Kindergarten: Exploring Movement and Technology with Sphero

Grade: Kindergarten

Duration: 50 minutes

Topic: Introduction to Robots and Movement

Overview

In this lesson, Kindergarten students will be introduced to the concept of movement using the Sphero robot. They will explore how Sphero can move in different ways and discuss how technology can help care for God’s creation.

Objective

Introduce the basic concepts of robotics and movement.
Encourage problem-solving and teamwork through hands-on use of Sphero.
Reflect on how we can use technology as stewards of God’s creation.

Materials

Sphero robots
iPads or Chromebooks with the Sphero Edu app installed
Presentation

Lesson Steps

1. Opening Prayer (5 minutes)

Begin with a prayer, asking God to help us use the gifts He has given us to learn and take care of the world.

Suggested Prayer:

“Dear God, thank you for giving us creative minds to learn and grow. Help us to use our skills to care for Your creation. Amen.”

2. Introduction to Sphero (10 minutes)

Discussion: Introduce Sphero as a tool for learning about movement and control. Show students how to make Sphero move forward, turn, and stop using the app.
Connection to Faith: Explain that God gives us the ability to create and use tools like robots to help take care of the Earth and all its creatures.

3. Hands-On Activity (25 minutes)

Activity: Students will take turns guiding Sphero through a simple course of obstacles representing God’s creation (toy animals, plants). The goal is to move carefully around the objects without bumping into them.
Catholic Integration: Relate the activity to stewardship, explaining how we can use technology to care for the world around us.

Activity: Students reflect on how they used technology to complete their task. Ask them to share one way technology can help take care of God’s creation.

Catholic Integration

Stewardship: Discuss how robots like Sphero can help us solve real-world problems, just as God calls us to use our talents to care for the world and others.
Teamwork: Emphasize how working together to control Sphero mirrors the importance of community and cooperation, as God asks us to live and work in harmony with others.

Assessment

Participation: Observe how well students engage with Sphero and the activity.
Understanding: Evaluate students’ ability to control the robot and understand the connection between the lesson and Catholic values.

Closing Prayer (2 minutes)

End with a prayer of thanks for the opportunity to learn and grow.