Title

Using Sphero to teach programming fundementals

Description

We are using Sphero to teach programming fundamentals (for loops, functions, variables, etc.) in a hands on way. We are incorporating basketball as a familiar medium to provide context to programming. The students will navagate the Sphero through the basketball-themed obstacle course only using programming scripts to move the Sphero. TAP is the technology ambassadors program that allows students to learn leadership skills and help promote IT and STEM careers. Link to TAP GGC

Team

Joel Garcia 

Patrick Page

Nikki Mehdikhani

Daniel Redder

Advisors
Dr. Anca Doloc Mihu

Dr. Robertson

Publications

CCSC SE poster presentation October 25th Auburn, AL

CREATE Symposium Poster, November 21, 2019, GGC

Outreach Activites

Super Saturday Series(S3), November 9, 2019, GGC – middle and high school girls to promote the IT & STEM career

Tap Expo, October 10, 2019, GGC – Promote IT field and the TAP program to college students

Class Workshops – on November 12th, November 13th, and November 20th, to promote IT to non-IT college students

Technology

The technology a programmable robotic ball that either operates with code or by remote control. Its primary uses are for teaching and educational purposes.

• Sphero Sprk+
  1. https://www.sphero.com/sphero-sprk-plus
  2. image
• Sphero Bolt
  1. https://www.sphero.com/sphero-bolt
  2. image

Installation/setup

• A Sphero
• A device (laptop/tablet/phone) with bluetooth connectivity
• An obstacle course

Usage

• Connect the Sphero robot via bluetooth with the device in order to move it.
• Using the Sphero edu coding enviorment, build a program with block code.
• execute the program to see the Sphero move.