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Which Robots for Kids Should I Buy? [STEM Project & Behavior Management Series] [ep.155]

Which Robots for Kids Should I Buy? [STEM Project & Behavior Management Series] [ep.155]

robots for kids

Check out the full episode on Which Robots for Kids Should I Buy?:  

 

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Episode Summary

Have you been wondering which robots for kids you should buy for your STEM classroom? If yes, then today’s episode is for you! I recently asked over on Instagram what robots you are using in their classrooms and what challenges you are currently facing when it comes to robots for kids. I’m sharing those responses and other tips and strategies for incorporating robots for kids into your STEM classroom.

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Teacher recommendations for robots for kids
  • An overview of each of the robots
  • Tips for getting funding for robots for your classroom

Resources Mentioned:

Episode Transcript: 

Naomi Meredith [00:00:00]:

Which robots should I buy for my classroom? I asked all of you over on my Instagram at Naomi Meredith your opinion and what robots you buy for your students and the ones that you have experience with. I am sharing with you your responses as to what has worked well in your classroom and also what have been some sticking points for you. There are some robots that you guys told me about that I haven't used before. So this was a very exciting episode to put together and get all of your opinions and expertise. 


Naomi Meredith [00:01:11]:

I have done an episode like this before. It was kind of like a bonus episode, and I had asked over on my Instagram about the 3D printers that you have used and your recommendations and things that have worked well and what haven't. And that is a really cool episode because I had experience with only a couple of different types of printers. But knowing there are so many out there, I wouldn't have been able to experience them all. And so that is actually an episode I share with teachers all the time when they're asking that question just to hear other people's perspectives. So, that will be linked in the show notes for you because I think that is super valuable, and I wanted to create a similar experience here for this episode as it relates to your experiences with different robots. Also, back in episode 43, I gave my specific robot recommendations and why I suggested those, so my experience and what robots that I had access to. Out of all of those, and you can hear about all the different kinds, in my personal opinion, Dash by Wonder Workshop is my absolute favorite.


Naomi Meredith [00:02:25]:

There are a lot of runners up, but that's my preference for robots. To me, that is the most versatile user friendly robot. It can be used k through 8. It has a driving mode that is good for introducing this robot to younger students, but then you can get into that block-based coding that looks a lot like Scratch. And then a lot of people don't know this about Dash, but if you have any of the paid tiers of your Make Wonder program, there is actually JavaScript coding and more advanced block-based coding. So, that is a cool experience that you can bring to Dash when your kids need more of a challenge. And they also have in those paid tiers, it is a virtual Dash, so it actually interacts with the code just like the physical Dash, and students can take their learning home with their virtual dash or just have another option. So that's pretty fun as well.


Naomi Meredith [00:03:22]:

Something to keep your eye out for is their international steam summit that is coming up for Wonder Workshop for the springtime. So, there are things all things dash there, but also some really cool but also other really cool presenters and presentations that are all STEM based. So keep an eye out. I usually speak every year. I did submit a proposal, so fingers crossed I get chosen. But, it was fun. Last year, I did a presentation. I also got to be their keynote speaker, which was super, super cool.


Naomi Meredith [00:03:56]:

And I'm pretty sure I played that keynote here on this podcast. It might have been episode 99 or a100, which was pretty exciting. Alright. So in terms of robot recommendations, what are all of you using out there? And I thought this was really cool. I had so much fun talking to all of you on Instagram. So, thank you to those who responded. This was really fun to hear because there were a lot of commonalities with the types of robots that other teachers are using in their classrooms, and then also some newer ones on the market and their opinions. When you teach them, you often don't get that opportunity to observe and check out other classrooms and see what is being done and what works well and what doesn't.


Naomi Meredith [00:04:47]:

And so this was really, really exciting, to get this information and also share it with all of you. When I was talking to Christy B. Lewis, she uses primarily Dash the Robot, like I had just mentioned, but their district will not fund the paid version of Make Wonder, but using the freebies, which is definitely a great place to start with their freebies as well and totally understand, every district has different possibilities when it comes to funding and, what they want to fund and not. So, there are some really awesome things that they have for you to get started. When I was talking to her more, she also used these other little robots. They're called Root robots. And I was messaging with her, and I said, oh my gosh. Those look like little Roombas. And we were looking more into it, and we're pretty sure they are made by the same company, which, honestly, I don't think that's a dumb idea at all.


