Teaching Mathematics with Coding and Robotics can Transform California Math Instruction
(EdSource, February 1, 2026, pdf file) 

RoboBlocky Math^™ is an innovative curriculum that emphasizes real-world mathematics problem solving, student agency, and TK–12 coherence. It is the nation's first comprehensive TK-12 math program integrating mathematics with coding and robotics, fully aligned with state math standards and approved for adoption by the California State Board of Education (SBE) under the new California Mathematics Framework. 

The high school RoboBlocky Math courses are UC A–G approved C-STEM courses that may be readily added to a high school's A–G course list, enabling schools to integrate coding and robotics into college-preparatory mathematics courses. 


Built to Support Teachers

RoboBlocky Math is designed to empower all teachers, including those without prior coding or robotics experience, to confidently guide students in making mathematics meaningful, engaging, and accessible. The program includes:

• Comprehensive Instructor Handbooks
• Student Workbooks (Print editions in English and Spanish)
• Digital resources in multiple languages
• Structured lessons and guided activities integrating hands-on manipulatives, coding, virtual robots, and physical robots
• Cross-chapter and cross-grade Big Idea Tasks (K–5), Big Idea Projects (6–12), RoboPlay Adventures (K-1),  and RoboPlay Challenges (2-12) to promote deeper understanding

Flexible Implementation for Core and Targeted Support Fully Aligned with Grade-Level Math Standards

• Supports teacher-led core mathematics instruction for all students
• Supports flexible classroom implementation and supplemental use through selected lessons and activities to enhance existing math curricula, including alignment guides for over 25 widely used math programs
• Supports teacher-led Tier 2 instruction through scheduled intervention courses for students needing additional support
• Supports Tier 3 paraeducator- and special education teacher-led individualized or small-group instruction using selected lessons and activities for targeted reinforcement
• RoboBlocky Math and the corresponding STEAM, Computer Science, and Engineering with Robotics Pathways are designed to complement one another. Robotics-based mathematics activities, including RoboPlay Competitions, RoboParade projects, and other hands-on robotics experiences, are included in both curricula. Schools implementing both curricula may conduct these hardware-based activities within the STEAM pathways, allowing mathematics teachers to focus on core mathematics instruction while continuing to use physical robots for lesson demonstrations when appropriate.

Guiding Principles and TK–12 Coherence

• Supports conceptual understanding and mathematical reasoning through the strategic integration of coding and robotics only when they meaningfully enhance student learning and engagement
• Most RoboBlocky Math lessons and activities focus on mathematics without requiring coding. When coding is included, teachers and students can run embedded programs and modify program values to immediately observe how changes affect the program output, reinforcing mathematical concepts. 
• Supports flexible implementation using manipulatives, virtual robots, and physical robots, allowing schools and teachers to adapt implementation based on instructional goals, classroom needs, and available resources. When RoboBlocky Math is implemented together with the STEAM, Computer Science, and Engineering with Robotics Pathways, hardware-based mathematics activities may be delivered through the STEAM pathways while continuing to support mathematics instruction. 
• Supports hands-on learning using Linkbot Bundles as common manipulatives and reconfigurable robotic systems from TK through Grade 12
• Supports instructional continuity, collaboration, and peer mentoring across grade levels
• Supports cross-grade and cross-disciplinary collaboration among teachers through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)

Research-Informed Instructional Frameworks

• RoboBlocky Instructional Strategy for Excellence (RISE)

  A research-informed, standards-aligned instructional strategy that supports conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, inquiry, problem solving, and academic language development through structured lesson design and purposeful mathematical discourse.

• REST (Run, Explain, Step, and Talk) Instructional Model

  A structured instructional model used within RoboBlocky lessons to guide inquiry-based learning through coding and robotics examples, supporting prediction, explanation, discourse, and collaborative problem solving.

