From Pre-Schoolers to adults, here’s a handy list of some of the best resources for learning about drones, droids and robots on the go. All of these learning resources can be accessed on your iPhone or iPad.
For Younger Learners
Simple Machines by Tinybop
This app lets you explore the playful side of physics by experimenting with levers, pulleys, inclined planes, wedges, screws and wheel and axles to destroy a castle, make music, send satellites into orbit and more.
Simple Machines integrates with STEM curriculum: kids can alter and test each machine to learn about force and motion, actions and reactions, inputs and outputs, conservation of energy, mechanical advantages, and tradeoffs.
Spaceships and Rockets by DK
Blast into space with the latest and greatest rockets and spaceships in this book. Watch a rocket roar into the sky, explore all kinds of space vehicles, and find out what it’s really like to ride a rocket. Rockets and Spaceships is part of DK’s three-level reading scheme to get kids reading at home.
For Primary Students
Make It Move Without Wheels by LegoEducation
Using Lego Mindstorms, this course challenges students to design, build, and program a robot that can move a distance of 30 cm and use no wheels for locomotion. After they have completed this challenge, students can try out Lego’s other two Design Engineering Projects: Make It Smarter and Faster, and Make a System That Communicates.
SPRK Lightning Lab – Programming for Sphero Robots by Orbotix
Use block-based programming and the Sphero Robot to learn about robotics, coding, and STEAM principles while discovering the power of cause, effect, and conditions in programming with this app.
Block-based programming helps you translate your ideas into code by using visual blocks that represent programming language. 3D models Sphero explain the parts that make your robot come to life.
For Secondary Students
Robot Building for Teens by Behnam Salemi
A fun, hands-on, step-by-step guide that will have you building your own robots in no time, including the “Digital Brain Robot”, the “Bug Bot”, and even a robot on wheels. Learn how to design your robot, create a prototype, where to buy parts, and how to program your finished robot to perform tasks.
Year 10 Crashes and Collisions by Aberfoyle Park High School
This course aims to cover the Year 10 Physical Sciences content of the Australian Curriculum in a hands-on, practical way. On completion of the unit, students should be able to explain the physics of collisions using Newtons Laws of Motion — handy knowledge when designing your own drone, droid or robot.
Rocket Science 101 by NASA
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to launch a NASA spacecraft — select your favorite NASA mission and build a rocket to send the spacecraft into orbit. Learn about NASA missions and the various components of the launch vehicles, how they are configured and how they work together to successfully launch a spacecraft.
For Lifelong Learners (AKA: Adults)
Exploring Robotics by TED Conferences
Watch this series of TED Talks from robotics pioneers that provoke a philosophical debate about the nature of intelligence and social relationships between man and machine. In this collection, TED speakers open the door to a journey into the world of robots on war reconnaissance missions, driverless cars, and extraordinary soccer moves by mechanical athletes.
Science and Engineering by UNSW
Peek inside the latest breakthroughs in science and technology at UNSW with this video series. Visit the Creative Robotics Lab within the National Institute of Experimental Arts; discover the Hy-Cycle, Australia’s first fuel-cell bike, which can take riders up to 125 km on a single battery charge and $2 of hydrogen; or take a spin in eVe, the UNSW Solar Racing Team’s sleek, sporty and sustainable car.
Design Thinking: Model Rocket Design by Autodesk Education
Design, create, and share a 3D model rocket design, developing problem-solving skills and applying your knowledge of research and design to create a viable design solution, then share the results. Finally, students will create 3D printed versions of their products to demonstrate concept mastery.