Sphero

According to the program above, when 'Start' is pressed:

• The Sphero's light will turn purple
• it will begin to roll at a rate of 80, on heading 0 degrees (forward), for 1 second.
• It will then Pause for 1 second
• Last, it will roll at rate of 80, at 180 degrees (backward), for 1 second.

The result brings the ball back, or near to, it's starting point. Or, that's what one would likely predict.

It won't make it back all the way because it used some of that 1 second to also orient its direction 180 degrees.

But, the code does show that if we ask Sphero to move at a set rate and heading and only changing the duration, we can begin to get an idea about how to consistently make Sphero go where we want it to go.

Making a Distance Chart:

A good rate for classroom use is about '80'. To accurately compare the various trials, you will also want keep the heading consistent: 0 degrees (forward). The remaining variable —'time'—is a good one to play with.

Here's a description of an activity in which students create a distance chart:

• Place the Sphero at the edge of a floor tile (make sure you have at least 12 empty floor tiles ahead).
• Activate the Sphero Edu app, and create a new program like the one seen at right.
• Aim the Sphero: activate the Aim tool, then swivel the control till the blue aiming light to aligns with the Sphero on an axis you want to travel. More help.
• Create a T-chart to record the times required to move Sphero:
  • 3 tiles
  • 6 tiles
  • 9 tiles
• Do the times follow a clear pattern in relation to the distances? If not, what might account for the discrepancy?
• Keep the chart posted nearby as students work to solve various movement challenges.

After completing the distance chart, groups tried rolling their Sphero around the centre island in the computer lab, using block coding tools in Sphero EDU app.

Great job, everyone!