Bodkin Elementary builds a vertically aligned robotics program that grows with its students, from screen-free coding in Pre-K to block-based programming in 5th grade.

During the Fall 2025 Grant Cycle,  the Education Foundation awarded Bodkin Elementary a $3,477.52 grant to purchase a full progression of hands-on coding tools for its elementary STEM program; Matatalab sets for Pre-K–Kindergarten, Cooper coding robots for Kindergarten and1st grade, Botley 2.0 classroom sets for 1st and 2nd grade, Sphero Indi packs for 3rd and 4th grade, and Dash robots for 4th and 5th grade.

The grant addressed the school’s need for a developmentally sequenced computer science pathway, allowing students to build coding skills from tactile, screen-free exploration all the way through complex problem-solving challenges.

Students across every grade level feel the impact of the program and these new STEM tools. Younger students developed foundational sequencing skills through tactile and color-based coding, while older students strengthened logical reasoning, debugging, and computational design. Teachers reported increased engagement, confidence, and collaboration as students tested, revised, and improved their code.

“This grant has created a true coding pathway for our students. From our youngest learners sequencing tactile commands to our older students programming advanced robotics challenges, these tools have made coding accessible, engaging, and impactful for every grade level.” — STEM Teacher, Bodkin Elementary.

“Coding with the robots made me feel like a real coder. I liked figuring out how to fix my mistakes and trying again until my robot did exactly what I wanted it to do.” — Elementary STEM Student, Bodkin Elementary.