BirdBlox vs SAM Root

The BirdBlox app enables students ages 9 -14 to program Hummingbird and Finch 2.0 robots. Students drag together blocks to build programs that control the robot motors and lights, and they can use sensors to make the robot respond to its environment. Whether they are programming Finch to complete a maze or building a Hummingbird robot dog that barks when someone is nearby, the only limit is their imagination! BirdBlox is a complete block-based programming language that is specifically designed for physical computing. BirdBlox contains blocks specific to each robot, as well as control structures, math and logic operators, support for variables and lists, and more. BirdBlox makes it easy for beginners to explore and get started, while also enabling students to create more complex programs as they learn more about computer science. Features: - Control lights, motors, and sensors for BirdBrain robots - Connect up to three robots - Record and play sounds to add music or sound effects to your project - Use tablet sensors to control your robot Requirements: - This app requires a Finch Robot 2.0, Hummingbird Bit, BBC micro:bit, or Hummingbird Duo with a Bluetooth adapter. All of these robots are available at store.birdbraintechnologies.com. - Each robot connects to the app via Bluetooth BLE. Make sure to load the Bluetooth-ready firmware onto your robot. You can find instructions by selecting your robot at birdbraintechnologies.com/portal. - This app requires iOS 9 or later. - This app requires iPad 3 or later / iPhone 4S or later. It is also compatible with all iPad Mini, Air, and Pro models.

SAM Root makes it easy and fun to learn programming through hands-on robotics! With three progressive coding levels—from graphical blocks to hybrid blocks to Python 3 syntax—you’ll be building real coding skills and controlling robots in no time. MASTER CODING WITH 3 LEARNING LEVELS No coding experience? No problem! SAM Root meets you where you are and grows with your skills: - LEVEL 1: Graphical Blocks – Start with drag-and-drop, graphical blocks to grasp the fundamentals of coding logic—no reading required. - LEVEL 2: Hybrid Blocks – Transition into more advanced coding structure with blocks that blend visuals and coding script. - LEVEL 3: Python Code Blocks – Discover the structure and syntax of professional coding languages with full-text Python 3 code blocks. SEAMLESSLY SWITCH BETWEEN LEVELS Change coding levels anytime with a tap. SAM Root automatically converts your code, so you can match your skill level and learn the professional Python syntax behind each block. CONNECT TO ROOT ROBOTS Pair with a Root coding robot via Bluetooth and bring your programs to life! Control movement, lights, sounds, sensors, and more—while watching your code run in real time. TEST WITH THE BUILT-IN SIMULATOR Use the built-in 3D simulator to test your programs, speed up execution, and try new ideas—all without needing hardware.