Discover how JerseySTEM is transforming young minds during National Robotics Week! Our hands-on curriculum empowers middle schoolers to build, code, and tackle real-world challenges—paving the way for the next generation of STEM innovators.
National Robotics Week
Each April, National Robotics Week shines a spotlight on how robotics is changing the world—and how we’re preparing the next generation to lead the charge. At JerseySTEM, we believe robotics education is more than building cool machines—it’s about teaching problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity that students can use in any future STEM career.
This year, we’re proud to showcase our hands-on Robotics curriculum, designed to introduce middle school students to real-world engineering and programming through fun and engaging projects. With tools like LEGO SPIKE and TacoBot, our students learn the building blocks of robotics while imagining their role in a tech-powered future.
What Students Learn: 10 Lessons from the JerseySTEM Robotics Program
Over 10 sessions, students explore robotics step-by-step—starting with the basics and ending with a class-wide challenge to solve real-world problems. Here’s a look at what’s covered:
- Assembling TacoBot – Students are introduced to SPIKE and the software, learning how to build their first programmable robot.
- Simple Commands – Learn to program TacoBot to move using simple commands.
- Moving Challenges – On top of movement, students learn to operate TacoBot’s arm for more complex tasks.
- What’s a Robot? – This lesson explores distance sensors and how robots use them to interact with the world.
- Color Sensors – Students dive into how robots detect colors and respond to their environments using sensor data.
- MoonRanger Rover – Inspired by real NASA projects, this lesson introduces the concept of forever loops using a lunar rover simulation.
- Cargo Vehicle Logic – Students use “if” statements to simulate an unmanned cargo vehicle making delivery decisions.
- Detour Detection – A challenge lesson using nested decision-making to teach advanced logic in robot navigation.
- Real-Life Robotics Challenges – Students learn about the DARPA Subterranean Challenge and work in teams to design their own robot explorers.
- Class Challenge & Celebration – In a final showcase, students apply everything they’ve learned to complete a team challenge and celebrate their success!
Why Robotics Education Matters Now More Than Ever
Robotics isn’t just the future—it’s the present. From warehouse automation and agriculture to space exploration and healthcare, robots are transforming every industry. In fact, according to the International Federation of Robotics, there were more than 4.2 million industrial robots operating worldwide in 2023 and that number will continue to grow.
That’s why early exposure to robotics is critical. When students learn how robots move, sense, and respond, they begin to understand the logic behind the technology all around them. Even better—they see how they can shape that future.
Looking Ahead
At JerseySTEM, we’re not just teaching robotics—we’re helping build the next generation of engineers, designers, and innovators. During Robotics Week and all year long, we celebrate the curiosity, teamwork, and resilience our students bring to the classroom.
Whether they go on to build Mars rovers or medical robots—or just gain confidence in coding and problem-solving—we know these skills will take them far.
💡 Want to support our Robotics program or become a volunteer? Visit JerseySTEM.org to learn more and get involved.