Naomi Meredith [00:05:51]:

When you think about our robot vacuums, there are those that are being coded. There is code in these robot vacuums. And so, why not make a kid version for kids to experience and understand how this piece of technology works in your home? I don't think they vacuum up anything, but it was pretty cute. They're like little baby Roombas, so she likes them. She said they've been pretty fun. Andrea_zimmermanstem. I was talking with her, and, she uses some different robots in her classroom. She uses the tail bot, t a l e, and the Vinci bot.


Naomi Meredith [00:06:34]:

And then Lego Spike and Vex Go are also robot options. And if you're thinking, wait, LEGO, I thought, was just building? I did have episodes recently all about LEGO Education, and some of the kids' students will build and code their creations. So, technically, it is a robot. I was asking her more about Marty the robot because I hadn't seen that. And so she sent me a picture of Marty, the robot, and in my opinion, I thought Marty looked like the robot. Like, if you ask students to draw me a picture of a robot, this is what it would look like. She said that when you are coding Marty, the robot it's using a remote control, and then the Marty blocks look a lot like Scratch Junior. If you're not familiar with Scratch Jr, that is strictly coding.


Naomi Meredith [00:07:33]:

It doesn't connect to any devices. There is a way to get it on Chromebooks. I think it might be in the Chrome Web Store. I'm not a 100%. I have seen Scratch Junior on Chromebooks, and then I've also used it on iPads. It is a free app. It's awesome. It definitely is very relevant for your youngest learners.


Naomi Meredith [00:07:58]:

So, that was interesting to hear about her experience using this Marty robot and that the code, it seems like, is made for younger students. I was talking with Amber Likes Books and Cats on Instagram, and she uses b bots and Scratch. I might also be mentioning coding platforms here and there since that was the question I asked. B-bots are those little robots that look like a little bumblebee. They are comparable to the code and go mouse. They do the same exact thing. If you are able to spend a little bit more, I do recommend getting the b bots. They are more hefty, heavier duty.


Naomi Meredith [00:08:42]:

They will last longer than your Code and Go mice. So if you're able to do it, do it. They are rechargeable. Code and Go mice use batteries that you do have to interchange. Now, if you get rechargeable batteries, that would work really well. But I recommend the bee bots. That is my preference since they will last you a lot longer. She also uses Sphero, but she also mentioned that they don't follow the code lines as well as they age.


Naomi Meredith [00:09:13]:

And I noticed that too with some of the Sphero that I had. I love Sphero, the ball robot, but as they got older, mine also had an issue with connecting to devices for a long time. They would disconnect quite often, and then the battery life died pretty quickly over time. There were also a couple of other teachers who used Spiro in their classroom. We have miss Geeky Tech, Sarah, who uses Spiro, and then also leapy829 uses Spiro. She also has the Sphero Indy, which I have heard really good things about that for little kids. It looks like a little car, and then there are these colorful squares that each color makes the robot do a certain or different action. So kids are moving these squares around on the floor, and the robot will move around and is looking for those squares to perform the action.


Naomi Meredith [00:10:09]:

So they look really, really fun, and I've heard really fun things about them from teachers who have used them. I also know that Miss Geeky Teach uses Dash. She just wrote a grant through DonorsChoose and got a ton of those funded for her classroom. So, again, if you are hoping, after listening to this episode, you kinda have an idea of what kind of robots you might want to try, DonorsChoose is a great option for that. I did speak with somebody who works for DonorsChoose, which we'll link in the show notes where she talks a little bit more about DonorsChoose, what their mission is, and some ways to help you get your projects funded, which was a really, really cool interview. Bree Smith 13 uses a lot of the similar items that we talked about, Sphero and Dash. For coding platforms, she also uses Codable and Codespark, which don't connect to robots but just some other coding platforms. And then she also uses Ozobots.


