So what are Cubletes? Check out this short video!

Cubelets are a series of magnetic robotic blocks. Each block has a particular function and can be combined in different ways to make different robots. This set of six includes a drive, a flashlight, a distance, a brightness, a passive and a battery Cubelet. As well as two Lego adapters.

What did we do with them?

I took them out of the package and my plan was just to start figuring out what does what. But pretty much as soon as I started they attracted the attention of many of the middle schoolers that are in the library after school. So I let them do the figuring out for me.

I explained the basic idea that these were robotic blocks that when put together in different ways do different things. And I told them what types of blocks we had, but not which block does what function. I had them figure the functions of the blocks out themselves by trying them out. They were able to figure out the basic function of all of the blocks. The brightness block was the most difficult to figure out, because you really need to have your hand right over it to create enough darkness to make your robot stop.

They then proceeded to just build different robots for the next couple hours. One person would build a configuration, we’d watch what it did, and then the next person would try to make changes to make it faster or brighter ect.

I had seven middle schoolers participate in this spontaneous program.The set does come with a few cards that have instructions for different kinds of robots. I had one kid that did use the card but for the most part they just choose to build without any instructions.

I liked how this toy allowed them to be creative, observe and help each other, and make decisions. It was a very unprogrammed program. I participated and supervised, made sure everyone who wanted to participate got a chance, and asked questions to help some of them explain what they were thinking. But really that was it. Just spontaneous awesomeness abound.

Cubelets are recommended for ages 4 and up. I’m thinking they may be even more captivating for younger kids, and am hoping to incorporate them into an upcoming school age program as well.

Update from Sam at the end of the month: I unleashed them on my drop in school age program yesterday and they were a big hit again. So we’ve used them with 4 year olds and 8th graders and everything in-between and they are all pretty fascinated by them

Thank you to Sam from Wiggin Memorial Library! -Bobbi 

Find more instructions and lesson plans:
http://www.modrobotics.com/education/