Skip to content

Session 03: Meet Sphero 🤖

Overview

Grades: 1-2 | Duration: 30 minutes | Session: 3 of 17

Students are introduced to Sphero robots, learning to control the rolling robot and understanding basic programming concepts.

Session 03: Meet Sphero

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Understand that Sphero follows programmed instructions

  • Learn basic Sphero controls (drive, speed, direction)

  • Navigate Sphero through simple paths

  • Connect technology to responsible use

Session 03: Meet Sphero

Materials Needed

  • 📦 Sphero robots (from CSCOE library)

  • 📱 Tablets with Sphero Edu app

  • 🚧 Tape for paths on floor

  • 📓 Design Detective journals

  • 📋 Sphero control reference cards

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

Blessed Carlo Acutis — A teenager who loved technology and used it to share faith. He created websites about miracles!

Scripture

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord." — Colossians 3:23

Opening Prayer

Dear God, thank you for technology and the creative people who make it. Help us use technology wisely, like Blessed Carlo Acutis did. Bless our learning today. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (5 minutes)

  1. Meet Sphero! — Show the robot
  2. "This is Sphero—a robot ball!"
  3. "WE tell it what to do!"
  4. Robot Review:
  5. Robots follow instructions
  6. They don't think—they obey our commands
  7. Blessed Carlo — Used computers to serve God
  8. Today's Goal — "Learn to control Sphero!"

Main Activity: Sphero Introduction (19 minutes)

Part 1: First Connection (4 minutes)

  • Small groups receive Sphero and tablet

  • Open Sphero Edu app

  • Connect to Sphero (teacher helps)

  • Explore: Touch the screen—what happens?

Part 2: Basic Driving (7 minutes)

  • Use "Drive" mode

  • Practice:

  • Go forward
  • Go backward
  • Turn left/right

  • Change speed (slow is better for control!)

  • Challenge: Drive in a straight line

Part 3: Path Challenge (6 minutes)

  • Simple taped path on floor

  • Challenge: Drive Sphero along the path

  • Stay on the line!

  • Partners take turns

Part 4: Color Fun (2 minutes)

  • Change Sphero's colors

  • Make it flash!

  • "Robots can do fun things too!"

Design Detective Journal (4 minutes)

  1. Draw Sphero
  2. Write: "To control Sphero, I..."
  3. Draw the path you drove
  4. Rate: Easy 😊 Medium 😐 Hard 😰

Closing Circle (2 minutes)

  1. What We Learned — "Who's in charge—us or Sphero?"
  2. Responsible Tech — "How do we use technology well?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "Thank you, God, for robots and technology. Help us use them to do good things. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Successfully connected to Sphero

  • Demonstrated basic driving control

  • Completed path challenge

  • Understood human control over robots

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Extra time with controls

  • Simpler path (straight line)

  • Partner driving

For Advanced Students

  • Complex path with turns

  • Speed challenge (slow and accurate)

  • Explore additional app features

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Talk about robots at home! Where do we see robots? (Vacuums, factories, space) Play "robot"—give family members exact instructions to follow. How important is being specific?

Teacher Notes

  • Reserve Sphero from CSCOE 2 weeks ahead

  • Charge robots fully before session

  • Sphero Edu app is free

  • Have backup activities if tech issues arise

Previous: Session 02 — Tower Power
Next: Session 04 — Animal Adaptations