Coding is an essential skill in today’s world, and introducing it at an early age can give your students a jump start in computational thinking, logical reasoning, and perseverance. At Ozobot, we offer versatile coding options to meet learners at every stage, even as young as Pre-K. One of our beginner-friendly offerings is the Color Code Magnets, which provide a hands-on, screen-free coding experience perfect for young coders.
What Makes This Type of Coding Unique?
Easy to use and manipulate, Color Code Magnets are ideal for PK-1 students who are just starting to explore the world of coding. We understand that young learners are still developing their fine motor skills, which can make using markers to draw precise tracks and Color Codes a challenge.
With Ozobot Color Code Magnets, the magnet pieces lock into place, enabling students to create and modify their codes effortlessly. If they want to test a new idea or adjust their sequence, they can simply swap or reposition the magnets without having to start over, making the learning experience feel more effortless and achievable. As they experiment with arranging and adjusting the magnets, they continue to refine their fine motor skills in a fun, low-pressure way.
Building Foundational Skills
Color Code Magnets give students the tools to learn the basics of sequencing, pattern recognition, and logical reasoning. By arranging the magnets in different sequences, they create coded tracks that instruct Ozobot how to move, change speed, or perform actions. This simple yet powerful approach allows students to experiment with cause and effect, reinforcing key concepts that will serve as building blocks for more advanced coding in the future.
With this seamless process, students are more confident not only when experimenting with different code sequences, but also when encountering roadblocks. This flexibility encourages them to debug their work, test new ideas, and iterate on their designs without the fear of making permanent mistakes. As a result, they develop resilience and a growth mindset—essential traits for any coder!
Learning with Ozobot Color Code Magnets
The Color Code Magnets – Base Kit includes the magnetic board, a wet erase marker, and 36 magnetic track and color code pieces that pair with Evo. The Color Code Magnets – Special Moves Kit and Speed Kit are designed to be used as add-ons to the Base Kit with 18 magnetic color code pieces in each set.
To support educators and students, Ozobot Classroom offers a lesson series designed specifically for use with Color Code Magnets. This series includes 10 Base Kit lessons, 7 Special Moves lessons, and 6 Speed lessons, providing structured activities to introduce and build upon coding concepts.
A few of our favorite compatible lessons are:
Try the Kangaroo Loops lesson to strengthen problem-solving skills while reinforcing sequencing, logical thinking, and adaptability in coding. Students are challenged to think critically as they navigate a maze using Line Switch and U-Turn Color Codes. Just like a kangaroo hopping from path to path, Ozobot must switch lines strategically to reach the Win/Exit point.
Combine coding and literacy skills with the lesson Telling a Story. Using Color Code Magnets, students develop their own unique stories by creating a basic storytelling structure and bringing it to life by coding Ozobot to navigate through their narrative. This hands-on experience reinforces the connection between storytelling and programming while fostering creativity and logical thinking.
Unleash your students’ creativity by building a Winter Wonderland out of paper and cardboard. Students have the freedom to design and construct their very own town, tapping into their engineering skills. Once their Winter Wonderland is complete, students will program a track using Color Code Magnets for Ozobot to tour through their creation.
With Ozobot Color Code Magnets, young learners can dive into the world of coding in a way that is intuitive, hands-on, and engaging. By providing a flexible, screen-free introduction to sequencing and problem-solving, these kits empower students to think critically and experiment fearlessly, all while building foundational STEM skills. Whether they’re navigating a maze, crafting a story, or designing a winter wonderland, every activity is an opportunity to spark creativity and confidence.