• Professional Development and Implementation Support

  Professional development supports educators in implementing the RoboBlocky Instructional Strategy for Excellence (RISE) and the REST (Run, Explain, Step, and Talk) Instructional Model through classroom demonstrations, implementation examples, instructor scripts, and guided instructional practices designed to strengthen mathematical reasoning, discourse, inquiry-based learning, and classroom engagement.

Proven Impact

• Develops all students to think and reason as mathematicians
• Demonstrates gains in mathematics achievement (In one documented success, the percentage of 6th-grade students meeting or exceeding standards on the SBAC state math assessment increased from 16% to 71% within one year, a 344% improvement)
• Empowers teachers as leaders in innovative mathematics instruction

 

The RoboBlocky Math Accelerated and Highly Accelerated Curriculum provides four rigorous, fast-paced accelerated courses, each compacting two years of content into one. Through engaging, project-based learning activities that integrate coding and robotics, students apply mathematical reasoning in complex, real-world contexts to accelerate their mastery of grade-level and above-grade-level standards, supporting flexible acceleration options to meet diverse student readiness levels and district pathway models.

This specialized middle school curriculum offers six flexible acceleration pathways, organized into:

• Traditional Pathways (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2)
• Integrated Pathways (Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, Integrated Math III)

Accelerated Pathways A and B provide one year of acceleration, beginning in either 7th or 8th grade. Highly Accelerated Pathway C allows the most advanced students to complete four years of content in two years, beginning in 6th grade.

 

The RoboBlocky Math Intervention and Enrichment Curriculum offers hands-on mathematics courses for elementary, middle, and high school students. The same core curriculum supports both intervention and enrichment, with differences driven by pacing and instructional approach. Intervention implementations provide targeted support and structured instruction to strengthen foundational mathematics, while enrichment implementations use an accelerated pace and extended problem-solving to deepen understanding. Courses may be implemented during the school day, afterschool, or in summer programs.

Course Title	Grade Level	Duration
Robotics Fractions	Elementary School (Grades 5-6)	One semester
Robotics Pre-Algebra	Middle school (Grades 6-8)	One semester
Robotics Algebra	High school (Grades 9-12)	One semester
Sensor-Based Robotics Geometry	High School (Grades 10-12)	One semester
Math Exploration with Coding and Robotics	Middle School (Grades 6-8)	Full year
Math Lab with Coding and Robotics	High School (Grades 9-12)	Full year

 

All courses reinforce essential mathematical concepts, build student confidence, and prepare learners for success in future mathematics and STEM pathways. One-semester courses support intervention or enrichment, while full-year courses are designed for intervention.

 

The STEAM, Computer Science, and Engineering with Robotics Pathways integrate robotics throughout STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics), computer science, and engineering learning experiences. Through hands-on, interactive activities using virtual and physical robots, students develop computational thinking, engineering design, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Through creative projects, engineering challenges, computational storytelling, physical computing, and robotics activities, students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to become innovative problem-solvers, makers, and future technology leaders.

Students engage in exciting projects and activities such as Computational Storytelling, Build Your Own Robot Machines, RoboParade, RoboPlay Competitions, and Physical Computing Projects while applying concepts from mathematics, science, engineering, and computer science to solve authentic real-world problems.

The pathways are designed to complement and reinforce existing mathematics curricula—including RoboBlocky Math—while also serving as comprehensive, stand-alone STEAM, computer science, and engineering curricula. Each course is carefully designed to support students' cognitive development and grade-level mathematical proficiency. No prior experience with coding, robotics, engineering, or computer science is required. Schools may implement individual courses or comprehensive pathways as stand-alone curricula or integrate them into existing mathematics, science, computer science, engineering, STEAM, afterschool, expanded learning, makerspace, summer camp, CTE, and enrichment programs.

