Here's something to consider: what if the best time to start teaching STEM isn't high school, or even middle school, but kindergarten?
Early STEM education builds the foundation for every learning concept that follows. The kind of foundation that makes fractions less scary, inspires curiosity about how things work, and subtly prepares them for careers that don't even exist yet. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations are projected to grow significantly faster than the average for all occupations in the coming decade. Getting students comfortable with computational and engineering thinking is a head start for years to come.
That's where Sphero indi and Blueprint Snap come in. The information that follows breaks down what each solution delivers, why they complement each other so naturally, how you can bring them both into your classroom, and most importantly: why they are so effective.
Why Elementary School is the Right Time to Start STEM
Most schools introduce formal engineering and computer science in middle school. By then, students have already formed opinions about whether they're "good at" math or science. Starting STEM in elementary changes that story entirely.
Early exposure to computational thinking and engineering concepts builds confidence alongside skills. Students learn that failure is a step in the process, not a verdict on their abilities. Research consistently points to the same conclusion: students who engage with hands-on STEM learning early are more likely to pursue STEM pathways in later grades and careers. Starting with the right tools and the right approach makes all the difference.
Meet indi
Sphero indi is a coding robot designed for students in Pre-K through Grade 3. No screens, reading, or prior coding experience needed. Students simply place color tiles on the floor, each one a coded instruction, and watch indi respond, navigate, and move through a course they've created. The excitement is instant, making indi the kind of experience that quickly becomes the best part of a student's school day.
indi teaches foundational computer science concepts including sequencing, decomposition, loops, pattern recognition, left/right directionality, and cause and effect through hands-on, play-based exploration. indi bridges the gap between physical play and programming logic in a way that feels completely natural to young learners.
indi also connects to classroom content already being taught. Ready-to-use, standards-aligned lessons available on Sphero Central reinforce literacy, math, science, and SEL.
Meet Blueprint Snap
Blueprint Snap is a hands-on engineering kit built for students in Grades 3–5. With 280+ colorful, snap-together parts, students build real working prototypes that teach mechanical engineering concepts.
Snap was designed specifically to address a gap in engineering education: most schools start too late, and when they do start, the tools are too intimidating for younger students. To change that, parts are color-coded for quick, simplified building, lessons are scoped to be completed in under an hour, and parts are purposefully designed for smaller hands.
Snap’s ever-growing lesson library on Sphero Central explores simple machines, real-world structures, and the engineering process. For classes looking to integrate CAD and 3D printing, Tinkercad provides a digital environment for students to engage with Snap.
How indi and Snap Work Together
Here's the thing about STEM: coding and engineering don't exist in isolation. In the real world, they're always intersecting. For example, a robotics engineer needs to understand both how to program a robot and how to build one. Getting students comfortable with both skill sets early means they won’t be playing catch-up later.
indi builds the coding brain. Snap builds the engineering brain. Together, they build the whole STEM thinker.
The real magic happens when students combine both. Students can use Snap parts to construct environments, obstacles, and structures, then program indi to navigate through them.
Picture a classroom where students have built a miniature town out of Snap pieces: roads, tunnels, ramps. Then they program indi to drive through it, adjusting their color tiles every time indi doesn't make it through the tunnel on the first try. That's coding, engineering, and iterative problem-solving all happening at once.
To extend the learning and fun, the 3D-printable indi to Blueprint adapter connects indi to Snap components, opening the door to endless build-and-code combinations.
The Bigger Picture: Skills That Stick
Beyond being a fun classroom experience, hands-on learning is one of the most effective ways to build lasting understanding. When students physically manipulate materials, solve real problems, and see the results of their decisions in action, concepts move from abstract to intuitive.
indi and Snap are also confidence builders. Students who might shy away from math worksheets or coding on a screen often thrive when the learning is physical, collaborative, and low-stakes. These tools create a safe space to take risks. That confidence carries forward.
For educators, both tools are designed to be easy to implement. Lesson plans are readily available on Sphero Central, standards-aligned, and built to fit into your existing schedule without requiring a complete classroom overhaul.
Start Building (and Coding) Today
indi and Blueprint Snap give educators a practical, proven path for introducing STEM in the years when it matters most. These tools meet students where they are developmentally, grow with them as they build skills, and connect seamlessly to the curriculum teachers are already teaching.
Ready to bring them into your classroom?
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Purchase indi or Snap directly from Sphero
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Request a quote for your school or district
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Contact your Sphero rep to talk through the right solution for your students' needs