VEX IQ Education Kit VS. Makeblock Ultimate — Which One Should You Choose?
VEX IQ Education Kit VS. Makeblock Ultimate — Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing the right robotics kit for education can be a challenging decision, as there are many factors to consider. Two of the top contenders are VEX IQ Education Kit and Makeblock Ultimate, both of which offer distinct features designed to engage students and inspire a passion for STEM.
In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at each kit to help you make an informed decision about which robotics kit best aligns with your educational goals, whether you're teaching in a classroom, running after-school programs, or introducing robotics at home.
VEX IQ Education Kit VS. Makeblock Ultimate: Overview
We now gather detailed information of all these peoducts and summarize it in a chart for clarity.
| VEX IQ Education Kit | Makeblock Ultimate | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $469.00 | 399.99 |
| Modes | 5 | 10 |
| Mechanical Materials | Plastic | Aluminum alloy |
| Controller | VEX IQ Robot Brain | MegaPi (Arduino-based) |
| Play Time | Unknown | 1-2 hours |
| Charging Time | 2 hours | 1.5 hours |
| Battery Capacity | 2,000mAh | 2600mAh |
| Coding Language | Block-based C++ Python | Block-based Arduino C Python (Extra Raspberry Pi and Raspberry Pi Adapter Needed) |
| Connection Methods | 2.4 GHz radio connection USB | Bluetooth USB |
| Sensors | Touch LED Distance Sensor Optical Sensor Bumper Switch | Line-follow Sensor Ultrasonic Sensor 3-Axis Accelerometer and Gyro Sensor Shutter Sensor |
| Compatibility | None | 500+ makeblock electronic & mechanical parts LECO bricks |
VEX IQ Education Kit VS. Makeblock Ultimate: Durability
When it comes to durability, Makeblock Ultimate stands out for its use of high-quality aluminum alloy in its construction. This material offers superior strength and resilience, making the kit highly resistant to wear and tear, even with frequent handling. Also, the aluminum design ensures that the kit will last longer, making it a great choice for kids who need a robust, long-lasting robotics kit.
VEX IQ Education Kit is built with plastic parts. While these components are lightweight and easy to handle, they may not be as durable as the aluminum alloy. While the VEX IQ kit is sturdy enough for everyday use, it doesn't offer the same level of durability, which can be an important factor for more intensive or repeated use.
VEX IQ Education Kit VS. Makeblock Ultimate: Expandability
Makeblock Ultimate excels in versatility, offering compatibility with over 500 Makeblock electronic and mechanical parts. This extensive range allows users to customize and build a wide variety of projects, enhancing creativity and hands-on learning.
Additionally, it supports integration with Arduino sensors, LEGO bricks, and even Raspberry Pi, unlocking access to a vast ecosystem of components and tools. This makes Makeblock Ultimate an ideal choice for users looking to explore a wide range of possibilities and expand their projects.
VEX IQ Education Kit has more limited expandability, as it relies solely on the parts included in the kit. While it offers a strong foundation for building various robotic projects, it doesn’t support third-party components or platforms, which limits its flexibility for kids looking to explore and have fun with more diverse projects.
VEX IQ Education Kit VS. Makeblock Ultimate: Battery
Makeblock Ultimate features a larger battery capacity, allowing for longer playtime on a single charge. This extended duration is especially valuable in educational settings, where uninterrupted learning and experimentation are essential to maintaining student engagement.
Additionally, Ultimate benefits from a shorter charging time, enabling faster turnarounds between lessons or activities. This is a major convenience for both educators and parents, reducing downtime and maximizing learning opportunities.
VEX IQ Education Kit has a smaller battery capacity, resulting in shorter playtime per charge. This may require more frequent charging, which not only interrupts continuous use but can also impact the long-term health of the battery, potentially reducing its lifespan over time and limiting overall engagement during extended sessions.
VEX IQ Education Kit VS. Makeblock Ultimate: Features
Coding
Makeblock Ultimate stands out for its compatibility with mBlock, a versatile, beginner-friendly platform based on Scratch that supports both visual and text-based coding. The flexibility of mBlock makes Makeblock Ultimate suitable for a wide range of learners.
Additionally, Makeblock Ultimate is compatible with Arduino and other programming platforms, offering even more customization and exploration opportunities. Whether kids are experimenting with sensors, motors, or robotics, the possibilities for coding and learning are extensive.