Elementary STEAM and Computer Science with Robotics Pathway (Grades K–5)

• STEAM and Computer Science with Robotics (Kindergarten)
• STEAM and Computer Science with Robotics (Grade 1)
• STEAM and Computer Science with Robotics (Grade 2)
• STEAM and Computer Science with Robotics (Grade 3)
• STEAM and Computer Science with Robotics (Grade 4)
• STEAM and Computer Science with Robotics (Grade 5)

Middle School STEAM, Computer Science, and Engineering Pathway (Grades 6–8)

• STEAM and Computer Science with Robotics (Grade 6)
• STEAM and Computer Science with Robotics (Grade 7)
• STEAM and Computer Science with Robotics (Grade 8) 
• Introduction to Programming with C (Grades 7–8)
• Physical Computing with Arduino (Grades 7–8)

High School Computer Science and Robotics CTE ICT Pathway (Grades 9–12)

• Computer Science with Robotics
• Computer Programming for Solving Applied Problems
• AP Computer Science Principles with Robotics
• Robotic Technologies

The High School Computer Science and Robotics CTE ICT Pathway courses are UC A–G approved C-STEM courses that may be readily added to a high school's A–G course list. AP Computer Science Principles with Robotics is a College Board-endorsed course.

For more information, please click here. 

Expanded Learning with Robotics has two curricula: Robotics Curriculum for Expanded Learning and Robotics-Math Curriculum for Expanded Learning. They are designed for afterschool and summer programs. These programs:

• Engage students in hands-on STEAM, computer science, engineering, and robotics activities using a wide range of robot machines.
• Provide opportunities for both accelerated and intervention learning in mathematics through real-world problem-solving.
• Nurture creativity and imagination as students design, build, and program their own robot machines while engaging in computational storytelling.
• Enhance teamwork and communication skills through collaborative robotics projects.
• Prepare students to participate in the math-focused, level-playing-field RoboPlay Competitions.

The same robotics hardware, programming tools, and curriculum resources used in regular classroom instruction can also be utilized in expanded learning programs, making implementation highly cost-effective while providing additional time for hands-on exploration, creativity, and deeper learning. For more information, please click here.

Integrated Learning Components 

Engineering Design with Robotics, RoboPlay Competitions, and Holiday Activities are integral components of the RoboBlocky Curriculum. They provide students with opportunities to design, build, program, create, and compete through hands-on engineering projects, seasonal activities, and mathematics and engineering challenge competitions.

• Engineering Design with Robotics (K–12)
• RoboPlay Competitions (K–12)
• Holiday Activities (TK–12)

The Engineering Design with Robotics resources provide students with hands-on opportunities for creative construction, mechanical exploration, and real-world STEAM projects using Linkbot robots and accessories. Linkbot is Barobo's patented reconfigurable modular robot; each unit functions as a building block with its own processor, actuators, and sensors. Key features of the resources include:

• SnapConnect technology: With Barobo's patented SnapConnect technology, multiple Linkbots and accessories can be easily connected without special tools to create a wide range of 2D and 3D shapes, and robot machines for diverse tasks and projects, such as RoboPlay Competitions.
• T-12 versatility: The same physical and programming tools can be used across all grade levels and subject areas, from kindergarten through Grade 12, allowing students to progressively deepen their learning while using the same versatile resources.
• Unified robotics platform: The resources incorporates Linkbots, OmniBot robots, Arduino boards, and sensor-based robotics, providing extensive opportunities to explore robotics, engineering design, and physical computing through a common Linkbot-based platform.
• Ease of programming: The multi-robot machines that students create can be easily programmed, allowing them to quickly engage with mathematics, STEAM, computer science, and engineering concepts while seeing immediate results through interactive activities.
• LEGO integration: Widely available LEGO components can easily be incorporated into student-designed Linkbot robot machines, further expanding design possibilities.
• 3D Design and Printing: Students can design custom parts and fabricate them using 3D printers to create their own robotics systems with Linkbots to solve real-world problems.

This combination opens up a world of unlimited possibilities for students to explore and create while learning mathematics, computer science, engineering design, computational thinking, and STEAM. These resources support RoboBlocky Math, the STEAM, Computer Science, and Engineering with Robotics Pathways, Expanded Learning with Robotics, and RoboPlay Competitions. Together, they empower the next generation of makers, innovators, engineers, scientists, and technology leaders. For more information, please click here.

