{"product_id":"kids-first-coding-robotics-thames-kosmos","title":"Kids First Coding \u0026 Robotics - Thames \u0026 Kosmos","description":"\u003ch2\u003eLay Down the Cards. Watch Sammy Drive the Code. — Thames Kosmos Kids First Coding \u0026amp; Robotics\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKids First Coding \u0026amp; Robotics\u003c\/strong\u003e introduces children aged 4–8 to programming through a robot called \u003cstrong\u003eSammy\u003c\/strong\u003e — a peanut butter and jelly sandwich — and a completely screen-free coding system. Programs are created by \u003cstrong\u003elaying physical code cards in a sequence on the floor\u003c\/strong\u003e. Sammy drives over the cards; an \u003cstrong\u003eOID optical scanner on the base\u003c\/strong\u003e reads each card in sequence and loads the program. Place Sammy on the map grid, and he runs it. No tablet, no smartphone, no computer required. \u003cstrong\u003e30 lessons\u003c\/strong\u003e progress from basic sequencing through loops, events, conditionals, functions, and variables — all six core coding concepts — across \u003cstrong\u003e6 story scenarios\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e417 pieces\u003c\/strong\u003e. Ages 4–8.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⚠️ WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD — Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow the Coding System Works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe physical code card system is what makes this kit appropriate for children who can’t yet read or use a screen-based coding interface:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLay code cards in a sequence\u003c\/strong\u003e — each card represents one instruction: move forward, turn left, activate the gear, play a sound, and so on; children arrange the cards in the order they want Sammy to follow them\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrive Sammy over the cards\u003c\/strong\u003e — the OID optical scanner on Sammy’s base reads each card as he drives over it, loading the instructions into memory one by one\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlace Sammy on the map grid\u003c\/strong\u003e — the map cards create the environment (a maze, a zoo, a soccer field) that Sammy must navigate; the grid gives the program a physical space to run in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRun the program\u003c\/strong\u003e — Sammy executes the loaded sequence, moving through the map, activating outputs, and responding to function cards; children observe the results and adjust their card sequence if the program doesn’t achieve the goal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tangible, physical loop of \u003cem\u003ewrite → load → run → observe → debug\u003c\/em\u003e is the same cycle professional programmers use — implemented entirely without a screen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSix Story Scenarios\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 30 lessons are structured around six stories, each with its own map environment, models to build, and coding challenges:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🥪 \u003cstrong\u003eSammy the sandwich robot\u003c\/strong\u003e — the introductory character; teaches basic movement and sequencing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐭 \u003cstrong\u003eMouse in a maze\u003c\/strong\u003e — navigate a mouse through a maze to find cheese; introduces directional reasoning and debugging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐧 \u003cstrong\u003ePenguin at the zoo\u003c\/strong\u003e — guide a penguin through a zoo environment; introduces more complex navigation patterns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e⚽ \u003cstrong\u003eSoccer player\u003c\/strong\u003e — move a ball into the goal; introduces precision sequencing and outcome-based programming\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🚒 \u003cstrong\u003eFire truck\u003c\/strong\u003e — navigate a fire truck to put out fires; introduces conditional responses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🤖 \u003cstrong\u003eFactory robot\u003c\/strong\u003e — a robot performs tasks in a factory scene; the most complex scenario, covering functions and variables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Six Coding Concepts Covered\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 30 lessons progress through all six foundational concepts in computer science education:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSequencing\u003c\/strong\u003e — instructions must be in the right order to produce the right result\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLoops\u003c\/strong\u003e — repeating a sequence of instructions without rewriting it each time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEvents\u003c\/strong\u003e — triggering an action in response to a specific input or condition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConditionals\u003c\/strong\u003e — if-then logic; different outcomes depending on different conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFunctions\u003c\/strong\u003e — named sequences of instructions that can be called repeatedly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariables\u003c\/strong\u003e — storing and changing values within a program\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lessons are aligned with \u003cstrong\u003eCSTA\u003c\/strong\u003e (Computer Science Teachers Association) and \u003cstrong\u003eISTE\u003c\/strong\u003e (International Society for Technology in Education) standards, and with courses from \u003cstrong\u003eCode.org\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWatch It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aNzarr0Wfzw?si=FmlKcA1XjGxSMzPK\" title=\"Kids First Coding \u0026amp; Robotics Thames Kosmos\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGood to Know Before You Buy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended age:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4–8 (adult help recommended at the younger end)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thames Kosmos\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLessons:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePieces:\u003c\/strong\u003e 417\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManual:\u003c\/strong\u003e 64-page full-colour illustrated guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScenarios:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 story environments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoding concepts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sequencing, loops, events, conditionals, functions, variables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandards:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aligned with CSTA, ISTE, and Code.org\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScreen-free:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — no tablet, smartphone, or computer required\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBatteries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Required (check packaging for type and quantity)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCurriculum \u0026amp; Manual Downloads\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/11Mi9B9RFqdEDRgM9mcJ0bsPqv8zw7rNa\/view?usp=sharing\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDownload 1st Edition Manual (PDF)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1rZfEmcBJ45ywiUNn4ObgUz2B6DB9emry\/view?usp=sharing\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDownload 4th Edition Manual (PDF)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1wBVWomtiD-IRX2c_gMNIWF4eV7RLYh9d\/view?usp=sharing\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDownload 5th Edition Manual (PDF)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/thamesandkosmos.com\/downloads\/Kids-First-Coding-\u0026amp;-Robotics-CTSA-Curriculum-Correlation.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDownload Curriculum Correlation Guide (PDF)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes it need a screen or app?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo — Kids First Coding \u0026amp; Robotics is \u003cstrong\u003ecompletely screen-free\u003c\/strong\u003e. Programs are written by laying physical code cards in a sequence; Sammy reads them with his OID optical scanner as he drives over them. No tablet, smartphone, computer, or Bluetooth connection is required at any stage. This makes it appropriate for children aged 4–6 who are not yet ready for screen-based coding platforms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat age is this best for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges 4–8. Children aged 4–5 will need adult guidance through the early lessons; the physical code card system is intuitive enough for young children to understand the basic concept (lay cards, drive over them, watch what happens) even before they can read. Children aged 6–8 can work through the lessons with increasing independence. The 30 lessons progress in complexity, so the kit remains challenging as children grow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it a good gift?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — it’s a \u003cstrong\u003estrong gift for children aged 4–8 who are ready to start learning about coding\u003c\/strong\u003e but too young for screen-based platforms. The physical code card system and the character-driven story scenarios keep young children engaged across many sessions. A strong birthday or Christmas gift for a child who is curious, patient, and enjoys solving problems in steps — the same mindset that makes a good programmer. The 30-lesson scope provides genuine long-term value beyond a single play session.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Thames Kosmos","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62721407549521,"sku":"814743013490","price":252.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/1737\/7873\/files\/kids-first-coding-robotics-thames-kosmos-5835124.png?v=1790246230","url":"https:\/\/curiouskidzz.com.au\/products\/kids-first-coding-robotics-thames-kosmos","provider":"CuriousKidzz","version":"1.0","type":"link"}