We evaluate STEAM toys on a pretty regular basis, to see if they might fit into the programs at Pongos Learning Lab. If the adults think they’re promising, we’ll let the kids try the toys, to make sure they’re not just educational, but also fun! We participate in some affiliate programs, so if you click on and purchase through any links in this post, we may earn a small commission.
In this edition of Toys We Tried, we’ll share Ozobot Bit & Evo. Want us to try a toy? Contact us to suggest one.
Watch our video to see Ozobot Bit & Evo in action.
Ozobot Bit
Bit is a cute, little robot, that’s smaller than a golf ball. We use it to teach kids of all ages basic programming and robotics concepts. You can program bit using black, red, green, and blue markers and paper. There’s no reading required, so we can even use these adorable bots with our Pre-K friends.
Kids really like creating long paths for Ozobot Bit (and Evo). When we have time, we challenge them to create roller coasters, race tracks, and even cities for their Ozobots to navigate.
You can use “color codes” to get Bit to do some special moves, like turbo, snail dose, spin, tornado, and back walk. The codes are created by using different-colored segments on the path. See the video for some examples.
Ozobot Evo
Evo is a slightly larger and more-complex cousin to Bit. It can still follow paths, and use color codes, but it also has more sensors, so it can see if something is blocking it’s path. This smart little robot can also make sounds, and has more lights than Bit, so it can be a bit more emotive. It’s like the evolution of Bit?
Markers
You can use screens to program Bit and Evo, but you don’t need them! That’s something we really love about these clever robots. All you really need is paper and red, green, blue, and black markers. Chisel-tip markers are ideal, because that’s the perfect width for a good path for the robots to follow. We tend to buy the black markers in bulk, since those run out of ink because they’re used more often than the other colors. I really like the black Arteza markers (buy on Amazon).
Stickers
If your kids have a hard time creating the color codes with markers, you can try color-coding stickers, instead. We use 1/4″ round stickers that I found on Amazon, and they work perfectly.
Robotics Club
Would your kids like to try Ozobot Bit and Evo? Sign up for a free preview of our Robotics Club!