UCF612 Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 My boys, particularly the 8 year old, have been really interested in robots lately. They have been asking for Lego Mindstorm so I figured I'd add that to their Christmas lists. Then I looked them up. Wow, expensive for us! I'll consider those in the future of this hobby/interest takes off but for now is there something I should be looking into that is more affordable? I'd go up to $100 for a Christmas presen if it was worth that but cheaper is better. Unfortunately the one local robotics group meets at a time we can't currently attend so I'm going this alone. My oldest is an excellent reader if that matters. He's good at math and science but isn't gifted so things geared towards his chronological age are great (if that makes sense!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jobos12 Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 What about the Sphero thing? I confess - I haven't actually seen or used one, and it's not as 'construction-y' as the mindstorm, but it's still a robot and definitely cheaper. I'm in Aus, so my prices are different, but I think they were about $100? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UCF612 Posted September 17, 2015 Author Share Posted September 17, 2015 I've never heard of those, I'll check out out. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daijobu Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Some kids who are interested in robotics could also benefit from learning about electronics. I've compiled some resources on another thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamiof5 Posted September 18, 2015 Share Posted September 18, 2015 Sometimes the homeschooling buying coop has the Lego robotics sets. It's a website that works on "group buys" so if certain amount of people buy you get a discount. They don't have them right now, but their stuff changes all the time 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UCF612 Posted September 18, 2015 Author Share Posted September 18, 2015 Some kids who are interested in robotics could also benefit from learning about electronics. I've compiled some resources on another thread. Thank you, I'll check this post out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FriedClams Posted September 19, 2015 Share Posted September 19, 2015 I would, even without budget constraints, wait on a Mindstorm. They're actually pretty complex. My DS is taking a class through Landry Academy, and even at almost 13 and in a robotics team (though not Lego) it's challenging him. The system is surprisingly complex and there is a ton to learn to use it well. So please don't worry about the Lego robot for awhile. My kids have enjoyed the MAKE kits from Radio Shack for electronics. I'd start with basic soldering and the piano kit, then the smaller kits. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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