It’s not an episode of the Jetsons! It’s here in JeffCo! Sphero is rolling into our classrooms.
What is Sphero?
Sphero is an app enabled, programmable robot about the size of a baseball. This little robot might be small but it is mighty. Strong enough for you stand on, sturdy enough for you to drop...This little robot in a polycarbonate shell can even go underwater.
Sphero SPRK edition has a clear shell allowing students to see the sensors and electric motor - which can go up to 4.5 mph! Sphero connects to a Bluetooth enabled device like an iPad. Then, you can program the Sphero through an app to make it roll, spin, flip and change colors. Apps are available for iOS and Android...and there is even a beta Chromebook app.
Once in the app. students have the ability to build programs through simple drag and drop block coding. Not quite sure where to start? There are sample programs to help students (and teachers) explore. These built-in programs can be copied and personalized.
Why would I use it?
President Obama, in his 2013 Hour of Code kickoff speech, challenged Americans with
If we want America to stay on the cutting edge, we need young Americans like you to master the tools and technology that will change the way we do just about everything.
Everything is becoming more intelligent. Our phones, television and cars are now considered “smart”. We teach our kids core subjects - reading, writing, math. But we’re leaving out a key component in preparing students for the future. Coding is becoming a necessary 21st century skill. Why aren’t we teaching our students to speak the language of code?
Sphero enables students to become technologically literate through fun and engaging activities while shaping a brighter future.
How do I get started?
A great place to start is by joining SPRK Lightning Lab. Lightning Lab is a community of Sphero users sharing and creating together. There are lesson plans and pre-made Sphero programs ready for you and your students to personalize. Check out these creative activities!
For purchasing information, please contact Karrie Zanetti - kzanetti@jeffco.k12.co.us
Here are just a few!
Or follow Sphero on Twitter: @Spheroedu
President Obama, in his 2013 Hour of Code kickoff speech, challenged Americans with
If we want America to stay on the cutting edge, we need young Americans like you to master the tools and technology that will change the way we do just about everything.
Everything is becoming more intelligent. Our phones, television and cars are now considered “smart”. We teach our kids core subjects - reading, writing, math. But we’re leaving out a key component in preparing students for the future. Coding is becoming a necessary 21st century skill. Why aren’t we teaching our students to speak the language of code?
Sphero enables students to become technologically literate through fun and engaging activities while shaping a brighter future.
How do I get started?
A great place to start is by joining SPRK Lightning Lab. Lightning Lab is a community of Sphero users sharing and creating together. There are lesson plans and pre-made Sphero programs ready for you and your students to personalize. Check out these creative activities!
For purchasing information, please contact Karrie Zanetti - kzanetti@jeffco.k12.co.us
Here are just a few!
- Studying the solar system? Use your Sphero to replicate the solar system
- Got a unit on Ancient Egypt? Build a chariot and see if your Sphero can pull your Pharaoh.
- Combine Breakout EDU with your Sphero!
- Use your Sphero to paint!
- Bring coding and geometry together with your Sphero with angles or program through a maze!
- Check out what Sphero can do for your Forces in motion unit.
- Sphero can even be incorporated in ELA!
Or follow Sphero on Twitter: @Spheroedu
I bought one to use in the library but now need the push to start with it. Any suggestions. I really want to use this as the basis for our ALP after school work and possible later robotics group.
ReplyDeleteHi Terry - I would call Sphero Customer Service - I had a misfunctioning Sphero and they had me send it in and they replaced it within a week.
Deletesphero nice device for children
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/wUC9XI1JABE
watch & subscribe