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Session 2: Sphero Advanced 🤖

Overview

Grades: 5-6 | Duration: 45 minutes | Session: 2 of 17

Students explore advanced Sphero BOLT programming using block-based coding with sensors, variables, and conditionals.

Session 2: Sphero Advanced

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Program Sphero BOLT using block programming

  • Use sensors (light, compass) in programs

  • Implement conditionals and loops

  • Create autonomous robot behaviors

Session 2: Sphero Advanced

Materials Needed

  • 🤖 Sphero BOLT robots (from CSCOE library)

  • 📱 Tablets with Sphero Edu app

  • 📋 Programming challenge cards

  • 📓 Engineering journals

  • 🚧 Course materials

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

Blessed Carlo Acutis — Used programming skills to create a database of Eucharistic miracles. Technology for God's glory!

Scripture

"For I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you." — Jeremiah 29:11 (Planning in coding!)

Opening Prayer

Dear God, you gave us minds that can create and program. Help us use technology wisely, like Blessed Carlo Acutis. Guide our coding today! Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (7 minutes)

  1. Sphero BOLT Features:
  2. LED matrix display
  3. Light sensor
  4. Compass/gyroscope
  5. More precise movement
  6. Block Programming:
  7. Visual coding like Scratch
  8. Blocks snap together
  9. More complex than drive mode
  10. Blessed Carlo Acutis:
  11. Teen programmer and web developer
  12. Used skills to share faith
  13. "Be original, not a copy!"
  14. Today's Goal: Create autonomous Sphero behaviors!

Main Activity: Block Programming (30 minutes)

Part 1: Block Programming Intro (8 minutes)

  • Open Sphero Edu app → Blocks mode

  • Key block types:

  • Motion: Roll, stop, spin
  • Lights: LED matrix, main LED
  • Sounds: Play sounds
  • Sensors: Read light, compass
  • Controls: If/then, loops, wait
  • Variables: Store values

Basic Program Demo: 

When program starts:
  Set main LED to blue
  Roll at 45° speed 100 for 2 seconds
  Stop
  Set main LED to green

Part 2: Guided Challenges (12 minutes)

Challenge 1: Square with Lights (3 min)

  • Roll in a square

  • Change LED color at each corner

  • Use repeat loop

Challenge 2: Sensor Response (4 min)

  • Use light sensor

  • If dark: Turn on LED matrix (like flashlight!)

  • If bright: LED off

  • Use conditional (if/else)

Challenge 3: Compass Navigation (5 min)

  • Roll North for 2 seconds

  • Roll East for 2 seconds

  • Roll South for 2 seconds

  • Roll West for 2 seconds

  • Uses heading/compass!

Part 3: Creative Challenge (8 minutes)

Design an Autonomous Behavior:

  • Sphero must make "decisions"

  • Use at least one sensor

  • Include loops and conditionals

  • Ideas:

  • Light-seeking robot
  • Dance that responds to environment
  • Message display sequence

Part 4: Showcase (2 minutes)

  • Share programs

  • Celebrate creativity!

Engineering Journal (5 minutes)

  1. Draw/write your most complex program
  2. Explain what each part does
  3. Write: "Conditionals help robots..."
  4. Write: "I could use this to..."

Closing Circle (3 minutes)

  1. Discovery Share — "What was most challenging?"
  2. Carlo's Example — "How can we use tech for good?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "Thank you, God, for the gift of programming. Help us use technology to make the world better. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Created block programs

  • Used loops and conditionals

  • Implemented sensor reading

  • Demonstrated logical thinking

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Start with simpler programs

  • Pair with experienced peer

  • Use step-by-step guides

For Advanced Students

  • Multiple sensor programs

  • Create mini-games with Sphero

  • Teach concepts to others

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Research Blessed Carlo Acutis! Discuss how technology can serve faith. Try free coding platforms at home: Scratch, Code.org. Think about programs you could create for good!

Teacher Notes

  • Reserve Sphero BOLT 2+ weeks ahead

  • Sphero BOLT has more features than Sphero Mini

  • Ensure full battery charge

  • Students will use Sphero again in Session 14

Previous: Session 1 — Design Process
Next: Session 3 — Structural Engineering