Built for Grades K–5
Students in grades K–5 are ready to start with simple commands then progress to building real projects. Forward Education kits meet them there with block coding, guided lesson plans, and the Use-Modify-Create framework that takes students from following instructions to building something of their own.
Block Coding
Students use MakeCode's visual block editor to write real programs — no syntax errors, no frustration. Perfect for first-time coders in grades K–5.
Guided Lesson Plans
Every kit includes curriculum-aligned lessons with step-by-step instructions, teacher notes, and discussion prompts. Easy to prep, easy to run.
Use-Modify-Create
Students start by using a working project, modify it to explore cause and effect, then create something new. This scaffolded approach builds real confidence and deep understanding.
Multi-Step Projects
Students move beyond single-step tasks to explore logic, sequences, and loops — building the foundation for more complex thinking in grades 6 and beyond.
Products and Lessons for Grades K–5
Each kit below pairs with curriculum-aligned lessons from learn.forwardedu.com. Lessons are designed for grades K–5, with block coding, guided builds, and real-world context.
Coding for Good Kit
Use block coding and the micro:bit to build projects that respond to the real world — from motion-sensing lights to smart streetlights. A great entry point for grades K–5 coders.
Climate Action Kit
Build sensor-based projects tackling real environmental challenges — from flood alarms and coral reef models to pollinator trackers. Lessons span climate science, math, and engineering design.
MicroChat
A classroom-safe AI coding assistant built into MakeCode. Students use plain-language prompts to get coding help from AI, building prompting and critical thinking skills.
CHARGE for micro:bit
A rechargeable, wearable battery pack for micro:bit. Opens up outdoor tracking projects, wearable builds, and hands-on AI with CreateAI.
CodeCTRL for micro:bit
A handheld controller and display for micro:bit. Code with MicroCode icon-based editor or play MakeCode Arcade games, no computer required.
BBC micro:bit
A pocket-sized microcontroller that powers all Forward Education kits. Students write real code that runs on physical hardware, no experience needed.
Standards Alignment for Grades K–5
Forward Education kits align to CSTA Computer Science standards, NGSS Science, CCSS Math, and CCSS ELA for grades K–5. Select a product below to explore strand-level coverage.
Full Ecosystem Alignment
Explore strand-by-strand coverage across all K–5 products. Select a subject to see coverage details.
What Teachers Are Saying
Educators using Forward Education kits with younger learners share what it looks like in their classrooms.
Ms. Cannon, Teacher
"So amazing at integration with NGSS Science standards and technology. A great way to build on what students already know with micro:bits."
Ms. Carnelos, Teacher
"It gets students thinking outside the box. I can teach them or they can work through it on their own. The delivery is very flexible due to how detailed the kit and lessons are."
Mr. Poluk, Technology Coordinator
"The Forward Education lesson plans have helped us create meaningful inquiry units with students of a variety of ages. We use the Climate Action Kits as our main resource when delivering STEM content."
IMPACT STORY
Students Used Coding and Data to Grow Real Plants
At Mother St. Bride Catholic Elementary School, students built and programmed automated watering systems using the Climate Action Kit. They explored moisture sensors, wrote loops to control a pump, and watched their code keep plants alive. The project connected coding to food security and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students use MakeCode's visual block editor to write real programs. No syntax errors, no frustration. It's designed for first-time coders and requires no prior experience.
Yes. Every kit includes curriculum-aligned lessons with step-by-step instructions, teacher notes, and discussion prompts. You can be ready to run a lesson with less than 30 minutes of prep.
Use-Modify-Create is a scaffolded learning framework where students start by using a working project, modify it to explore cause and effect, then create something entirely new. It builds confidence and deep understanding at every skill level.
Kits are built around the BBC micro:bit, a small programmable device with built-in sensors. Kits like the Climate Action Kit and CHARGE add additional sensors and components for hands-on projects.
The kits align to CSTA Computer Science Standards, NGSS Science and Engineering Practices, and CCSS Math Standards. A full standards alignment report is available on the Standards section of this page.
No. The lesson plans include everything you need, including teacher guides, discussion prompts, and answer keys. Many teachers with no coding background have used these kits successfully in their first year.
The Climate Action Kit connects coding and environmental science. Students use a micro:bit and sensors to collect real data and build projects around real-world climate challenges, aligned to NGSS and CCSS standards.