Naomi Meredith [00:11:11]:

Hopefully, I think you can buy Ozobots for a while. You couldn't, purchase them, but I think they're back in stock where Ozobots are pretty cool. They're these tiny, tiny little robots. They are, they can fit in the palm of your hand, and they read color patterns. So a lot like the indie where it's looking for colors and it will perform the action, Ozobot will do the same thing, but the colors are colored with a marker. And so those are pretty fun. I use this for quite a bit of time with my 2nd and third graders. A big tip with those is to make sure you count them before your class leaves for the day.


Naomi Meredith [00:11:54]:

I did have a student try to take them more than once, and so that was a practice that I put into place with the Ozobots because I wanted to make sure they didn't go anywhere because they are not cheap. For how little they are, they are not cheap at all. Back to Miss Geeky Teach. She also has the VEX 123 in her classroom, and she was saying that students use a coder where they slide in the code and then they hit play, and then it will run. She said that she has used the VEX 123 from kindergarten all the way to 5th grade, and they're actually really easy to use. And they come with a lot of pre done curriculum, which is easier to jump into. So, if you need more experience when it comes to curriculum, it sounds like this is a good starting place, which can be a sticking point sometimes. Also, she does love Dash and Spiro, but, also, when you don't have access to the curriculum, that can be tricky to get started.


Naomi Meredith [00:12:58]:

So definitely, for any robots, check out their websites. More and more robotics companies are trying to provide resources for you to get started because it is a newer thing, especially in the elementary space, and you wanna make sure that kids are being successful. So definitely check that out, but, when you are getting started with any of your robotics. I definitely have some resources for you to get started with robots, and continuously thinking about that for you as well. If you are hoping to dive in more about coding and robotics, what all of this entails in your STEM space, and what are some different things you can do around this topic, I do have a free podcast playlist that is all about coding and robotics, and I have my entire podcast categorized into categories. So same exact show that you're getting here, but I have all the episodes organized, so you don't have to go pick and choose and find all of the episodes that are related to coding and robotics. I have that all done for you absolutely free. So, it has all of the episodes listed in a spreadsheet.


Naomi Meredith [00:14:14]:

And then what's really cool is there's a special link for each of the playlists where you add it to your podcast player. And as soon as I organize the episode into that category, it pops up on your phone so those specific episodes for that category are already there for you. You can grab this free coding and robotics podcast playlist, oh, and all of the other free playlists over at Naomi Meredith.com/podcastplaylist. You just create a free little account. It's all there for you, and easy for you to find the topics that you wanna learn more about. Thank you so much again for following along, and thank you to everybody who was chatting with me over on Instagram. I love hearing what you're doing in your classrooms and being willing to share your experiences and what is working well and why what isn't working well because that's a reality of teaching. Right? So, thank you so much for sharing all that info with me.


Naomi Meredith [00:15:15]:

I definitely learned a lot of new things. Hearing what is going on in your classroom is super helpful for other teachers out there who want to add more robots in their space or don't have any at all and are looking for where to get started. Thank you so much again, and I will chat with all of you soon.

robots for kids

Related Episodes/Blog Posts:

 

Connect with Naomi Meredith:

 

More About your host, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is an online K-5 STEM Coach in Colorado supporting elementary teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there. With over a decade of experience teaching, 5 years teaching elementary STEM, along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate, Naomi helps teachers world-wide to navigate best practices, strategies and tools out there. 

She offers a variety of tools to help teachers feel successful teaching STEM to their elementary students through lesson plans, online courses, coaching and speaking events.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM, innovation and hands-on learning in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

More About The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

Are you tired of scrolling online for your next great STEM lesson? Do you feel like there is no time to plan, research and test meaningful STEM lessons, so you throw together a hands-on activity and hope that it works? What systems and routines should you set in place to help students be creative, critically think, and collaborate? 

The Elementary STEM Coach is a podcast for K-5 STEM teachers, classroom teachers, GT specialists, and homeschool parents looking for actionable STEM solutions. Each week, Naomi Meredith will share tools, resources and lesson ideas that are actionable in your classroom and create highly engaging experiences with your students. You’ll learn systems and routines that will create control in the chaos and that will keep you organized all year long. 

Your mindless scrolling days are over! Your new STEM-best friend is now here in your ear buds!

robot-ideas-for-winter-time

5 Robot Ideas for Winter Time [ep.44]

5 Robot Ideas for Winter Time [ep.44]

robot-ideas-for-winter-time

Check out the full episode on 5 Robot Ideas for Winter Time:  

 

Subscribe to the podcast HERE on your favorite podcasting platform.

