approximate time 30-40 minutes

Lesson 1:  Finding iPad App, Pairing Sphero, Opening a new Program, Roll blocks

Depending on prior exposure, this lesson can be fast or slow, it may take more than one class.

Demo – How to open app, how to pair Sphero, how to start and name a new block code program, how to Aim Sphero, how to drag a roll block up to the workspace, variables for roll block (heading, speed, duration) How to reverse, copy and paste blocks.  Show them the JavaScript for their code, and explain that the block code is just an easy way to write JavaScript.

Task – Sit about 1 meter from your partner, facing each other, legs crossed. Roll Sphero to your partner, have it speak your partner’s name and change colour, and then roll back to yourself without having to press start more than one time. Sphero should just touch your partner’s shoe before it returns to you. Early finishers can add a sound at the start and finish or try to roll around their partner.

Pair students or make small groups. Hand out iPads to each group.  Show how to open Edu app, Name and open a blocks program.  Send groups off to different parts of the room before letting them open the app to facilitate bluetooth pairing.  Explain that Sphero gets confused if there are other robots too close to it.  Stress that if they are having problems, they should NOT walk around with iPad or Sphero to try to find you, but wait for an adult to check in with them. Make sure to check in with each group!

Lesson 2: Changing Direction (geometry)

Demo – review lesson 1. Remind of direction change variables in roll block (heading) Review geometry – square, triangle, pentagon, hexagon.  Explain that a regular shape has the sides all the same length, only the angle changes.  Ask how your make sure the sides would all be the same in a roll program (speed is the same) Show how to look at Sensor data to verify. Introduce vocabulary – program (self contained – runs) code (parts of a program) explain like book vs. chapters. Introduce delay block.

Task – Have Sphero draw: A square, An equilateral triangle, A regular pentagon a regular hexagon.

Pair students and send.

Lesson 3: Loops

Demo – review lesson 1. Remind of direction change variables in roll block (heading) Show pictures of “spirograph” type drawing using a square.  Ask how you could make Sphero do that? Take suggestions. Try one or two as a demo. Ask what has to stay the same?

Lesson 4: The (dreaded) accelerometer

Demo – review lesson 1. (yes some will still need this) Review vocabulary – program, code, variable. Ask about the word acceleration. Ask if anyone know what an accelerator is or what it might mean. (hope someone has a kernel of knowledge) Explain that an accelerometer measures a change in movement. Sphero has an accelerometer which is very sensitive. If you hold sphero in your hand very still, you will still have some movement.  Show how to find the accelerometer in the