How can a Robotic Ball be used as more than a just a Toy?
Why are you here?
1) You have a (or some) Sphero(s) but not sure how to implement it into your class or curriculum
2) You like the idea of coding and controlling something tangible but not sure which robot to buy
3) You want to buy a Sphero but you are afraid you'll end up at problem 1
4) You have no idea what Sphero is and you are just curious
Quick Background and Questions
Starting Using Spheros 5 years ago (Grant Funded) Pushing STEM and Maker Style Thinking
Lots of robot type toys but I stuck with Sphero because they were super reliable, robust, and good for all ages
They are already engaging but how do we use them as more than a glorified toy? Is it okay to think of them that way?
What exactly is Sphero and what can it do?
Sphero is extremely simple to use however it gets more complex as your understanding increases
There are three ways to control Sphero
What Types of Projects?
Assistive Technologies for Characters in a book to help teach acceptance and inclusive environments - Mood Ring Example
Maker Challenge & The Amazon Engineer Simulation | Tweet
5th Grade Solar System Model | Handout and Rubric | Vid1
Using Sphero for measurement. How long is a mile? | Mile Test
Invisible Writing Project
Other Ideas?
Can Sphero teach Empathy?
Questions?
An Easy Way to Start
Move desks or find an open space
Borrow some hula hoops from the gym teacher ;)
Provide “basic” overview of how drawing or blocks program works (boat analogy)
Ask students to make 3 different shapes inside the Hula Hoop ( +, square, circle)
Add colors to each - for example → “ at each corner have sphero turn a different color”
Once these are completed, the students have pretty much learned the basics