Build, Code, Repeat: Miguel’s Classroom Robot Revolution

There’s a Robot in My Classroom continues the momentum of the There’s A Robot! series by Dr. Carlotta A. Berry, illustrated by Anak Bulu.

This story places robotics exactly where it belongs: in the hands of students.

Miguel’s Moment

Miguel plays with the robot in his classroom.

Miguel is 12 years old and already fascinated by the robot in his classroom. He watches it. Studies it. Plays with it. Wonders how it works.

Then comes the announcement.

His teacher tells the class they will build robots of their own.

Not just observe. Not just use. Build.

For Miguel, this is the shift from curiosity to creation. The “little guys” he admired are no longer mysterious objects on a desk. They are engineering challenges waiting to be solved.

And this time, he gets to design the solution.

Why This Story Hits Different

This book captures a pivotal educational moment: when students move from consumers of technology to creators of technology.

It reinforces:

• Hands-on Engineering – Building transforms abstract STEM concepts into tangible skills.

• Representation in Innovation – A young Latino boy at the center of a robotics journey.

• Teacher Impact – One bold classroom decision can change how students see themselves.

• Ownership of Learning – Building a robot shifts mindset from “Can I?” to “Watch me.”

Miguel’s intrigue becomes initiative.

And initiative builds engineers.

The Power of Classroom Robotics

MIguel drives his shoebox robot home.

Robotics in classrooms does more than teach coding.

It teaches:

• Iteration

• Problem-solving

• Teamwork

• Resilience when the robot doesn’t move the first (or fifth) time

When students physically assemble motors, sensors, and wires, STEM stops being theoretical. It becomes personal.

Miguel’s story reflects what happens when educators create space for experimentation. When classrooms transform into innovation labs. When students are trusted with tools and ideas.

For Educators Ready to Spark Change

This book is ideal for:

• Middle school STEM classes

• Robotics electives

• Introductory engineering courses

• Project-based learning units

• STEM read-alouds to launch build challenges

Extension ideas:

• Host a classroom “Robot Design Day”

• Assign teams to prototype a robot for a school-based problem

• Introduce iterative design journals

• Invite students to name and brand their robots

Because when students build something that moves because of their code? That confidence moves too.

The Bigger Vision

At NoireSTEMinist®, the mission is clear: normalize robotics. Diversify engineering. Expand who gets to imagine themselves as innovators.

Miguel’s classroom becomes a blueprint.

One teacher. One announcement. One chance to build.

And suddenly, the future of STEM looks a lot more hands-on.

Because sometimes the biggest revolution doesn’t start in a lab.

It starts at a desk… with a robot waiting to be built.

There's A Robot In My Classroom is available in the NoireSTEMinist® shop and everywhere that books are sold.

Miguel puts the brain in his shoebox robot