Sphero

SPHERO SPRK – NOT JUST A TOY

Subject: Digital Technology

Year Level: 1-6

(adapted purpose and applications for every year level)

Strand:Digital Technologies processes and production skills

Sub strand:Digital Implementation

 

What is it?

Sphero SPRK is the latest model of Sphero.

Sphero is very basically; a programmable ball. The sphero is a coding robot that is controlled by a remote control smart device such as an iPad through a range of applications with varying purposes.

The Sphero SPRK has a transparent design allowing students to see the inner mechanics of the robot. With features such as LED lights and inductive charging it is attractive and easy to use. The mechanics of the Sphero allow it to spin at various speeds and directions as directed by the application (Android, IOS or Amazon fire) which remote-control the ball.

The first and maybe the most important reason to use the Sphero ball in an education setting, is that it’s fun. It is a great way to engage students of any age or level with both digital technology, coding and multiple other learning areas.

The Sphero SPRK can be used and manipulated to support students learning in so many ways. Some of these ways are listed below:

  • It can be used to teach and practice coding.
  • It can be used in the Arts for painting and creative tasks.
  • It can be used to simulate solving a maze.
  • It can be used in the early years for learning colours.
  • It can be used to learn about shapes
  • It can be used to reinforce and practice angles (mathematics) in a practical way

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHVSX0ABWWE

 

Link to the resource

www.sphero.com/education

 

Content Descriptor Example

Design, modify, follow and represent both diagrammatically, and in written text, simple algorithms (sequence of steps) involving branching (decisions) and iteration (repetition) (ACTDIP019)

 

Cross curriculum priorities and general capabilities

Critical and creative thinking

Personal and social capability

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Literacy

Numeracy

 

Links to other learning areas

English

Mathematics

The ARTS

Science

 

Skills developed

Coding

Practical use of angles

Problem Solving

Creativity

Arts skills such as drawing, design, colours and painting

 

Applications

Sphero (https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/sphero/id468699619?mt=8)

SPRK Lightning Lab (https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/sprk-lightning-lab-programming/id1017847674?mt=8)

Sphero Macrolab (https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/sphero-macrolab/id519917219?mt=8)

Sphero Draw N’ Drive (https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/sphero-draw-n-drive/id481029316?mt=8)

Sphero Golf (https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/sphero-golf/id481034508?mt=8)

Sphero Cam (https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/sphero-cam/id481040248?mt=8)

 

 

 

Sphero Robots! Learning how to program…
by

Sphero Robots! Learning how to program…

Subject: Digital Technologies

Year level: Grade 3+

Strand: Processes and Production Skills

Sub Strand: Digital Implementation

Content Descriptor Example: Use visually represented sequenced steps (algorithms), including steps with decisions made by the user (branching) (ACTDIP011)

General Capabilities:

  • Literacy
  • Numeracy
  • Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability

Links to other learning areas:

  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Even English and Art!

Link to resource: http://www.sphero.com/education

First impressions

I had never heard of a Sphero until I commenced my third year practicum and had to provide a learning experience involving them. I really had no idea what I was doing, but I quickly learnt that I was just the facilitator during this lesson and the students were in control of their own learning. The students loved the fact that they were teaching me something. All students were engaged in programming and collaborating with their peers to make the Sphero follow their innovative designs they had created.

So, what is a Sphero?

A Sphero is a little robotic ball that can be programmed using an app such as the sphero app, lightning lab or tickle app. You can create a series of instructions using the programming app where the Sphero will then follow the instructions you have created. Sphero can do tricks, dance to music being played, flash different colours AND it is also waterproof and shockproof.

How you could use a Sphero in the classroom

To provide an activity that suits the diversity of students, I would suggest to create a number of self paced challenges that can be completed by the students. Start with simple challenges that slowly progress to more difficult challenges. Students can move on to the next challenge once they have completed the one before. For example, the first challenge could be to program the Sphero to roll in a straight line forward and back. The next challenge could be to make a jump for the Sphero and make the Sphero go over it and return back to the beginning. Create harder challenges by adding corners, hills, obstacles, goals etc. This all depends on what experience the students have with programming. Students will be engaged in computational thinking as they are trying to solve these challenges by formulating the solution.

