Embedded Files
Gather Materials
Gather Materials
- STEM iPad with a case on it (in black iPad Case)
- Sphero with case on it (over by 3D printer)
Exploration - Program Variables
Exploration - Program Variables
- Which blocks have you used before?
- Which are new to you?
Run the program and observe what happens. The pink block is called a variable and are super useful. Variables act as placeholders that can be assigned a value at anytime.
Run the program and observe what happens. The pink block is called a variable and are super useful. Variables act as placeholders that can be assigned a value at anytime.
Try changing the variable in Shape Shifter (HINT: look at the Set Number block) and see what happens.
Try changing the variable in Shape Shifter (HINT: look at the Set Number block) and see what happens.
Skills Building - Program
Skills Building - Program
The Earth and Moon rotate as they move in their orbits. Discuss in a small group how you could program two Spheros, one to move like the Earth and other as the Moon. Which blocks do you think you would need?
The Earth and Moon rotate as they move in their orbits. Discuss in a small group how you could program two Spheros, one to move like the Earth and other as the Moon. Which blocks do you think you would need?
To the left is a template and discuss what you think would happen.
To the left is a template and discuss what you think would happen.
- What does each variable determine?
- What happens when you change the value of the variables?
- How could you use this program to make your mini solar system?
TIPS
TIPS
The simplest way to create an orbit is to use the Spin block. The momentum of the spin will move the Sphero in a circle. Try setting the speed first, then add a Loop which you can nestle the Spin block within.
The simplest way to create an orbit is to use the Spin block. The momentum of the spin will move the Sphero in a circle. Try setting the speed first, then add a Loop which you can nestle the Spin block within.
Variables could be used to alter the speed or size of the orbit, so that the same program could be used for either the Moon or the Earth, but by entering different variables.
Variables could be used to alter the speed or size of the orbit, so that the same program could be used for either the Moon or the Earth, but by entering different variables.
Challenge - Mini Solar System
Challenge - Mini Solar System
You will join the other groups to create a Mini Solar System (combine all three spheros). One for the Sun (which just needs to glow bright orange or yellow). One to represent the Moon, and the third to be the Earth.
You will join the other groups to create a Mini Solar System (combine all three spheros). One for the Sun (which just needs to glow bright orange or yellow). One to represent the Moon, and the third to be the Earth.
Test out each program to make sure the orbits work. Make sure that the orbit is large enough to go around the sun. Make any necessary changes.
Test out each program to make sure the orbits work. Make sure that the orbit is large enough to go around the sun. Make any necessary changes.
You probably have noticed that the orbits aren't perfect circles. That's totally fine. Planetary orbits are actually more like ovals in reality.
You probably have noticed that the orbits aren't perfect circles. That's totally fine. Planetary orbits are actually more like ovals in reality.
When you post take a screen shot of your code and use that as your picture!
When you post take a screen shot of your code and use that as your picture!
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