Have a STEM question? Leave a voice message for the podcast!

Episode Summary

Looking for some fun robot ideas for wintertime?

In this episode, I will be sharing with you five winter-themed robot lessons that you can teach in your classroom.

These are lessons that I have taught my students that they have absolutely loved, and I know that yours will too. 

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • 5 winter robot ideas
  • How to implement each of these ideas in your classroom
  • What the children learn during these activities

Resources Mentioned:

Episode Transcript: 

Naomi Meredith  00:00

What are some fun robot ideas for wintertime? In this episode, I will be sharing with you five winter-themed robot lessons that you can teach in your classroom. These are lessons that I have taught my students that they have absolutely loved, and I know that yours will too. 


Naomi Meredith  00:48

Before we jump on in not a whole lot of announcements today, but I have one very exciting one. So in 2023, I'm going to be hosting live virtual workshops. I definitely don't want you to miss out on all the fun. So it will be a great time to learn and connect with other STEM teachers about various topics. Again, I don't want you to want to miss out on that. So you can join the waitlist here, and you'll be the first to know when they are open. You can join the waitlist at Naomimeredith.com/workshopwaitlist. 


Naomi Meredith  01:26

For all of the lessons that I'm going to be talking about in this episode, I use various specific robots and a variety of robots in my classroom. However, don't be so stuck on the robots that I'm going to be talking about for each of these lessons. You can definitely mix in whatever robots you have on hand. For example, if I'm talking about the Sphero robot for a specific lesson, you don't necessarily have to use it. So it can definitely work with whatever robots you have. Also, I'm just sharing with you a snapshot of how I taught these lessons. For second through fifth grade, I went through the whole Engineering Design Process throughout the week, so this wasn't a one-day challenge. You could, of course, modify it to be a one-day challenge, but we really went through all the stages of the Engineering Design Process for each of these lessons, besides the Kindergarten and the first one that I will be sharing at the end, the one for Kindergarten and first grade was for a STEM station. So it was one of many activities that we did throughout the week. So just keep that in mind when you're hearing about these lessons. They're way more involved than what I'm really talking about. I just wanted to give you an idea for winter theme robotics lessons that you can use Well, of course, during the wintertime, and help spark creativity with all of these fun, different themes. 


Naomi Meredith  02:48

The first robot idea for wintertime is Sphero sleds. As I said, don't get too caught up in the type of robot that I used. For this lesson. I was inspired by the Iditarod, and I'm not quite sure why I got inspired by it. But I was inspired by the Iditarod, and I'm so glad I picked this topic for this lesson because where I'm at in Colorado, most kids actually don't know what the Iditarod is. Now once I started talking more about it, they had a little bit of background based on maybe some movies that they had seen. But overall, most kids had no idea what the Iditarod was. In general, if you can pick very obscure topics, that's going to really help with the engagement. So not only were the kids engaged in the topic of the Iditarod but they were also excited to code and integrate some engineering challenges as well. So a whole lot of things to be engaged in. So basically, the Iditarod is a dog sled race, a very famous one that takes place in Alaska in March. That's a basic snapshot for you to look up, but the kids are super into it. Of course, if they love animals and dogs like me, like my little dog, Frederick, he could definitely not do a dog sled race, that would not be happening. He doesn't even like going outside when it's sprinkling water outside. He will avoid sprinklers when we go on a walk so he would not be an Iditarod dog. But the kids love seeing videos of this. There are a whole lot of great things out there. 


Naomi Meredith  04:24

The Iditarod website is awesome for research. They can research a musher and learn more about that and their sled race, all of that. So students will research and learn about the Iditarod, and then they will design a sled for the robot to pull through the race. So depending on the type of robot, this could definitely vary your materials. When I did this in my class was Sphero. I had red solo cups or similarly shaped cups that they could cut and manipulate plastic straws, paper, and tape, and that was actually it. Those were all the supplies that students had to work with, so they really had to be creative. This actually helped that the weight of the sled wasn't too heavy so that the robot could pull it while it was being coded. Then students would have to code their robot through the Iditarod race. So I have a race track that has all of the checkpoints that are actually listed in the actual race. Students can learn about that pathway and how treacherous it is, and how there are so many different angles to go through. It's really fun, too, because depending on their sled design, it really changes how the robot moves and how it affects the race track. This is a really fun challenge. The kids are super engaged and super excited. Then they get to learn about something that they may not have heard about before. 


Naomi Meredith  05:46

The second robot idea for wintertime is Sphero snowflakes. Again, use whatever robot you want. I did this lesson with the fourth grade. Students learn about different types of angles, lines, and symmetry. This is really well represented in snowflakes. There are some awesome videos out there when it comes to the math behind snowflakes and how they have all these different things. It really helps students build on that vocabulary when it comes to lines and angles and even how to measure angles. Depending on the type of robot that you have. You can even code the robot to go in certain angles, which is really helpful as well because we know this is a very hard math concept for students to grasp. So why not implement it within your STEM classroom? After students learn about the math behind snowflakes, they will create their own snowflakes that will be taped onto the floor. In my classroom, I have tiled floors, so I actually have pulled out the sidewalk chalk, and the students will sketch out and measure their snowflake designs on the floor. They were going absolutely nuts that I let them draw on the floor like it's just chalk is totally fine. 


Naomi Meredith  06:57

So again, there's some engagement, but students would draw their snowflake design on the floor, and then they would cover it up using masking tape. It's so much fun too because it looks like Buddy the Elf decorated your classroom for Christmas or the holidays. So you have these fun snowflake designs for the week, and then students can pull them up when they are all finished. You could build your own snowflakes, but it's way more fun to have the kids build the snowflakes, and they get so creative with their designs. Now, if you get really strict with a snowflake design, where it's not just a free build, and you really have students measure using protractors and yardsticks, they can actually have a snowflake that is legit symmetrical. They can have parts of their code where they can actually loop the code because there are identical lines at angles. So this, again, is a great application of their math skills and putting it in a concrete way. So this was so much fun for the kids. It really differentiates itself based on its snowflake design and what they create. 


Naomi Meredith  08:41

The third robot idea for wintertime is Winter Games robot mapping. This is a lesson that I did with third grade, and we talked about the Winter Olympics and all the places that they have been located within a certain amount of time. We used Google Earth to explore all of these places and learn a little bit more about them and just some cool facts about the Winter Olympics in general. Students placed them on their maps. Likewise, we realized that the most current Winter Games are all located above the equator, and we talked about the reasoning behind that. So this was a cool integration to actually expose students to Google Earth. Noticing those tools and even practicing their mapping skills, and where things are located on a world map, from there students coded their Ozobots, their little tiny robots to travel to each of the places where the Winter Games were held in the order when they happened. When the robot landed on that location on the map, then it had to perform an action. So this also helped too, where they had to code in chronological order, and in some places, they had to go backward. So it really helped again, really notice the pattern of where things are located in the world. If you did this with larger robots, you could use the same map template that I used, and you could blow it up even bigger. If you Google ways to print a PDF on multiple pages, you could print the map and make it very ginormous. Then you could laminate it if you wanted to and then use larger robots. So don't feel limited if you can't use the Ozobots. I know at the time of this recording, those are actually hard to get your hands on. So you can use a variety of different things as well. So it was just a really cool connection to think about the Winter Games, what they are and where they're located in the world. 


Naomi Meredith  11:37

The fourth robot idea for wintertime is winter animal migration robots. This one was for second grade, and we did mapping in a different way. We talked about different animals, the reasons why they might migrate, and how there are a bunch of animals that decide to migrate during the wintertime. Students are given articles about specific animals that migrate during the winter time that I pre-researched and wrote articles for them, shared the articles in Seesaw, and recorded my voice. So they had all of that information for them. They chose an animal out of that selection that they were most passionate about. Then they had to code their animal with the migration path that it takes during the wintertime on a specific map. So I had all this created for them, they had the specific maps, and they had an idea of the locations of where the animal migrated to. But then they actually had to create the path and where it stopped at different locations. Again, the robot had to perform an action. So this was super engaging for them. We even made the little Ozobots be the animal that was migrating. So I have little pictures that they could tape to the robot, and it was super fun for them to even record the robot in action on Seesaw, I didn't mention this with the other ones. But I actually have students record a video of their robots in action with Seesaw, which you could do with Flipgrid or whatever you use. But this is a great way for students, I have air quotations, to take their work home because sometimes it's hard for kids to really talk about what they did in STEM class because we use such obscure things. So I highly recommend taking photos and videos of their work. So then it feels like they are taking the work home, I say you're taking the work home by taking a picture, it doesn't always have to be a physical object. So it's just super fun for this winter animal migration project and all the other projects for them to share the learning with their families. 


