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Session 14: Sphero Challenge 🏆

Overview

Grades: 5-6 | Duration: 45 minutes | Session: 14 of 17

Students compete in advanced Sphero challenges, demonstrating mastery of programming concepts.

Session 14: Sphero Challenge

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Apply advanced Sphero programming skills

  • Complete multi-step challenges

  • Work under time pressure

  • Demonstrate growth since Session 2

Session 14: Sphero Challenge

Materials Needed

  • 🤖 Sphero BOLT robots (from CSCOE library)

  • 📱 Tablets with Sphero Edu

  • 🏁 Challenge course materials

  • 📓 Engineering journals

  • 🏆 Awards/recognition items

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

St. Paul — "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race." Excellence in effort honors God!

Scripture

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." — 1 Corinthians 9:24

Opening Prayer

Dear God, help us give our best effort today. May our work honor you whether we win or struggle. Teach us to celebrate others' success and learn from our challenges. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (5 minutes)

  1. Challenge Day!
  2. "Time to show what you've learned!"
  3. Excellence honors God
  4. Growth Reflection:
  5. Remember Session 2?
  6. Look how far you've come!
  7. St. Paul's Athletic Metaphors:
  8. Running the race
  9. Training for excellence
  10. The true prize: Growing in virtue

Main Activity: Challenge Competition (32 minutes)

Part 1: Quick Review & Setup (4 minutes)

  • Connect to Sphero

  • Quick test

  • Review challenge rules

Part 2: Challenge Missions (24 minutes)

Mission 1: Precision Navigation (5 min)

  • Navigate exact course without touching walls

  • Points for accuracy

  • Time bonus for speed

  • Requires: Precise movement programming

Mission 2: Sensor Integration (5 min)

  • Use light sensor to navigate

  • Avoid "dark zones"

  • Find the "light target"

  • Requires: Conditional programming

Mission 3: Autonomous Dance (5 min)

  • Create programmed dance routine

  • Must include: movement, lights, sounds

  • Judged on creativity and execution

  • Requires: Complex sequencing

Mission 4: Speed Challenge (4 min)

  • Complete course as fast as possible

  • Must hit all checkpoints

  • Accuracy + speed scoring

  • Requires: Optimized programming

Mission 5: Innovation Challenge (5 min)

  • Open-ended: Create something amazing!

  • Surprise the judges

  • Demonstrate mastery

  • Requires: Creativity + skill

Part 3: Finals & Awards (4 minutes)

  • Final demonstrations

  • Recognition of excellence:

  • Most Precise
  • Most Creative
  • Best Problem-Solver
  • Most Improved
  • Team Spirit

Engineering Journal (5 minutes)

  1. Your best challenge: ___
  2. Skills demonstrated: ___
  3. Compare to Session 2: ___
  4. Write: "Excellence means..."
  5. Write: "I'm proud that I..."

Closing Circle (3 minutes)

  1. Celebration — Recognize all participants!
  2. Growth — "How have you grown?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "Thank you, God, for growth and achievement. Help us continue to give our best in all we do. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Demonstrated programming mastery

  • Completed multiple challenges

  • Showed significant growth

  • Displayed good sportsmanship

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Modified challenge difficulty

  • Extra time allowed

  • Partner option

For Advanced Students

  • Create challenges for others

  • Mentor struggling peers

  • Extra difficulty levels

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Share your challenge results! Celebrate growth, not just winning. Discuss: How does giving your best honor God? What skills have you developed that you're proud of?

Teacher Notes

  • Reserve Sphero BOLTs ahead

  • Set up courses before class

  • Have backup activities ready

  • Emphasize growth over competition

  • Document for portfolios

Previous: Session 13 — Easter Tech
Next: Session 15 — Physics & Motion