Sphero Robotics Sessions
Pupils will look at controlling Sphero robots to understand how their coding can affect the output of the robot. Activities include completing obstacle courses and designing a light show.
Sphero Mini is a compact, highly versatile robotic sphere that introduces learners to programming and robotics through interactive movement, bright LED lights, and built-in motion sensors. Using the Sphero Edu platform, pupils can progress seamlessly from simple visual path drawing to block-based coding and text-based JavaScript.
What the session could include
- Classroom Activities
- EYFS (Early Years):
- Targeted Small-Group Discovery: Guided, small-group sessions focused on early cause-and-effect, using simple joystick drive modes or face drive to steer Spheros through low-pressure mazes and toward color targets.
- Collaborative Storytelling: Working in small, supported groups to use brightly lit Spheros as moving story characters, building early communication, spatial awareness, and teamwork skills.
- Key Stage 1 (KS1):
- Whole-Class Path Drawing & Sequencing: Introducing algorithms by drawing paths on screen for Sphero to follow, exploring basic turns, loops, and speed controls.
- Whole-Class STEM Challenges: Designing physical tracks, ramps, and paper bridges for the entire class to test and navigate together.
- Key Stage 2 (KS2):
- Whole-Class Block Coding & Sensors: Building visual Scratch-style block programs using conditionals, loops, and built-in sensors (accelerometer and gyroscope) to solve complex navigation challenges.
- Whole-Class Maths & Physics Integration: Measuring real-time data to calculate speed, distance, angles, and trajectory, smooth-transitioning toward text-based JavaScript coding.
In the classroom
