with their finger.

To ensure you have the latest version of the Blockly app, check which one students are using, as it may not update automatically on student or teacher devices. You can manually update the app at any time to ensure you have the latest features and fixes.

Here are some troubleshooting tips to keep in mind:

Dash and Dot are a pair of programmable robots designed for kids aged 6-12 to learn about robotics and STEM in a playful way.

They come as pre-assembled robots, minimizing the risk of mistakes during assembly, but some kids might miss out on valuable electronics skills like organizing tools and parts.

These robots are blank slates, waiting to be programmed, and can be controlled manually, but their true potential lies in coding.

Dash and Dot look like something out of a Pixar movie, with a bright and spherical design that's very child-friendly and welcoming.

They have a premium, durable feel to them, making them a great investment for kids who are just starting to explore the world of robotics.

The Wonder Workshop coding apps offer a range of options for students to learn and have fun with coding.

Blockly is the only Wonder Workshop coding app currently accessible on Chromebooks, but students can also access the virtual Dash's Neighborhood coding environment on their Chromebooks.

To ensure compatibility with student skill sets and instructional goals, it's a good idea to research the Wonder Workshop Blockly app.

The Blockly app now includes in-app read-aloud support, making it easier for young students and pre-readers to use when programming the Dash.

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To enable read-aloud support, students or educators can toggle it on within the Classroom Management section of the Make Wonder platform.

If you're still having issues connecting, try turning off your Bluetooth and then turning off your device.

There are two manual control apps that kids can use to interact with their Dash robot: Go and Path.

Go is an app that sets up and controls Dash, while Path helps kids learn to set paths for the robot.

Here's a quick rundown of the Dash apps:

To get the most out of your Dash Robot, you'll need to get the TI Bluetooth Adapter. This adapter makes it simple to wirelessly connect your graphing calculator to the Dash Robot.

The TI Bluetooth Adapter is a crucial component for linking your graphing calculator to the Dash Robot. It's a straightforward process that sets the stage for hours of interactive learning.

Dash and Dot are designed to be controlled and programmed through a variety of devices, including Android, Amazon Fire, and iOS.

You can use them with your tablet or smartphone, and the controls are optimized for touch screens, making it easy for younger kids to use.

The robots connect to devices via Bluetooth, which is wireless and fast, but can occasionally be fiddly and have moments where it doesn’t connect.

Dash and Dot are programmed through Blockly, a visual programming language developed by Google, where kids can learn important coding ideas like sequencing and loops.

Dash and Dot are programmed through Blockly, a visual programming language that allows kids to drag and drop code blocks to create complex tasks.

Blockly is a Scratch-like block programming language developed by Google, making it a great tool for kids to learn coding concepts.

Kids can use Blockly to learn important coding ideas like sequencing, loops, sensors, and event triggers, functions, and variables.

The drag and drop interface of Blockly makes it easy for kids to focus on programming logic without getting frustrated with precise coding syntax.

Kids can use a couple of apps to program the robots, giving them flexibility and options for learning.

You can control Dot and Dash through a wide variety of compatible devices, including Android, Amazon Fire, and iOS. This makes them very accessible and user-friendly.

The controls are optimized for touch screens, making it easy to move the robots around, especially for younger children. I was surprised at how forgiving the controls were, even for me!

However, I did bump into quite a few walls while getting used to the manual control. This is something to keep in mind, especially if you're new to controlling robots.

Dash and Dot connect to devices via Bluetooth, which is a nice feature since it's wireless and fast. However, Bluetooth can be a bit finicky at times, and I experienced moments where it didn't connect right away.

Updating the firmware on your Dash robot is a relatively straightforward process. You'll need to hold down all three orange buttons and the power button until the lights turn red, then release them.

The lights will slowly blink red and then turn off. If you miss the red lights, just keep holding the buttons and release them when they become red again.

To update the firmware, you'll need to connect to your robot using the app, and you should see one called "DFU DASH." Tap the picture of your robot to connect to it and follow the prompts to update the firmware.

The update process should take a few minutes, and once it's finished, your robot should connect, power on, and be ready to go.

Dash and Dot are built to last, with a robust design that can withstand the occasional accidental drop or crash. They come in two sizes: Dash is about 6.3 x 6.7 x 7.1 inches, while Dot is about 3.39 x 3.39 x 3.74 inches.

The weight of Dash is 1.7 lb or 800 g, making it easy to handle for kids. The price of Dash is $149.99, while Dot Creative Kit costs $79.99, and the Bundle with accessories is $279.99.

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Both Dash and Dot have a range of features, including an IR receiver, microphone, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity and positional sensors. They're also powered by a Lithium Ion battery.

Here's a quick rundown of the technical specs:

Dash and Dot are compatible with a range of devices, including Android, iOS, Chromebook, and Amazon Fire.