Sphero: Catch me if you can
By years 5 and 6 many students may have had some experience with a visual programming language such as Scratch or Blockly that is the basis of the Hour of Code. Sphero will take the screen based control of an image to the next level by introducing a robotic device controlled by a visual programming language. This lesson idea was created by Peter Lelong.
Additional details
Year band(s) | 5-6 |
---|---|
Content type | Lesson ideas |
Format | Web page |
Core and overarching concepts | Algorithms, Specification (decomposing problems), Implementation (programming) |
Australian Curriculum Digital Technologies code(s) |
AC9TDI6P02
Design algorithms involving multiple alternatives (branching) and iteration
AC9TDI6P05
Implement algorithms as visual programs involving control structures, variables and input |
Technologies & Programming Languages | Robotics and drones |
Keywords | Sphero, Programming, Robots, Directional language, Decomposition, Branching, Iteration, Functions, Visual programming, Algorithms, Bluetooth, Peter Lelong, CSER, Computer Science Education Research Group |
Organisation | CSER |
Copyright | Creative Commons Attribution 4.0, unless otherwise indicated. |
Related resources
-
A matter of style
In this lesson sequence, students using the Zen Garden website reflect on criteria for effective design.
-
Google CS First: Storytelling
CS First: Storytelling guides students to use block-based coding in Scratch projects through a series of themed activities.
-
Baringa State Primary School: Implementation of STEM
Baringa PS uses a cross-disciplinary approach that integrates STEM disciplines around relevant contexts (ie a problem, question, product or issue).
-
Parramatta Marist High: Building a programming mindset
Kelly Bauer explains how video games are the starting point for Year 7 students at Parramatta Marist High to learn about coding.
-
Torrens Valley Christian School: New subject at Year 10
Fiona Clayton describes how their Year 10 Digital Technologies subject has had an impact on numbers opting to go on and study in this area.