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Sphero RVR+ - 8 lesson program

 

Lesson 1: Introduction to Sphero RVR+ and Basic Coding

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020

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​Objective: Students will understand the basic features of the Sphero RVR+ and learn how to program simple movements using the Sphero EDU app.

  1. Introduction (10 minutes)

  • Explain what Sphero RVR+ is and its key features (e.g., sensors, motors).

  • Show students how to connect the Sphero RVR+ to the Sphero EDU app.

  • Discuss the concept of coding, emphasizing block-based programming.

​​

  2. Main Activity (25 minutes)

  • Demonstrate basic movement commands: forward, backward, turn left/right.

  • Students practice coding their RVR+ to move in a square using the app.

  • Challenge: Can students create a triangle or other shapes?

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  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Review how the coding sequence affected the movement of the robot.

  • Ask students what other movements they might try in the next lesson.

 

Lesson 2: Programming RVR+ with Loops and Sequences

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020

​

Objective: Students will apply loops and sequences in block-based coding to control the Sphero RVR+ for repeated movements.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Introduce the concept of loops in coding.

  • Explain that loops allow repetitive actions without writing the same code multiple times.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Guide students through an activity where they code the RVR+ to move in a circle using loops.

  • Challenge: Students create an infinite loop or a loop that stops after a set number of iterations.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Discuss how loops save time and make coding more efficient.

  • Ask students to share their code and explain their reasoning.

 

Lesson 3: Using Sensors to Navigate Obstacles

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020

​

Objective: Students will program the Sphero RVR+ to use its built-in sensors (e.g., infrared, light sensors) to navigate around obstacles.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Discuss how sensors help machines, such as RVR+, understand their environment.

  • Introduce the different sensors on the RVR+ and their functions.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Students code the RVR+ to move around a simple obstacle course using sensor inputs (e.g., stopping when detecting an object in front).

  • Challenge: Adjust the sensitivity of the sensors to improve navigation accuracy.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Review the role of sensors in the activity and how they helped the robot avoid collisions.

  • Discuss real-world applications (e.g., autonomous cars).

 

Lesson 4: Introduction to Variables and Conditional Statements

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020

​

Objective: Students will learn about variables and conditional (if-then) statements and use them in their RVR+ programs.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Explain what variables are (e.g., storing numbers or sensor data) and how conditional statements work in coding.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Students create a program that adjusts the speed of the RVR+ based on input from sensors (e.g., slow down when an obstacle is near).

  • Challenge: Use multiple variables and conditions to control different aspects of the RVR+ movement.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Review how variables and conditionals were used to create dynamic behaviors in the robot.

  • Discuss how these concepts are used in more complex systems.

 

Lesson 5: Collaborating with RVR+: Group Challenges

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020

​

Objective: Students will test the prototype car and analyze performance data.

 1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Explain the group challenge format and how collaboration is key to success.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Teams program their RVR+ to complete challenges, such as navigating a maze or carrying objects from one location to another.

  • Encourage peer review and code sharing to improve solutions.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Reflect on how teamwork and coding skills came together to solve problems.

 

Lesson 6: Exploring AI with RVR+

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020

​

Objective: Students will explore the concept of artificial intelligence (AI) and program their RVR+ to make decisions using AI-like behaviors.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Discuss AI in everyday technology and how machines learn from data.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Students program the RVR+ to make decisions based on sensor inputs, mimicking simple AI behaviours.

  • Challenge: Program the RVR+ to choose the fastest route through a maze using decision-making algorithms.
     

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Recap AI concepts and real-world applications (e.g., self-driving cars, robotics).

 

Lesson 7: Advanced Coding: Functions and Modular Code

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020

​

Objective: Students will learn how to create functions (modular code) to reuse in multiple parts of their RVR+ programs.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Introduce the concept of functions as reusable pieces of code.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Students write functions to control repetitive actions (e.g., moving forward, turning, checking sensors).

  • Challenge: Create a complex program using multiple functions to solve a larger task.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Discuss the efficiency and benefits of using functions in coding.

 

Lesson 8: Final Challenge and Presentation

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020

​

Objective: Students will apply their knowledge from the previous lessons to create a final project using the Sphero RVR+.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Present the final challenge: Students design and program a project using the Sphero RVR+ that demonstrates their understanding of coding, sensors, loops, and decision-making. Examples of final projects could include obstacle courses, automated tasks, or even games.

  • Provide clear expectations for the final project, outlining the required features (e.g., use of functions, sensors, and loops).

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Allow students time to plan and program their final projects.

  • Circulate around the room to assist teams with troubleshooting, code refinement, and debugging.

  • Encourage students to test their RVR+ and iterate on their designs.

  • Ensure students integrate all the concepts they’ve learned, such as using sensors to make decisions or functions for modularity.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Have students showcase their code and reflect on any challenges they faced during the process.

  • Discuss the importance of problem-solving and perseverance in robotics and coding.

  • Celebrate student achievements and highlight key learning moments from the program.

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