![]() In the last few years, Google added the ability to download, install and use Android apps from its Play Store – the same store that’s found on Android phones. Once thought of as nothing more than a laptop that provided access to Google’s Chrome browser, Chromebooks have morphed since their introduction into a full-fledged laptop powered by a Chrome OS, a broad operating system.įor example, there’s now a file system built into Chrome OS, allowing you to save, upload and manipulate files, even if they’re stored in a cloud service like Dropbox or Google Drive. Sphero’s programmable robots are an increasingly common sight in today’s tech infused classrooms and makerspaces.Your CNN account Log in to your CNN account They are a fun and engaging way for students to learn coding, problem solving, and critical thinking. ![]() They encourage creativity and are a great collaborative activity for sparking authentic learning discussions. Best of all, they can be controlled with iPhones, iPads, Android and even Chromebooks. This post may contain affiliate product links.) Sphero has several different robots to choose from, so in this guide I am going to run through all the current models and give you ideas on how you can use them in the classroom. The Sphero Mini is the smallest robot in the lineup, so it makes sense that it is also the cheapest. It is about the size of a golf ball and Sphero claims it is the world’s smallest robotic ball. Despite it’s size, the Sphero Mini has a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and LED lights. It runs for about 45 minutes before it needs charging, and is available in five different colors. Learn more about the Sphero Mini in the video below: Sphero Mini Pins & Cones Accessory Pack ($9.99).The Sphero Mini comes with 3 mini cones and six mini bowling pins, but additional accessories are available. The Ollie is like Sphero’s faster and more adventurous cousin. It comes with textured tires that grip well on any surface. This means it can potentially be used in more places without fear of slipping or spinning out on very smooth or very rugged surfaces. It moves at up to seven feet per second and connects to smart devices via Bluetooth. Ollie has interchangeable tires and hubcaps, and will last up to an hour on a single charge. A stylish black option, called Darkside, is also available. The Sphero SPRK+ was built specifically for schools. It’s an app enabled robot that is essentially a bigger version of the Sphero Mini. It has a transparent, scratch resistant, shell that lets you see the inner workings of the robot. The Sphero SPRK+ has programmable sensors, LED lights and should last for around an hour before it needs recharging. A variety of grippy Sphero Covers ($11+).A number of accessories are available, they include: Like other Spheros, it connects to Android or iOS devices via Bluetooth, and the apps will let you control the ball or program the device with drag and drop coding blocks. All four of these robots have the same kinds of features that you find in the other Sphero products, but they come with an extra helping of personality that makes these droids hard to resist! Here’s where you can get one for your classroom: Star Wars: R2-D2, R2-Q5, BB-8, BB9-E (pricing varies)Īre these the droids you’re looking for? Sphero has a number of Star Wars themed robots that you will recognize from the popular sci-fi series of the same name. Watch the droids in action in the Star Wars themed video below:Īll the devices listed above are designed to work with the free Sphero EDU app that is available for Android and for iPhones and iPads. ![]() However, there is also a Sphero Chromebook app and even a Kindle app. The app offers 3 ways to program your Sphero of choice by drawing a path for it to follow, by assembling drag and drop coding blocks, or by creating your Javascript text entries. This means that Spheros can grow with your students and be used at a variety of age levels to complete challenges designed by the teacher or by the Sphero EDU team. If you haven’t used Sphero before, be sure to check out the Sphero EDU Educator’s Guide. It’s like a teacher’s manual for the different ways you can use Sphero products, and it includes help with things like classroom management and with the mobile apps. You should also visit the Sphero EDU Activities page. ![]() It has projects for your class from Sphero, as well as by other educators who have submitted their own lesson plans. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |