Grade 5

STREAM Project

Challenge Title: "SphereBot Race: Wheel and Axle Extravaganza"

Challenge Overview:

Combine the classic wheel and axle simple machine with modern robotics by designing and building a SphereBot—a spherical robot that utilizes the wheel and axle system. Your challenge is to create an innovative and agile SphereBot that can navigate a challenging course, showcasing the principles of the wheel and axle in a dynamic and futuristic context.

Objective:

Design, build, and program a SphereBot that incorporates a wheel and axle system to navigate a challenging course. Your creation should not only demonstrate the functionality of the wheel and axle but also highlight the integration of robotics and programming.

Materials:

Participants are provided with a robotics kit containing components such as a spherical chassis, motorized wheels, and programming tools (e.g., Blockly, or text-based coding languages).

Rules and Guidelines:

• Wheel and Axle Integration: The SphereBot must prominently feature a wheel and axle system. Clearly identify how this simple machine is integrated into the robot's design.

Design Criteria:

a. Agility: The SphereBot should be able to navigate a predefined course that includes turns, obstacles, and challenges.

• b. Programming: Participants are required to program the SphereBot to perform specific maneuvers. Programming should demonstrate an understanding of the wheel and axle's role in the robot's movement.

• Course Challenges: Design a challenging course that requires the SphereBots to showcase their agility and responsiveness. Include elements that test turning ability, obstacle avoidance, and precision navigation.

• Size Limitations: Establish size limitations for the SphereBots to ensure fair testing and comparison.

• Presentation: Participants will present their SphereBots to the group. The presentation should include an explanation of how the wheel and axle system is integrated, the programming logic behind the robot's movements, and any creative elements.

• Testing and Race: SphereBots will be put to the test on the designated course. The challenge culminates in a race where SphereBots compete against each other to complete the course in the shortest time.

Judging Criteria:

a. Agility: How well does the SphereBot navigate the course, demonstrating the wheel and axle's effectiveness?

b. Programming Skill: How well is the SphereBot programmed to perform specific maneuvers?

• c. Creativity: Bonus points will be awarded for creative design elements and innovative programming approaches.

• Time Frame: Set a specific timeframe for the construction phase, programming, testing, and final presentation.

This challenge combines the principles of the wheel and axle with robotics and programming, providing a multidimensional STEM experience. 

Title: Sphero Maze Explorer Challenge

Objective:

• Students will program their Sphero robots to navigate through a maze successfully.

Title: Sphero Maze Explorer Challenge

Objective:

• Students will program their Sphero robots to navigate through a maze successfully.

Materials:

• Sphero robots

• Maze structure (you can use cardboard, tape, or other materials to create a maze on the floor)

• Tablets or computers with the Sphero Edu app installed

• Markers for starting and finishing points

Challenge Steps:

1. Maze Design:

• Set up a maze on the floor using cardboard walls, tape, or any other materials you have available. The maze should have different sections, turns, and challenges to make it interesting.

2. Starting and Finishing Points:

• Mark a clear starting point and a finishing point within the maze.

3. Introduction to Sphero Edu:

• Briefly introduce students to the Sphero Edu app on the tablets or computers.

4. Programming Basics:

• Provide a quick tutorial on programming Sphero using the Sphero Edu app. Cover basic commands such as roll, change color, and wait.

5. Sphero Exploration:

• Allow students some time to explore how the Sphero moves and responds to commands.

6. Programming Challenge:

• Divide students into small groups and assign each group a Sphero robot.

• Challenge each group to program their Sphero to navigate through the maze from the starting point to the finishing point.

7. Programming Constraints:

• Add complexity by imposing constraints, such as requiring the Sphero to change color when it reaches certain points in the maze or pausing for a few seconds before proceeding.

8. Test and Iterate:

• Have each group test their program in the actual maze.

• Encourage students to iterate and modify their code to overcome challenges they encounter.

9. Peer Sharing and Collaboration:

• After testing, have groups share their coding strategies and solutions with the class.

• Encourage collaboration and discussion on different approaches to solve the maze challenge.

10. Maze Showdown:

• Organize a "Maze Showdown" where each group gets a chance to showcase their Sphero navigating the maze. Time them and see which group completes the challenge the fastest.

11. Reflection:

• Facilitate a reflection session where students discuss what they learned, what challenges they faced, and how they overcame them.

ISTE Standards:

• ISTE Standard: Computational Thinker

• ISTE Standard: Creative Communicator

• ISTE Standard: Global Collaborator

This Sphero maze challenge not only engages students in programming and robotics but also promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.