Wonder Workshop Debuts Applied Robotics Curriculum

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 02/01/2018

Wonder Workshop has unveiled a new three-unit applied robotics curriculum designed for use with its Cue classroom robot.

Based on design-thinking principles, the new curriculum includes student notebooks with activities aligned to CSTA, ISTE-S, Common Core and Next Generation Science standards. Designed for use by middle school students, the robot, Cue, at the center of the curriculum can be programmed via block-based programming for younger students or with text-based JavaScript for more advanced students.

"Wonder Workshop's approach to teaching coding and robotics allows my students to build and develop computer science skills, while also learning the fundamental skills of critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration and creative storytelling," said Kent Steen, curriculum specialist for Lincoln Public Schools, in a prepared statement. "We've used Dash and Dot in elementary schools across our district, and are excited to introduce Cue to our middle school students as they transition from block-based to JavaScript."

The robot and its associated apps and resources are part of a collaboration between Wonder Workshop and Microsoft and use the latter's MakeCode open source platform.

"Providing students with inspiring tools is crucial to fostering a love for learning. Our CleverBots are on a mission to create a meaningful, engaging learning experience for students of all ages," said Vikas Gupta, CEO and co-founder of Wonder Workshop, in a prepared statement. "With the introduction of Cue for Education and a curriculum designed for middle school students, we are taking the next step in providing today's kids with the absolutely critical skills parents, lawmakers and schools now see as necessary to compete in tomorrow's job market."

The Cue for Education app is currently available in the Microsoft Store and a Chromebook version is scheduled for release in March.