Sphero coding and engineering
Develop your students' coding, maths, and problem-solving skills in these fun workshops!
The Neon quality mark shows this activity has been reviewed and meets Neon's quality standards.
Overview
In these workshops, your students will learn about the engineering that goes into either the Sphero Bolt or Sphero RVR+ (rover). They will also gain an understanding of how engineering solves problems faced in the world around them.
Sphero Coding and Engineering centres round a core activity that develops students' coding skills and knowledge of engineering. Additional options or themes then allow you to tailor the workshop to the most appropriate for your students needs or interests.
Using block-based code all students conduct tests to ensure the robots are working logically. Following this, they apply logic and maths to test code a simple shape using distance, speed, time and headings in degrees. They then build on their observations to make the outcomes more accurate, adding lights and sounds to their code to express their creativity. With Bolt they can also use or develop their own animations on the LED matrix.
With basics covered, there are several separate options to choose from:
- Mars Mazes: Learn a little about Mars Rovers and space exploration / the UK Space industry, then navigate around a Mars Maze challenge mat. This may be combined with sensor outcomes below depending on time available.
- Sensors: Learn to access the ambient light sensor (Bolt and RVR+), colour sensor (RVR+) and pitch sensor (RVR+) and conduct experiments, record data and use code to make decisions based on the data sensed.
- Trains: Learners create their very own train network and code their way from station to station. Using engineering habits to overcome challenges and map the train lines and stations. There is also an option to build a train of multiple carriages using the robot as the engine.
Capacity
Minimum of 10 participants, maximum of 32 participants.
Cost
From £499 for a full day's session. Contact the provider for a full quote tailored to your requirements.
Dates and location
Skill Supply does not charge travel costs on top of their workshops if the location is within one hour of their office in Sandbach, Cheshire. For travel times over this, they will charge mileage, and for over 2 hours they may need to add accommodation costs on top. Full quotes can be offered before purchase.
Duration
The workshops can be a half (around 2.5 hours) or a whole day (around 5 hours) and fit in with a normal school day's break and lunchtime.
Details
- School subject
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- Technology/computing
- Curriculum links
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- Physics: Motion and forces
- Engineering
- Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves: Forces
- Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics: Application of engineering
- Physics: Forces
- Design thinking and engineering: Engineering
- Sciences - Forces and energy: Forces and energy transfer
- Technology & design - Design
- Technology & design - Control
- Group size
- Small groups, Whole class
- Participation level
- Hands-on
- Duration
- Whole day
- Cost
- Cost applies
- Location
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In-school
- UK-wide
Learning outcomes
- Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
- Attainment and progress
- Develop engineering employability skills
- Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
- Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering
Frameworks
EqualEx
- Introduce and Inspire
Essential skills
The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:
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Enrichment framework
- 5 - An accessible and engagement enrichment offer
- 7 - An outcomes-focused enrichment offer
Testimonials
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The pupils of Westbourne Primary had a great time during their Sphero session, with their host Dom. With hands-on experiences which were well structured, the pupils were soon sending their robots on errands to explore mountains and on a search for alien life. The coding skills that they worked on will continue to be invaluable to them as they progress on their learning journey. A great experience!
— Martin Harrison, Year 5 Teacher -
This was a fantastic workshop and all of our children loved it. Some said it was the best day of their lives! We asked for the workshop to be delivered from Reception right though to Year 6 and nothing was too much trouble. Dom was very friendly and helpful and the children listened well to his instruction but if they had missed something, he was always on hand to help them out. I will definitely look to run this workshop again in the future
— Jayne Harrison, Primary School Teacher