Naomi Meredith  13:38

The final robot idea for wintertime is build a snowman robot coding. This was part of a STEM station rotation out of all the different winter-themed STEM challenges that I did throughout the week with the younger students. So this was one of many where we didn't go through the full Engineering Design Process. Students were given different images of fun snow people and characters that had different accessories on them, they had a full image of that character, and the cards that they were given had all the different parts that would make that specific snowman. From there, students had to code their robots. I use Beebots but again, definitely up to you what robots you would like to use. But students would code their robot to collect the pieces to build that snowman character in the order of how they thought it should be built. So this even included the round ball at the bottom of the snowman, the middle, if there was a middle, would you put the eyes on first before the glasses or would you not so it really helped them with that sequential order of how things are being built. So it's almost like that reverse engineering where it actually is taken apart for them, and they have to think of what order would it be to build that snowman character. So it was super fun for them. They could definitely take turns, they can take the cards off the grid as soon as they collect them. You can even add in more snowman stories if you would like. But this was a really fun and engaging STEM station. It was quick, it was engaging, but there was plenty for the students to interact with. 


Naomi Meredith  15:16

As a recap, here are the five robot ideas for wintertime that you can implement in your STEM classroom. First, we had Sphero sleds. Next are the Sphero snowflakes. Third are the Winter Games mapping, which I used Ozobots. Fourth, the winter animal migration, again with Ozobots. And fifth, build a snowman coding. I hope you enjoyed all of these different fun winter-themed robotic lessons. Of course, mix in the robots that work best for you, what you have on hand and the age level of your students. If you're interested in grabbing all these lessons and getting them in full detail, I have them all packaged together nicely in a bundle in my TPT shop. Or you can even purchase the lessons individually based on the students and the needs that you have. But that way, it will save you some time, and then you can see the engagement in your classroom that I saw and mine.

 

robot-ideas-for-winter-time

robot-ideas-for-winter-time

 

Related Episodes/Blog Posts:

 

Connect with Naomi Meredith:

 

More About your host, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is a former classroom teacher turned current K-5 STEM teacher and coach. Her role not only includes teaching over 500 students in her school, but also leading professional development and co-teaching with teachers to help them integrate STEM & Technology.

With over a decade of experience along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM certificate, she helps teachers navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM & Technology in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

More About The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

Are you tired of scrolling online for your next great STEM lesson? Do you feel like there is no time to plan, research and test meaningful STEM lessons, so you throw together a hands-on activity and hope that it works? What systems and routines should you set in place to help students be creative, critically think, and collaborate? 

The Elementary STEM Coach is a podcast for K-5 STEM teachers, classroom teachers, GT specialists, and homeschool parents looking for actionable STEM solutions. Each week, Naomi Meredith will share tools, resources and lesson ideas that are actionable in your classroom and create highly engaging experiences with your students. You’ll learn systems and routines that will create control in the chaos and that will keep you organized all year long. 

Your mindless scrolling days are over! Your new STEM-best friend is now here in your ear buds!

best robots for elementary students

Best Robots for Elementary Students [ep.43]

Best Robots for Elementary Students [ep.43]

best robots for elementary students

Check out the full episode on Best Robots for Elementary Students:  

 

Subscribe to the podcast HERE on your favorite podcasting platform.

Have a STEM question? Leave a voice message for the podcast!

Episode Summary

Have you been wondering what robots you should buy for your elementary STEM space? 

In this episode, I will be giving my recommendations for the best robots that you should invest in for your elementary classroom.

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Dash robot
  • Robots by Sphero
  • Robots for directional coding

Resources Mentioned:

Some items are linked to my Amazon Affiliate account. When you purchase through my link, there is no added cost to you, but I receive a small commission in return.

