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This is a coding challenge to control the movements of the Sphero bots in order to navigate the Matariki cluster and visit all nine stars, plus Puanga, too!
Learners will use Sphero bots to explore the stars of Matariki and Puanga, by mapping them on the floor and interacting with them by guiding their bots through controls, code, and program sequences to visit each one and learn more about them.
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Understanding that the Sphero bot is a digital system that responds to block-based instructions as inputs with movement as output
Planning and building basic algorithms to write a continuous block-based program
Understanding that each code block represents a step in the algorithm and that together they determine the outcome of the program
Testing and debugging to identify problems, determine solutions, and iterate to improve outcomes
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Using a programmable device purposefully as a digital tool to achieve a specific, meaningful outcome
Making deliberate choices about program parameters
Setting up a physical environment as a purposeful context
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Spatial reasoning and measurement, working with distance and angles to plan and refine movement sequences across a scaled floor grid
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Engaging with the cultural significance of Matariki
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For younger or less experienced learners, use the remote control function to navigate the Sphero bots.
For older or more experienced learners, add the challenge of writing a code to navigate the entire cluster in a continuous travel sequence.
Include obstacles like asteroids or other imaginative space clutter that your bots need to navigated around.
Challenge multiple learners or groups to run their programs at the same time from the same starting line, either as a race or as an opportunity to see how the routes they programmed interact.
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Challenge learners to include coded animations in their sequence that are set to play when their bot reaches certain points along their route. Encourage them to make the animations relevant to stories and concepts held by each star of Matariki.
Assign specific stars of the Matariki cluster to individuals or groups, and prompt learners to do background research on the significance and stories held by their assigned star. Then prompt them to report on their findings as the Sphero bots reach their stars when navigating the floor map.
Apply the framework of this activity to a different style of map with a different set of landmarks.
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Teachers should consider:
Device Preparation as a pre-lesson task, including charging batteries, loading applications, and connecting Sphero bots.
Check that the Sphero Edu app is installed and up to date on school devices before the lesson, and that Bluetooth is enabled. Sphero bots connect via Bluetooth and this may need to be permitted on managed school devices.
If using the web-based version of Sphero Edu, ensure the site is accessible on the school network and that ākonga understand they are using an external platform.
Make sure the physical space used for the floor grid is safe, clear of trip hazards, with enough room for learners and bots to move around freely.
Group Assignments and logistics, including supporting student collaboration and content focus.
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Take steps to make sure device use is safe, supervised, and purposeful throughout. This activity involves using devices to access controls and the coding platform for Sphero and potentially using the internet for topic research.
General Guidance
Set clear expectations around safe and purposeful device use at the start of each lesson.
Remind ākonga of your school's digital use agreement before beginning any lesson that involves the internet or a third-party digital platform.
Support ākonga to know that if they encounter content that feels inappropriate, confusing, or upsetting during their research that they can flag this with kaiako without concern.
Before the activity
Remind ākonga to handle the Sphero bots carefully and that treating equipment with care is part of responsible digital citizenship.
Consider reviewing and pre-selecting a set of reliable, age-appropriate sources, rather than open internet searching.
Familiarise yourself with Sphero bots, and Sphero Edu, and the settings that control how projects are visible publicly and accessible on the platform.
During the activity
Supervise internet use throughout, circulating actively to monitor and support ākonga.
Discuss openly what it means to operate the Sphero bots appropriately within the boundaries of your learning environment.
Encourage ākonga to treat all sources about Matariki, particularly those representing mātauranga Māori, with respect and care as it’s part of a living, culturally significant body of knowledge.
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>>> y4-6 | Y4-6 | 1+ Lesson (Directed to Guided)
Model digital skills and how to use digital tools. Encourage learners to observe, discuss, and make decisions together as a group or whole class. Consider beginning by using the remote control function to manually navigate the Sphero bots, then develop skills and confidence to capture movements in sequences of code, or algorithms.
>>> y7-8 | Y7-8 | 1+ Lessons (Guided to Independent)
Support the use of digital tools to build digital skills, encourage collaboration, and supervise control of the Sphero bots to accomplish a goal.
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Setting off to see the stars!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C1AsPNRaNpa9-PbNmFGXkOx6CfC0cQ0m/view?usp=drive_link
Program in progress, headed to stars improvised in chalk...ka wani kē!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PWJfB8mKANMw-sdXNr4K7CPM8TqAEMMT/view?usp=drive_link
Sphero amongst the stars, sharing stories of Matariki.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bpw0jrGWaAV8e2VKGATxdhYsvkr6AwZI/view?usp=drive_link
Testing and debugging to plot the perfect course.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YJGFMH7bVlldq6FHJ4KxpVmvFyYWWGhY/view?usp=drive_link
Bots on the starting line, ready to race! May the best algorithm win!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-siJZBe7KtgTUSCA1fZFYGY3UZYywMI_/view?usp=drive_link
A closer look at one group’s work, with animation, too!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JGwkm-2xrxFrxOQtRF0uS5tlbgKVJXWl/view?usp=drive_link
Remember to keep your bots calibrated so they don’t get lost in space!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12QAdtzMOtXWEVq1txKqqxYIKJttGmGJS/view?usp=drive_link