Mrs Hall from DG STEM team joined us today for a Sphero workshop. Sphero is a programmable robotic coding toy that allows children to explore coding using direction and angles. The device is capable of rolling around under the control of a smartphone or tablet.
The children connected their Sphero to their IPad using a bluetooth connection. We then used the controls to select a different colour for each Sphero L.E.D. display to allow us to differentiate each group’s devices. We then learned about the speed, steering wheel and aim controls.
The class took turns on steering their Sphero robots through ‘bridges’ (our legs). Computational thinking was required to consider direction, angle and speed to achieve a score point.
We then moved on to more complex challenges of controlling Sphero to approach a wall as close as possible without contact. We got as close as a gap just the width of a sheet of paper.
Our next challenge was to traverse a square pattern using angles and direction, moving on to include changing colour coding blocks. Through debugging, we found that including a delay at each corner point created a smoother transition and avoided ‘roll on’.
It was a really fabulous session with lots of purposeful discussion and learning. Thank you to Mrs Hall for leading the workshop!
# Successful Learners
