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  • Sphero Robotics changing how our kids learn
Sphero Robotics changing how our kids learn

Sphero Robotics changing how our kids learn

Peter Abt Education, Robotics, Classroom, STEM, Sphero As a Digital Technology/STEAM specialist I get to work with lots of different types of technologies, like Sphero robotics. Over the last five years I have had the opportunity to work with Sphero in class on projects from P-6. The Sphero’s ease of use and flexibility have made them the go for robotics at our school.
One of the aspects where Sphero really shines is construction projects. Its round shape allows students to place construction projects over the robot which they can code or free drive to achieve their lesson goals.
This unlocks a range of creative possibilities for students to explore and discover. Listed below are a few examples of how this concept can be brought to life in the classroom.
 
Rosie’s Walk
Rosie’s Walk is a good example of a simple starter project in junior primary. Students create characters from a book using a paper cup. The teacher then retells the story while the students roll their Sphero characters around to bring the story to life. Students can also create props to complete the look and feel on the storyline.
You can watch students creating Rosie’s Walk Sphero characters here.
 
Sphero Ants
Sphero Ants is a Year one STEAM project from the science unit on ‘Living Things’. The Ant is constructed from two paper cups, straws and paper. The Sphero is placed in the head and driven around.
Both these projects feature students making something with their hands and provides valuable practice in basic skills like ruling, cutting, and estimation.
View some of the Sphero Ants created by students here.
 
Sphero Cars
Sphero Cars is a good opportunity for students to collaborate and create together. Students construct a car from cardboard using the Sphero to provide the motion forward. Teachers can use a template to simplify the construction process.
This project links to the mapping and location unit in Year 4 maths where they can code their cars to different locations around a large map of their local area.
Watch some Sphero cars in action here.
 
Sphero BattleBots
Sphero BattleBots challenges students to design and create a robot to battle against other teams in a fun, competitive setting. This project represents a great opportunity to apply a ‘design thinking’ approach as they prototype and refine their robots with a wide range of design choices. The competition aspect gives students real-world feedback on their robot’s performance which informs future design choices. Students can also build this project with a fin to feature a BattleBot made from recycled materials.
 
These are just a few examples of using Sphero in construction projects in the classroom and represent a wonderful opportunity to for students to express their creativity. More ideas can be found at my website Teaching with the iPad.

Peter Abt

Peter Abt Peter is passionate about teaching with mobile devices and believes that they can transform learning across the curriculum. He has a strong interest in coding and has worked with students as a Digital Technology/STEAM Specialist on a diverse range of creative projects including Sphero, green screen, stop motion animation and Minecraft.
See more by this author
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