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Sphero Indi - 8 lesson program

 

Lesson 1: Introduction to Indi and Directional Movement

Outcomes:

NSW: ST1-2DP-T, ST1-3DP-T, ST1-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

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​Objective: Students will be introduced to Sphero Indi and learn to program basic movements using directional tiles.

  1. Introduction (10 minutes)

  • Introduce the Sphero Indi robot, explaining its components (e.g., colour sensor, wheels, and battery).​

  • Demonstrate how Indi responds to different coloured tiles, showing basic directional movement (e.g., green for go forward, yellow for turn left).

 

  2. Main Activity (25 minutes)

  • Allow students to place tiles in a sequence and observe Indi’s movement.

  • Discuss directional concepts (forward, left, right) and have students describe the robot’s movement using these terms.

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  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Discuss how robots can follow instructions through colour codes.

 

Lesson 2: Sequencing and Predicting Movement

Outcomes:

NSW: ST1-2DP-T, ST1-3DP-T, ST1-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

​

Objective: Students will sequence tiles to create a path and predict the movement of Sphero Indi.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Review the directional tiles and introduce the concept of sequencing.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Have students work in small groups to create a path using 4–6 tiles.

  • Before placing Indi on the path, have students predict its movement and explain their reasoning.

  • Test the sequence and discuss whether the outcome matched their predictions.
     

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Reflect on the importance of correct sequencing for programming.

 

Lesson 3: Navigating Simple Mazes

Outcomes:

NSW: ST1-2DP-T, ST1-3DP-T, ST1-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

 

Objective: Students will navigate Sphero Indi through simple mazes by correctly sequencing directional tiles.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Set up simple mazes using barriers or tape on the floor.

  • Introduce the challenge: navigate Indi through the maze using the least number of directional tiles.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Have students plan and test their path, encouraging them to modify and optimize the sequence as needed.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Discuss strategies they used to solve the maze and any challenges faced.

 

Lesson 4: Introduction to the Sphero Indi App

Outcomes:

NSW: ST1-2DP-T, ST1-3DP-T, ST1-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

​

Objective: Students will explore the Sphero Indi app to change the colour codes for directional tiles.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Introduce the Sphero Indi app and its interface, focusing on how to change the codes for each coloured tile.

  • Demonstrate how to set new functions for different coloured tiles (e.g., making a blue tile represent a speed boost).

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Have students experiment with changing codes for tiles and testing how Indi responds to their new commands.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Reflect on how changing the codes alters the behaviour of the robot.

 

Lesson 5: Problem Solving with Custom Codes

Outcomes:

NSW: ST1-2DP-T, ST1-3DP-T, ST1-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

​

Objective: Students will solve a problem by customising tile codes using the Sphero Indi app.

 1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Present a problem where students need to navigate Indi through a series of checkpoints using customised tile codes (e.g., adjusting speed or turns).

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Have students plan their solution, modify tile codes using the app, and test their results.

  • Encourage peer discussion and sharing of strategies.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Reflect on how the ability to customise codes enhances the flexibility of programming.

 

Lesson 6: Exploring Speed and Distance

Outcomes:

NSW: ST1-2DP-T, ST1-3DP-T, ST1-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

​

Objective: Students will investigate how changing Indi’s speed affects the distance it travels.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Introduce the concept of speed and demonstrate how to adjust it using the Sphero Indi app.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Set up a track and have students measure the distance Indi travels at different speeds.

  • Record and compare the results, discussing how speed changes the distance covered in a set time.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Conclude with a discussion on real-world applications of speed and distance.

 

Lesson 7: Creating Patterns and Loops

Outcomes:

NSW: ST1-2DP-T, ST1-3DP-T, ST1-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

​

Objective: Students will create patterns and loops using the Indi tiles and app.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Introduce the concept of loops and repetition in programming.

  • Demonstrate how to create a loop using Indi tiles (e.g., moving in a square repeatedly).

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Have students design their own patterns or loops, testing and modifying as needed.

  • Encourage creativity and discuss the importance of loops in programming for efficiency.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Students share their designs and discuss the importance of correct sequencing.

 

Lesson 8: Final Project - Designing a Robot Path

Outcomes:

NSW: ST1-2DP-T, ST1-3DP-T, ST1-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

​

Objective: Students will apply their knowledge to design and present a custom path for Sphero Indi, incorporating directional commands and custom tile codes.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Present the final project challenge: design a path for Indi that includes at least one custom-coded tile, a loop, and multiple directional changes.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Allow students time to brainstorm, plan, and test their designs.

  • Have students present their paths and explain their design choices.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Groups share what they learned and how they overcame challenges.

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