Junior Bots STEM classes for ages 6–9
A hands-on introduction to coding, robotics and STEM
Junior Bots gives children aged 6–9 opportunities to explore coding, robotics, 3D design, electronics and engineering through guided, practical projects.
No previous coding or robotics experience is needed.
Beginner STEM classes for younger children
Junior Bots is designed to give younger children an accessible introduction to different areas of STEM.
Rather than focusing on one technology, children experience coding, robots, game development, 3D design and printing, electronics and building activities. Each lesson has a planned project, giving children clear direction while leaving room to experiment once they have completed the core activity.
Many students arrive with limited experience using technology. Some have tried Scratch before, while others may be using a keyboard and mouse or designing something for 3D printing for the first time.
The aim is to build useful foundations while making the experience enjoyable, practical and interesting for younger learners.
What children explore in Junior Bots
Activities change from term to term, so children who continue with Junior Bots can encounter different projects while building on skills they have already developed.
Coding and game development
Children can develop games using Scratch, with past projects including quiz games, fruit catcher games, soccer goalie games and basic clicker games.
Coding can also be incorporated into other activities. Children have programmed Micro controllers to create electronic compasses and rock, paper, scissors games, and used Edison robots to produce spiral art.
Beginner robotics and building
Junior Bots introduces robotics through Edison robots and LEGO Spike Essential.
Activities have included programming Edison robots to move through a maze and playing Robo-soccer. Children have also used LEGO Spike Essential to build a kick-off robot.
Projects provide guidance around both building and coding, with opportunities to adjust a solution once children understand how it works.
3D design and printing
Children can create their own designs using CAD and then see some of those ideas produced on a 3D printer.
Junior Bots projects have included pencil holders, mini flower pots, coins, fidget toys and name tags. This gives children an opportunity to experience the connection between designing something digitally and producing a physical object.
Electronics and making
Electronics activities introduce children to components and simple circuits through practical projects.
Students have built circuits using LEDs and resistors, explored more complex circuits with Snap Circuits and even created lemon batteries.
What happens in a Junior Bots class?
Each class begins with a main task based around a particular technology or platform.
I start by giving children an overview of what we are doing and showing them an example of the finished project, which could be a game, a 3D printed object or an electronics circuit.
Children then work through instructions that include plenty of screenshots to help them follow the different stages. I move around the class, answering questions, checking understanding and looking at each child's work at important points before they continue.
Once the core project is complete, there can be opportunities for extension or independent experimentation.
The amount of guidance can also change as children become more familiar with the technology and more confident completing tasks themselves.
Building foundations for future STEM learning
Junior Bots is not based around completing one fixed sequence and then finishing.
Content changes from term to term, giving children repeated opportunities to use familiar skills in different ways. A child might encounter coding in a game during one project and apply coding differently when working with a robot or Micro controller.
As children gain experience, activities can become more complex, and they can work with increasing independence.
For coding, younger students can begin with graphical block-based environments such as edBlock, Scratch Jr and LEGO Spike Essential Icon Blocks. As reading ability and confidence develop, they can move towards more descriptive block-based environments such as edScratch, Scratch and LEGO word blocks.
These foundations can support progression into more advanced STEM activities as children become ready for them.
Who is Junior Bots suited to?
Junior Bots is designed for children aged 6–9 and welcomes a broad mix of interests and experience.
Some children particularly enjoy building with LEGO or working with robots. Others are drawn to game development, creative design or making physical objects. Children may arrive as complete beginners or with some previous exposure to coding and Digital Technologies.
Previous coding or robotics experience is not required.
For children around the overlapping ages between Junior Bots and Pixel Pioneers, age is not the only consideration. Experience, confidence, interests and independence can also help determine the most suitable starting point.
If you are unsure, a free Come and Try class gives your child an opportunity to experience the activities before enrolling for the term.
Junior Bots class days and practical information
Junior Bots runs as a weekly class during the school term at our dedicated Bits and Bots Learning studio in Panorama, Adelaide.
Current class options include:
Thursday after school
4:30–5:30pm
Saturday morning
9:30–10:30am
Junior Bots runs as an eight-week term program. For current availability, term dates and pricing, please check the booking page.
STEM learning led by an experienced educator
Bits and Bots Learning was founded by David Hemer, a registered Highly Accomplished Teacher with more than 35 years of specialised experience across Digital Technologies, STEM, computing and education.
My background includes academic qualifications in Mathematics, Computer Science, Software Engineering and Education. I currently teach Mathematics, Digital Technologies and Technologies in South Australian secondary education.
Frequently asked questions parents ask about Junior Bots
Who is Junior Bots designed for?
Junior Bots is designed for children aged 6–9, including complete beginners and children with some previous exposure to coding or technology. It can suit children interested in building, games, robots, design, electronics and other hands-on STEM activities.
How do children learn in Junior Bots?
Children learn through guided, hands-on projects involving coding, robotics, 3D design, electronics and making. Each class has a planned core activity, with individual support as children work through the project and opportunities for extension or experimentation when appropriate.
Does my child need previous coding experience?
No. Junior Bots is suitable for children with little or no previous coding or robotics experience. Children receive guidance as they become familiar with the different technologies and activities.
What activities do children do in Junior Bots?
Activities change between terms and can include Scratch game development, Edison and LEGO robotics, Micro coding, CAD and 3D printing, electronics circuits and building projects. Children therefore experience different technologies rather than focusing on one activity throughout the program.
Is Junior Bots only a coding class?
No. Coding is one part of Junior Bots. Children can also experience robotics, 3D design and printing, electronics, engineering and building activities as projects change from term to term.
What is the difference between Junior Bots and Pixel Pioneers?
Junior Bots provides more guidance for children aged 6–9 as they build foundational STEM skills. Pixel Pioneers is designed for ages 9–14 and introduces more complex projects and greater independence. Experience and confidence can also help determine the right program for children around the overlapping ages.
Do Junior Bots activities change each term?
Yes. New content is introduced each term while giving returning children opportunities to apply and develop skills they have encountered previously.
Can my child try Junior Bots before enrolling?
Yes. Free Come and Try classes give children an opportunity to experience STEM activities before enrolling. They also give us an opportunity to help determine whether Junior Bots is the most suitable starting point.
Try Junior Bots in Adelaide
Give your child an opportunity to explore coding, robotics, 3D design, electronics and other hands-on STEM activities at our Panorama studio.
Start with a free Come and Try class or view current Junior Bots term availability.