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Unread 18-02-2016, 20:04
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AKA: Allison Kneisler
FRC #3538 (Avondale RoboJackets)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Rookie Year: 2003
Location: Troy, MI
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Re: Need a robotics kit suggestion for a 10 year old

I have a significant collection of both EV3/NXT LEGO Mindstorms systems and VEX IQ systems and utilize in after school programs, competition teams, and summer day camp.

While you can't go wrong with either, I generally recommend VEX IQ. The kit includes a controller (and default teleop code) which allows even brand new users to build a functioning machine right out of the box. Kids get hooked quickly with minimal frustration which sets them up for a good experience. The base kit IQ kit is less expensive ($300 for an IQ super kit vs. $350 for an EV3 core set) so you get a good value from your initial investment. The base IQ kit also has more parts (4 motors vs. 3, 7 sensors vs. 5, and more structural parts), and I prefer the IQ system of add-on kits which offer reasonably priced (generally less than $25) opportunities for expansion (tank treads, advanced gears, omni wheels, etc.). I also like that IQ has multiple programming options, both graphical and text based (some of which are free).

Edit to add: EV3 is a reasonable option for a kid that already has a huge collection of LEGO technic and is just looking to enhance functionality of the current collection.
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Last edited by Allison K : 18-02-2016 at 20:17.
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