VEX IQ Education Kit uses VEXcode, a block-based programming language designed specifically for the VEX IQ system. While VEXcode is an excellent tool for introducing younger students to coding, its focus on basic block coding limits its versatility for more advanced programming tasks, making it less adaptable for kids who wish to explore beyond the fundamentals.
Building
When it comes to building and coding flexibility, Makeblock Ultimate offers a significant edge with its support for ten different ways to build a robot. This provides kids with the opportunity to explore a wide range of designs, from simple to complex structures, and experiment with various configurations and functions.
The ten building modes foster creativity and technical learning, making Makeblock Ultimate a more versatile choice for those looking to maximize their hands-on robotics experience.
VEX IQ Education Kit supports five build configurations. While these are adequate for many educational purposes, they offer less variety. This limitation can also restrict children’s ability to explore different robot designs and experiment with a broader range of functionalities, reducing the opportunities for creative exploration.
Playing
Makeblock Ultimate offers a dynamic and engaging play experience, providing a wide range of possibilities. With its diverse building configurations and compatibility with mBlock, Arduino, and Python, Ultimate allows kids to create and customize robots in numerous ways. Whether they're programming robots to navigate obstacles, follow lines, or interact with objects, the flexibility to experiment with different designs makes the experience both fun and educational.
Additionally, the robot's compatibility with LEGO bricks encourages creativity, enabling kids to integrate their creations with other building systems.
VEX IQ focuses on basic robotics functions like obstacle avoidance and movement control. While it offers solid learning opportunities, it lacks the same level of design versatility and customization.
As a result, VEX IQ provides a simpler, more straightforward play experience, which is ideal for younger learners or beginners. Therefore, it may not fully meet the needs of more advanced kids looking for greater complexity and creative freedom.
Makeblock mBot Ultimate: 10-in-1 Robot Building Kit for Students
VEX IQ Education Kit VS. Makeblock Ultimate: Usage Scenarios
For Family Education
With over 500 electronic and mechanical parts, Makeblock Ultimate offers endless possibilities for creative building. The wide variety of components allows families to explore different designs and projects together, making it an excellent tool for collaborative learning.
What makes Makeblock Ultimate even more appealing is its compatibility with a range of platforms and tools, enabling families to expand their projects and dive into more advanced topics. From simple builds for younger children to more complex electronics and programming for older kids, this versatility means the kit can grow with your child, offering an evolving learning experience as they develop new skills.
VEX IQ Education Kit is focused on structured, standardized building projects. While it excels in introducing basic robotics and programming, it offers a more rigid design and less flexibility for creative exploration. While the VEX IQ kit supports foundational learning, it doesn’t provide the same level of customization or long-term adaptability, which may lead to boredom as kids outgrow the kit’s capabilities.
For School Education
Makeblock Ultimate's integration with the mBlock platform provides a robust visual programming environment based on Scratch. This flexibility supports both beginner and advanced coding, enabling students to begin with simple projects and gradually advance to more complex robotics and coding tasks as their skills develop.
Additionally, Makeblock provides a wealth of teaching resources to support educators. From structured lesson plans and tutorials to hands-on classroom activities and an active online community, Makeblock ensures that teachers have all the materials they need to create engaging and effective lessons. These resources help instructors deliver dynamic STEM curricula in a way that is accessible, enjoyable, and impactful for students.
VEX IQ Education Kit is a solid option for robotics education, but it is more rigid and structured, which limits its application in a broader range of educational scenarios. Its more limited component set and focus on standardized building challenges may not provide much room for creativity.
Conclusion
When comparing VEX IQ Education Kit and Makeblock Ultimate, both kits offer unique advantages tailored to different educational needs.
VEX IQ Education Kit is an excellent choice for schools and educators seeking a structured, standardized platform while its limitations in battery life, expandability, and programming flexibility may make it less ideal for younger learners or those seeking more creative, hands-on exploration.
Makeblock Ultimate shines in flexibility, expandability, and teaching resources. It offers a versatile, user-friendly platform that can grow with students' abilities, making it a great choice for both families and educators.
In summary, the decision depends on your educational goals. If you’re seeking a flexible, expansive robotics kit with extensive teaching materials and the potential for creative learning, Makeblock Ultimate stands out as the more comprehensive and future-proof option.
