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

\({\rm\bf RoboBlocky\; Math}^{\rm TM}\) is an innovative curriculum for \({\rm\bf Learning\;Math\; with\; Robotics}^{\rm TM}\), emphasizing 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 Math Framework. 

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 real, engaging, and accessible. The program includes:

• Comprehensive Instructor Handbooks
• Student Workbooks
• Digital resources in multiple languages
• Print editions in English and Spanish
• Structured lessons and guided activities integrated with hands-on manipulatives and robotics
• Cross-chapter and cross-grade Big Idea Tasks (K–5), Big Idea Projects (6–12), and RoboPlay Challenges 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

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
• Supports flexible implementation pathways using manipulatives, virtual robots, and optional hardware robotics, allowing schools and teachers to adapt implementation based on instructional goals, classroom needs, and available resources
• 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
• Demonstrats 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 Computer Science with Robotics curriculum motivates and engages students in learning the fundamentals of computer science through hands-on, interactive robotics lessons using both virtual and hardware robots. Students develop foundational experience and skills in:

• Computational thinking and logical reasoning.
• Reading comprehension, direction-following, and understanding sequential processes.
• Mathematical modeling and graphing using manipulatives and coordinate systems.
• Creative storytelling and comprehensive projects that support collaboration and distance learning.
• Transitioning smoothly from block-based coding to text-based programming in C/C++.

Each course within the curriculum is tailored to a specific grade level, with consideration given to students’ cognitive development and mathematical proficiency. No prior experience with coding or robotics is required. The courses may be implemented as stand-alone curricula or integrated as supplements to existing math, computer science, or STEAM programs. For more information, please click here.

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

• SnapConnect technology: With Barobo patented SnapConnect technology, multiple Linkbots and accessories can be easily and quickly snapped together, without the need for special tools, to create wide range of 2D and 3D shapes, and robot machines for diverse tasks and projects, such as RoboPlay Challenge Competitions.
• K-12 versatility: The same physical and programming tools can be used across all grade levels and subjects, from K to 12, allowing students to progressively deepen their learning while using the same versatile resources.
• Diverse robotics tools: The curriculum incorporates Linkbots, OmniBot robots, Arduino boards, and sensor-based robotics, offering unprecedented hands-on opportunities for learning and engineering design with multiple robots.
• Ease of programming: The multi-robot machines that students create can be easily programmed, allowing them to quickly engage with both math and coding concepts while seeing immediate results through interactive activities.
• LEGO integration: Widely available LEGO parts can easily be incorporated into student-designed Linkbot robot machines, further expanding design possibilities.
• 3D Printing: Students can design parts and use 3D printers to make new parts 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 math, computer science, science (computational thinking and engineering design), and STEAM, empowering the next generation of makers, innovators, and leaders. For more information, please click here.

The Robotics and Robotics-Math Programs for Expanded Learning curriculum, designed for afterschool and summer programs:

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

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

RoboPlay is a unique, math-focused, level-playing-field robotics competition for students in grades 1–12. Designed around grade-level math skills, the competition fosters teamwork and showcases students’ real-world mathematics problem-solving abilities and creativity under time constraints. Participants use reconfigurable modular Linkbot robots and accessories to creatively solve math challenges that integrate engineering design and robotics. Key features of RoboPlay include:

• Equitable and inclusive format: All teams use the same robotics equipment, and challenges are revealed on the day of the competition. This ensures a level playing field, eliminating advantages tied to funding or prior preparation.
• No advance planning required: The competition is ideal for integration into classrooms, afterschool clubs, and expanded learning programs.
• Curriculum-aligned and cost effective: All tasks use the same equipment already utilized in the RoboBlocky K-12 curriculum, with no additional purchases needed.
• Ongoing access to materials and support: New challenges are released annually, and Prime Members have free access to all past challenges and sample solution videos. Support is also available for organizing school, district, and regional competitions.

For more information about the RoboPlay Challenge Competition, please click here.

The RoboBlocky Math, Computer Science, Engineering Design, and Expanded Learning curricula:

• 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.
• 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.
• In collaboration with higher education partners, including UC Riverside and UC Merced, 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.

For more information, please click here.