As a Digital Learning Specialist at Comal ISD in Texas and the Vice President of Global Education Strategy for VEX Robotics, respectively, we’ve both seen firsthand the transformative power of educational robotics in education. Our shared journey, driven by the belief that every student should have access to STEM learning, has revealed that robotics offers far more than building and coding. It nurtures critical thinking, collaboration and a lasting love for learning.
One of the most important insights confirmed by research — and one we both emphasize often — is that students begin forming beliefs about their abilities as early as 6 years old. By first grade, many children have already decided whether they’re “good” or “bad” at math, reading or science. And once that assumption is formed, it becomes very difficult to change. That’s why early exposure to robotics and coding is not just valuable, it’s urgent.
You’re never too young for robotics
At Comal, we’ve seen how even our youngest learners — kindergartners — can become deeply engaged when integrating robotics opportunities into a lesson. We intentionally introduce vocabulary like “coding” and “computer programming” early to normalize STEM concepts and reduce intimidation. As Jason puts it, “No one is born with a math brain, and no one is born with a reading brain. We all have the capacity to learn. We just need the opportunity.”
Comal’s robotics journey began with a simple but powerful idea: integrate robotics into everyday learning. After observing a neighboring district’s success, we piloted VEX 123 in a few elementary classrooms. One of our first activities — “12 Days of Christmas” coding with third- through fifth-graders — quickly sparked district-wide enthusiasm. Students who typically disengaged from traditional lessons lit up with excitement. That engagement spilled across different domains, from test prep to storytelling. These were the moments that built momentum.
That student engagement has also proven critical in building and sustaining administrative support. At Comal, we’ve been fortunate to have district leaders who champion computer science and robotics. But their support wasn’t a given. It grew from visible impact and strategic alignment.
Start small with hands-on tasks
We started small: piloting in just a few classrooms, tying robotics activities directly to curriculum standards and assessment goals. The academic connections and student enthusiasm were undeniable, and that early proof of concept helped open doors and attract support. What surprised many teachers was that robotics didn’t take away from instructional time or test prep — it actually amplified it. By embedding robotics into core lessons — like modeling a life cycle in science, sequencing steps in math, or even adding a robotics twist to multiple-choice review — students weren’t just covering content but applying it in authentic, hands-on ways. That real-world application made concepts stick, boosted confidence, and, over time, we believe, will improve performance on traditional measures. Teachers who once worried about “losing time” for robotics now see it as an effective way to prepare students for high-stakes testing.
We also took a grassroots approach to funding: working with instructional coaches, librarians and the district’s educational foundation to secure grants. The tool’s versatility helped, too; we could do a lot with a single robot type across multiple grade levels and content areas.
Still, we often encounter the perception that robotics is too expensive. It doesn’t have to be. Many platforms are designed to be scalable and accessible, with classroom kits and curriculum bundles that cost less than traditional science lab equipment or textbooks.
We’ve got to challenge that “expensive” thinking head-on. The real question is, what is the cost of not doing it? When students form negative STEM identities early — especially underserved students — it becomes incredibly difficult to reverse that mindset. That’s a much steeper price to pay. The return on investment is undeniable when you consider the long-term academic and career benefits.
Robotics helps students solve problems
In our district, introducing robotics early helped shift that mindset. Students started seeing themselves as capable problem-solvers, and teachers saw measurable increases in engagement across subjects.
That’s the beauty of robotics: it eliminates the question, “When am I going to use this in the real world?” Robotics always provides real-world context. While not every student will become a programmer or engineer, all students benefit from the computational thinking, creativity, and resilience that robotics develops.
When a program doesn’t work, students don’t give up — they debug, iterate and try again. However, robotics is powerful because it can be woven into the core curriculum without sacrificing instructional time or state assessment prep. At Comal, we’ve integrated robotics into science and math lessons, aligning it with state standards and using it to deepen students’ understanding of key concepts — rather than replacing them. It’s not an “extra” — it’s a tool to teach content in a more engaging, applied way.
At Comal, we’re still in the early stages of scaling robotics across the district, but what we’ve seen so far is incredibly promising. And we know we’re not alone. Across the country, educators are looking for meaningful ways to engage students in hands-on, relevant STEM learning. Robotics is one of the most powerful tools — turning abstract concepts into tangible experiences and helping students build the confidence and skills they’ll carry into the future.
Unlocking potential for students
When we invest in robotics, we’re not just introducing a new subject — we’re unlocking potential. Consider making robotics part of your core instructional plan if you’re a district leader. If you’re a classroom teacher, start with just one lesson. If you’re a curriculum or tech coach, look for easy ways to align robotics with your existing standards. No matter your role, there’s a place to begin — and students are ready.
Not sure where to start? Many robotics programs offer free or low-cost lesson plans, professional development and alignment guides for state standards. Reach out to organizations already doing this work, connect with peers, or pilot a small program to build momentum. Let’s keep working together to make that opportunity universal.
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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