Maker-STEAM Checkout Inventory 

• Sphero Indi Kit (8)

• Indi Code Mat (1)

• Literacy Cards set (1)

Age Recommendation 

• Y5-3rd Grade 

Resources 

• Indi Educator Guidebook

• Indi Challenge Cards

• DIY Challenge Cards

• Beginners Guide to Programming

• Additional Indi Resources

Tips 

🧠 Getting Started

• Charge before use – Indi charges via USB and holds power for extended use. A full charge takes about an hour.
  
  

• Introduce color tiles slowly – Start with basic tiles like green (go), red (stop), and yellow (slow) before adding more complex ones.
  
  

• Explain how the color sensor works – Help students understand that Indi "reads" the color under its front sensor to make decisions.
  
  

🧩 Activity Planning

• Start with simple paths – Have students create straight or L-shaped routes before attempting complex mazes.
  
  

• Use a flat, clean surface – Rough or shiny surfaces may affect Indi’s ability to read color tiles correctly.
  
  

• Create challenges – Assign goals like “Get Indi to the library tile using only four tiles” to promote problem-solving.
  
  

👩‍🏫 Teaching Strategies

• Encourage trial and error – Indi is perfect for testing and adjusting; let students explore and revise their paths.
  
  

• Have students narrate their logic – Ask them to explain why they chose each tile and predict Indi’s behavior.
  
  

• Assign group roles – Use roles like Builder, Planner, and Observer to foster teamwork and communication.
  
  

🧰 Classroom Management

• Store tiles in labeled bags – Helps keep the color tiles organized and easy to distribute.
  
  

• Use timers for rotations – Keep students engaged and on schedule by limiting turn times with Indi.
  
  

🌟 Extension Ideas

• Story-based paths – Have students create a journey or adventure for Indi tied to a book or lesson theme.
  
  

• Incorporate math – Count tiles, measure path lengths, or predict outcomes based on tile combinations.
  
  

• Add the app for advanced users – The Sphero Edu Jr app unlocks custom drive commands and expanded learning options when you're ready to go beyond color tiles.

Activities and Lessons 

• Indi Lessons 

• Cal Ripken Sr. 1st Grade Lessons