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Sphero Indi - 8 lesson program

 

Lesson 1: Introduction to Sphero Indi Robots

Outcomes:

NSW: STe-2DP-T, STe-7DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

 

​Objective: Students will explore the basic functions of the Sphero Indi robot, including how it moves and responds to different colored tiles.

  1. Introduction (10 minutes)

  • Introduce the Sphero Indi robot to the class. Show students how to turn it on and explain its features.

  • Demonstrate how Indi moves and responds to different colored tiles.

  • Explain that each color tile gives a different command: green = go forward, red = stop, blue = turn left, yellow = turn right.

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  2. Main Activity (25 minutes)

  • Divide students into small groups (3-4 per group).

  • Give each group an Indi robot and a set of colored tiles.

  • Allow students time to explore, experimenting with different color tile arrangements to see how Indi responds.

  • Prompt students with questions: “What happens when you place the green tile in front of Indi?” “How does Indi move when you use a yellow tile?”

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  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Bring students back together and discuss what they observed.

  • Ask: “What colors did you use to make Indi move in a straight line?” “How did you get Indi to stop?”

  • Conclude by summarizing how different colors represent different movements.

 

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Lesson 2: Understanding Directions and Sequences

Outcomes:

NSW: STe-2DP-T, STe-7DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

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Objective: Students will learn to control Indi's movements using direction-based color tiles and create simple sequences.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Review the directional commands of each colored tile: green (forward), yellow (right turn), blue (left turn).

  • Demonstrate creating a simple path using a sequence of color tiles, e.g., green-green-yellow-green.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Students work in pairs or small groups to create a path on a mat or large sheet of paper.

  • Encourage them to think about the sequence of tiles needed to make Indi travel along a specific route (e.g., around a square or triangle).

  • Observe and guide students as needed, ensuring they understand the relationship between the tile sequence and Indi’s movement.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Each group presents their path to the class and explains the sequence they used.

  • Discuss: “What challenges did you face when planning your path?” “How did you solve these challenges?”

 

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Lesson 3: Problem Solving with Simple Paths

Outcomes:

NSW: STe-2DP-T, STe-7DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

​

Objective: Students will design simple paths and troubleshoot to solve movement challenges using the Sphero Indi robot.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Explain that today students will be solving a problem: how to get Indi from the start to the finish line.

  • Set up a start and finish line on the floor.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Each group will create a path from the start to finish line using colored tiles.

  • Students will test their paths, observe the results, and adjust their tiles as needed.

  • Encourage students to ask, “What changes can we make if Indi did not reach the finish line?”

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Each group will share their final path and explain any changes they made.

  • Discuss: “What strategies worked best?” “What did you learn about solving problems?”

 

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Lesson 4: Exploring Speed and Distance

Outcomes:

NSW: STe-2DP-T, STe-7DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

​

Objective: Students will experiment with different speeds and distances by adjusting tile sequences.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Explain that today students will be solving a problem: how to get Indi from the start to the finish line.

  • Set up a start and finish line on the floor.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Each group will create a path from the start to finish line using colored tiles.

  • Students will test their paths, observe the results, and adjust their tiles as needed.

  • Encourage students to ask, “What changes can we make if Indi did not reach the finish line?”

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Each group will share their final path and explain any changes they made.

  • Discuss: “What strategies worked best?” “What did you learn about solving problems?”
     

 

Lesson 5: Using Indi to Explore Patterns

Outcomes:

NSW: STe-2DP-T, STe-7DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

​

Objective: Students will create and identify patterns using color tiles and observe how the Indi robot responds to repeating sequences.

 1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Begin by discussing what patterns are and showing a few examples (e.g., alternating colors, shapes, or lines).

  • Demonstrate how to create a simple pattern using colored tiles, such as red-blue-red-blue.

  • Show how to place Indi on the starting point of the pattern and predict how it will respond.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Provide each group with a pattern mat or a blank sheet of paper.

  • Ask students to create their own repeating patterns using color tiles.

  • Encourage them to test their pattern by running Indi along the path and observing if the robot follows the expected movements.

  • If time allows, students can swap patterns with other groups to test and describe what they see.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Have each group present their patterns and explain the movement that Indi performed.

  • Discuss: “What did you notice about how Indi moved along your pattern?” “How did the pattern affect the robot’s movement?”
     

 

Lesson 6: Mapping and Spatial Awareness

Outcomes:

NSW: STe-2DP-T, STe-7DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

​

Objective: Students will develop an understanding of mapping by navigating Indi through a simplified map of the classroom or a designated area.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Introduce the concept of a map and how it represents real spaces.

  • Show a basic map of the classroom with labeled areas (e.g., teacher’s desk, bookshelves, reading corner).

  • Explain that students will be creating a path for Indi to navigate from one location to another using the map.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • In small groups, students will choose a start and finish point on the map.

  • They will place tiles on the map to direct Indi from the starting point to the finish.

  • As students test their path, they can make adjustments to their map to ensure Indi follows the intended route.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Each group presents their map and explains how they navigated the robot.

  • Discuss: “What were some of the challenges in navigating Indi through the map?” “How did you decide on your route?”

 

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Lesson 7: Collaborative Path-Building Challenge

Outcomes:

NSW: STe-2DP-T, STe-7DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

​

Objective: Students will work collaboratively in teams to create a more complex path for Indi, considering direction, speed, and sequence.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Explain that students will be working together to create a path that is longer and more complex than previous lessons.

  • Set a goal for each group, such as making Indi move through a series of turns, changes in speed, or a zigzag pattern.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Groups work collaboratively to design a challenging path.

  • They will test, adjust, and retest their path to ensure it works as intended.

  • Optional: Introduce a timing element where students time how long it takes Indi to complete the path and make adjustments to improve their time.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Each group presents their path and explains the steps they took to create it.

  • Encourage students to give feedback on what they liked about each other’s paths and what they found challenging.

 

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Lesson 8: Final Assessment and Free Exploration

Outcomes:

NSW: STe-2DP-T, STe-7DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

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Objective: Students will demonstrate their learning by completing an open-ended challenge and reflecting on their experience with Sphero Indi robots.

  1. Main Activity (35 minutes)

  • Students will work individually or in small groups to create a unique path for Indi that incorporates elements from all previous lessons (directions, speed, patterns, mapping).

  • The challenge should include a start and finish point and at least two changes in direction.

  • Teachers assess students using a rubric that measures creativity, use of concepts, and problem-solving skills.

 

  2. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • As a class, reflect on the program and what students learned.

  • Discuss: “What was your favorite part of using the Indi robots?” “What did you find most challenging?”

  • Hand out optional certificates or praise for completing the program.

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