Coding with Sphero!

Written by Kathryn Blunt on November 10, 2015. Posted in iOS Apps, New Technologies, STEM and STEAM.

Sphero is a fun, new gadget that engages students in engineering and coding challenges. Learn the basics of using Spheros in your classroom or tech club in this blog post.

What is Sphero?
Sphero is the "original app-enabled robotic ball". When paired with apps on your mobile device, you can drive Sphero with a remote control or program it to perform actions, move in patterns, and even change colors. Find more information about Sphero at sphero.com.

What apps can I use to control and program Sphero?

How do I teach using Sphero?
SPRK Education is Sphero's site that supplies teachers with free Core lessons to use with Sphero. The lessons are ready to go with very little teacher preparation. The lessons teach Core concepts, like measurement and geometry, along with coding, engineering, and problem solving. Find the SPRK lessons online at sphero.com/education. Be sure to click on the Core Lessons, Middle School Lessons, and STEM challenges links:

Why should I teach using Sphero?
It's true that Sphero is fun to play with, but when used alongside apps like Macrolab and Tickle, Sphero is much more. It's a fun way to teach basic coding. It is an engaging way to solve STEM problems. And most importantly it sparks curiosity and encourages inquiry-based and problem-based learning.

Kathryn Blunt

Katie Blunt was the 2015-16 UCET President. She is also an Educational Technology Specialist for the Canyons School District where she is lead over the Canyons District Film Festival and PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs projects. Katie earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University and her Master's Degree in Instructional Design and Educational Technology from the University of Utah. Katie was the 2011 UCET Outstanding Young Educator of the year and the 2016 Canyons School District Student Support Professional of the Year.