To incorporate Mathematics, students could design a pathway or maze by creating a 2D drawing to scale. Students can begin creating their pathway or maze using masking tape and items around the classroom making sure they keep to their measurements. They will then need to program their Sphero to complete the pathway or maze. Creating activities like these allow students to work collaboratively and have quality discussions about their understandings. Listening to some of the conversations the students have during this activity can blow you away.

When working with a Sphero, students are investigating, defining and designing their pathway drawing. Students then produce and implement their pathway ready for use considering safety measures. Once they have trialed their pathway, students will evaluate the progress made and discuss what changes need to be made by collaborating and managing.

TIPS

When working in groups, it could be handy to give particular roles to students, otherwise they may spend half the lesson fighting over who gets to do what. These roles could include: programmer, designer, builder, Sphero manager. Then swap the roles around making sure all students have a go at programming.

Allow plenty of time for pack up, otherwise you will be spending half the afternoon doing it by yourself.

Something extra…

Take a look at the Sphero Blog for ideas and inspiration.

Need some assistance with how to use a Sphero? Click here

 

By Jessica Read

 

References

School Curriculum and Standards Authority. [2014]. Digital Technologies. WA: Government of Western Australia. Retrieved from http://k10outline.scsa.wa.edu.au/home/p-10-curriculum/curriculum-browser/technologies/digital-technologies2

Sphero. (2016, June 20). Just add imagination [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk4HylFFC4c&feature=youtu.be

Sphero. (2015, August 4). What is sphero SPRK edition [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg8LmEkI_0c&list=PLSdn63ba-PlZwLKYDV1I-BaW0ZRqYlXvY&index=5

Sphero. (2016, June 20). Sphero SPRK inspiring in the classroom [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yQYr7CIxBc&t=4s

 

Sphero- SPRK Edition
by

Sphero- SPRK Edition

SPHERO-1

 

Subject: Digital Technologies

Year Level: Year 2

Strand: Digital Technologies Processes and Production Skills

Content Descriptor: Follow, describe and represent a sequence of steps and decisions (algorithms) needed to solve simple problems

Elaboration: Experimenting with very simple, step-by-step procedures to explore programmable devices, for example providing instructions to robotic devices to move in an intended manner, such as following a path around the classroom.

Link to the resource:

http://www.sphero.com/education

Lesson adapted from: http://www.timberdoodle.com/Articles.asp?ID=387

General Capabilities:

  • Numeracy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Information and Communication Technologies
  • Personal and Social Capability

Links to other Learning Areas:

Mathematics, Science

Description of the resource:

Sphero is the latest in programming technology for kids and adults alike. This device is a robotic ball that can be controlled by the tilt, touch or swing of an iPhone or tablet device. Compatible with both Apple IOS and Android applications via blue tooth, it is single or multi-player allowing you to engage in a virtual world while playing in the real world.

If you draw a shape on your tablet, Sphero will follow.

Swing your iPhone like a tennis racket, Sphero becomes the ball.

SPRK_Blog_Photo_3_sspngp

A classroom activity using this resource:

Incorporating the mathematics concepts of time, speed and distance through experimentation (science) and collecting of data. The settings on Sphero needed for this activity are roll and stop.

Before getting started ensure that Sphero is connected to the iPads and are aimed in the correct direction. Students place masking tape on the floor at the starting point. Program the speed and time in which students wish Sphero to roll (Start with 3 seconds as a minimum and a low speed and gradually build by changing one of the variable). When ready, press play on the device and allow it to roll. Mark again with masking tape how far Sphero rolled. Students can use a measuring tape to measure the distance that Sphero rolled. Students should records the results before changing a variable (speed and/or time) and continuing.

This activity can be adapted for higher level students by considering other variables and including more complicated commands such as changing directions.

Sphero SPRK Inspiring in the Classroom: