Robotics Instructions for Girls

Sphero Mania

In your team, complete the challenge at each station. Decide who has what role and read through the directions before you try it out. Make sure everyone has a turn. After 25 minutes reset the station before you move onto the next.

Water Rescue Goal: Move object to the rescue area in the shortest time possible.

• Tape off a section on the edge of the pool for the rescue area.
• Choose an object to rescue and put it in the pool.
• The driver stands away from the pool so that the tablet doesn't fall in and another person gently puts the Sphero into the water away from the object.
• Use the stopwatch to time how long it takes to rescue the object.
• Record your observations and times in your design journal.
• Try different objects and moving the rescue area.

Sphero Bowl Goal: Create a game with rules and a point system, while knocking down the pins.

• Set up your pins.
• Knock down the pins at the end of the alley with the Sphero, reset the pins for each person.
• Create a game.
• Determine how you will score points.
• Create a short list of rules for everyone to follow.
• Keep track of your scores and play a few rounds to test out your game.

Sphero Paint Goal: Create an abstract painting with the Sphero

• Set a piece of paper in the pool.
• Squeeze some paint onto the edge of the paper.
• Cover the Sphero with one of the materials and drive it through the paint onto the paper.
• Create different designs, trying different colors of paint and materials to cover the Sphero.

Light Painting

1. Use the resources linked here to see examples of long exposure photography (light painting) and how it works. Spend some time in your design journal coming up with ideas for what design you want Sphero to create with light and code. Write out the program you need to create in pseudocode.
2. After you have figured out a plan for your design, build it in the Sphero Edu app. See the resource links for inspiration.
3. Use the Long Exposure Camera (2) App on one of the tablets to capture your light painting. Share your final photograph by posting a video in Flipgrid Robot Round-Up.

Here are some tips for getting the best possible picture:

• Make the room as dark as possible.
• Use the "light trace" mode.
• Adjust the time for the shutter to stay open (you have a max time of 5 minutes, but your program will probably run much shorter).
• Keep the tablet taking the picture as steady and still as possible, prop it up if you can safely do so. If you have one, use a tripod.
• Try making adjustments if it doesn't turn out as expected.

Digital Dance Party

Browse a couple of the free-to-use music sites listed and select a piece of audio that you'd like to choreograph the Sphero to do using code. In your design journal, sketch out your ideas and write out pseudo code for how you might program the Sphero.

Put your plan in action by programming your Sphero to perform your dance.

Once you have all the wrinkles smoothed out share your performance with others by posting in Flipgrid!

Doodle Bots

Doodle bots are simple circuits that use a battery, a motor, a cup, and markers to make a machine that doodles. You'll work on doodle bots with your group, but everyone will make their own doodle bot.