RoboPlay is a unique, mathematics-focused, level-playing-field robotics competition for students in grades K–12.

RoboPlay™ Competitions include RoboPlay Adventure Competitions (K–1) and RoboPlay Challenge Competitions (Grades 2–12).  

Designed around grade-level mathematics skills, the competition fosters teamwork and showcases students’ real-world mathematics problem-solving, engineering design, and creativity under time constraints. Participants use reconfigurable modular Linkbot robots and accessories to creatively solve mathematics adventures and challenges that integrate coding, engineering design, and robotics. Key features of RoboPlay include:

• Equitable and inclusive competition: All teams use the same robotics equipment, and adventures and challenges are revealed on the day of the competition. This ensures a level playing field, eliminating advantages associated with  funding, custom-build robots, or prior preparation.
• Easy classroom implementation: No advance planning required, making the competition ideal for classroom instruction, afterschool programs, and expanded learning programs.
• Curriculum-aligned and cost-effective: All adventures and challenges use the same equipment and curriculum resources already incorporated throughout the RoboBlocky Curriculum, with no additional purchases required. 
• Ongoing access to materials and support: New adventures and challenges are released annually, and Instructors have access to all past adventures, challenges, and sample solution videos. Support is also available for organizing school, district, and regional RoboPlay Competitions.

For more information about the RoboPlay™ Competitions, please click here.

RoboBlocky offers a suite of free lessons and activities designed to integrate coding with mathematics and robotics. Linkbot robots are optional for use with this free curriculum. These materials are well suited for a wide range of outreach and enrichment programs, including open houses, back-to-school events, school STEM nights, robotics clubs, afterschool programs, summer camps, Hour of Code, Hour of Robotics, STEM and engineering expos, museum events, library programs, community science fairs, maker fairs, tech nights, and youth organization activities such as Scouts or 4-H.

Arduino is one of the most widely used open-source low-cost microcontroller platform across a board range of industrial applications. The free Introduction to  Physical Computing with Arduino curriculum engages students in core computer science concepts through physical computing and electronics.

For more information on how to get started, please visit the Documents page.

Common Features and Benefits

The RoboBlocky Math, STEAM, Computer Science, and Engineering with Robotics Pathways, and Expanded Learning with Robotics:

• Help students develop mathematical literacy and make meaningful connections between abstract concepts and real-world applications through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
• Encourage creativity through the engineering design process, allowing students to create robotic machines, engage in storytelling, and design their own RoboBlocky activities and projects.
• Can be implemented at any grade level from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade, supporting flexible classroom, intervention, enrichment, and expanded learning models.
• Include audio and translation options for lessons and activities, supporting accessibility in English and other languages, including Spanish.
• Support engaging learning experiences through both virtual and physical robotics, enabling students to explore coding, problem solving, and computational thinking in multiple ways.

Professional Development

• Barobo offers both online and on-site professional development to support educators in integrating RoboBlocky curricula into classroom instruction and expanded learning programs.

• In collaboration with higher education partners, including UC Riverside Extention and UC Merced Professional & Continuing Education, Barobo supports educators pursuing a Computer Science Supplementary Teaching Credential and related professional learning opportunities. UC Merced also provides Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for participating educators.

• A train-the-trainer program is also available, enabling school districts to conduct their own professional development for teachers, building local capacity and supporting long-term sustainability.

For more information, please click here.

Educator Testimonials

"I like how I can use the curriculum to integrate coding and hands on math to bring math alive for the students …Fun, exciting, and lots of opportunities for kids to learn from their mistakes." --- Catherine Ouellette, Kindergarten Teacher Hacienda La Puente, California "The RoboBlocky curriculum is a godsend for distance learning! Thanks!" --- Robert Beckett, High School Robotics Teacher Manor, Texas “RoboBlocky is awesome! Bringing programming to life with the Linkbot! The materials and online curriculum are fantastic.”  --- Margaret Willett, 9-12th Grade CS Teacher Houston, Texas