Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.
We have all heard about the many benefits that come from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) preparing our children with various skills and tools; hands on learning that is simply invaluable. From social skills to communication, flexibility and initiative, our children also learn problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, decision making, leadership, entrepreneurship, and so much more. Certainly these are all attributes we would love to grow in our children yet finding affordable ways to do so can be a challenge. My family was more than happy to take some time getting to know Pitsco Education and explore their Code Cube™ Single Kit (recommended for grades 3-5).
What is Code Cube you ask? Well, it is a Code Cube™ is a wearable tech learning tool that gives students experience coding without a robot. This has a programmable LED screen with a built-in accelerometer and sound output features; using block-based programming they create artistic animations, colors, and patterns which can play sounds or change as they move. Sounds pretty awesome right? The Code Cube also came with a downloadable Teacher’s Guide that included 10 lesson plans and quite a few other challenge activities to get my kids started. I made sure to look this over myself but it seems my boys didn’t need this because when I turned around, they already had the site open in Chrome and were already at work. I love this simplified the whole process for ME anyway because I just struggle to get this stuff. They even included a glossary! There is also a Student Section for the kids to explore.
So, my boys are 14 and 10 and they love all things electronic. Are there any out there that don’t? Anyway, when this arrived they unboxed it right away. I had no idea it arrived until a bit later in the day. They were really excited about the things they could do with this and I was glad to see some enthusiasm. It’s been a rough summer around here; my oldest has been spending his summer, when he isn’t working, taking classes in video editing, game design, graphic design and all sorts of computer stuff. This was a nice way for him to use some of that too! And I think his enthusiasm helped his younger brother (the one I actually got this for) to give it a try himself. Plus, what a great activity for them to do together!
Some of the activities they were encouraged to do included creating an image that expresses how they feel; creating an image of an animal at various stages in it’s lifecycle. Each activity encourages kids to think about it, write about it and then use their imagination and just create it! Definitely a great way for our kids to get hands on.
While my oldest son dove right in, my younger son really appreciated the student guide. He likes to have new things things broken down; he is definitely into details. He liked how each activity both showed and included written instruction as to what to do. I think his favorite was Turn That Frown Upside Down, he really loves making faces!
I was very impressed with all of the resources that were provided to go along with this. There was a Code Cube Web App and there were also quite a few video tutorials for those who are interested. Whether they are totally new to this or have some skills in coding, this is guaranteed to help them learn even more and have a fabulous time doing so!
We had so many other members of the Review Crew try out various materials from Pitsco Education so be sure to click on the banner below and read all about their great STEM adventures!
We are having so much fun with this Code cube; I am positive we will be purchasing more Pitsco products in the very near future. Because Pitsco Education sees such great value in STEM, they would like my readers (that’s YOU) to have the opportunity to receive a free Elementary STEM Explorer Pack! Head over HERE for more details and to enter this awesome giveaway!~
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A "Peace" of Mind 