Released in 2013, the EV3 is the newest LEGO programmable brick. Trying to decide between EV3 and NXT? Read Damien Kee’s EV3 vs NXT (the Educator’s Dilemma).

If you are working with young children, you may want to consider the WeDo set. The RCX is so out of date as to be problematic. If you have inherited old equipment, the NXT is still a reasonable choice. For a classroom, choose the educational version rather than the retail version. Quick advice: If you are new to LEGO robotics and working with children ten and older, the EV3 kit is probably your best bet. Here is a brief guide to the various kits. Links to download the WeDo software can be found on LEGO Education Downloads.Getting started with LEGO robotics can feel overwhelming because there are so many options. Although it is possible to untether the WeDo by powering the motor directly, it will not follow a program. Creations need to remain tethered to the computer for power and to follow a program. The original LEGO WeDo Core Set (9580) has 158 pieces, including two sensors (tilt and motion), a motor, and a USB hub. WeDo 1.0 (9580) Original LEGO WeDo Core Set WeDo (1.0 and 2.0) can also be programmed using Scratch. Additional curriculum materials are also available from LEGO Education. Curriculum support that is targeted to science and computing is available from within software. Links to download the WeDo 2.0 software can be found on LEGO Education Downloads. The SmartHub is powered by either two AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack (purchased separately). WeDo 2.0 features a programmable SmartHub that connects to a computer or tablet via Bluetooth Low Energy, meaning that there is no longer a need to physically tether creations to a computer (as was required with the original WeDo kit). The WeDo 2.0 Software is available for desktops and tablets and is free to download. The LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 Core Set (45300) contains 280 pieces, including a motor, and tilt sensor, and motion sensor. WeDo 2.0 was released at the beginning of 2016. The original WeDo set was released in 2009. LEGO WeDo is a robotics kit designed for younger students.

Lego we do kit