Episode Transcript: 

Naomi Meredith  00:00

Have you been wondering what robots you should buy for your elementary STEM space? In this episode, I will be giving my recommendations for the best robots that you should invest in for your elementary classroom. 


Naomi Meredith  00:11

All right, before we jump in, I have a couple of announcements for you to get you going for your day. I am working on planning one of my last few episodes of 2022, and I actually wanted you to help me create it. It's going to be an Ask Me Anything episode. So you can ask me anything STEM or personally related that you want to know about me, and I will answer it on the show. You can send me a DM on Instagram at Naomimeredith_  or a recorded voice message at Naomimeredith.com/voice. I will answer your questions on the podcast. Also, I have some upcoming virtual workshops that are going to be launching in 2023 that I would love for you to be a part of. It will be a good time to learn and connect with other STEM teachers and about topics that are important to us in the elementary STEM space. You can join the waitlist to be the first to know when they're open, and you can do that at Naomimeredith.com/workshopwaitlist. All of this will be listed in the show notes, so you don't have to stop your car or stop what you're doing. You can go get those links when you're ready. 


Naomi Meredith  01:56

When it comes to purchasing robots for the classroom, it doesn't have to be super scary. You really don't have to buy everything at once. All of the robots that I'm going to be talking about I'm not sponsored currently by any of these companies. But of course, if you're listening to this and you work for those companies, let me know because I would love to chat. But these are robots that I have used in my elementary STEM space that has definitely been worth the investment and that I could use with hundreds of students for a variety of different lessons. All of these robots have different coding languages, and there are some similarities and differences that we will talk about. So again, these are things that I have used with kids and that have worked well over the years. So let's jump in. 


Naomi Meredith  02:41

The first robot that I would recommend to use in your STEM space is the Dash robot by Wonder Workshop. It is a teal robot that has a round head and then three round parts at the bottom with two wheels. There are different pieces to attach different accessories. This robot is recommended for K through five, which you can definitely use with all of your students, which is a great investment. If you don't have a whole lot in your budget, you have a robot that you can use with all of your students. I talked a lot about Dash and Wonder Workshop in general with Bryan Miller, who works for the company. Make sure to check out the interview I did with Bryan Miller back in episode 32. At the time of this episode, they're about $180 per robot, which is slightly pricey, but again, it can be used with all of your students, so it's worth the investment. When you're using this with the younger students, there are apps that really help the students understand how the robot works in a more simple coding language. When you move to the second through fifth graders, there is an app where you can use block-based coding to get more into higher-level coding. This robot is super durable and easy to get started with. You just unbox it, turn it on, push through any updates, and you are ready to go. 


Naomi Meredith  04:01

Dash has a rechargeable battery that you can use a power cord with. The battery lasts for a long time. So if you're using this with multiple classes throughout the day, you might just have to charge Dash in the middle of the day, and you should be good to go the entire day. That's really awesome, too, as you can code Dash with tablets and Chromebooks. So with the web browser, as long as the device has Bluetooth, you can code Dash, which is awesome because I know not all of us have tablets in our classrooms, so you don't have to be limited to that option. As I mentioned that there are parts to Dash where you can attach various accessories that are available to purchase separately. There are also these really cool simple attachments that you can put on Dash that students can actually build with LEGO bricks to help them solve their solution. Not only that, Wonder Workshop has an annual competition that you can do as an after-school club and use this robot, and they have various challenges that you can have students problem-solve and collaborate together. The challenges and themes change every year to keep your students excited and engaged year after year. So I definitely recommend this as an after-school club opportunity. Again, this robot is so amazing, it rolls, it can make sounds, and it can perform different actions with those accessories. So again, if you only are able to purchase one type of robot, this guy, Dash, could be your go to.


Naomi Meredith  05:29

You may notice there are other robots that Wonder Workshop offers. They have Dot, which is a smaller robot that doesn't move but can interact with Dash. Then they have Cue, the older sibling that we like to say. They can interact as well and can perform multiple coding actions that Dash can't currently do. But you don't need either one of these robots, Dash is just fine. If you get about 6 to 12 of these for your classroom, you will be set. When you're first getting started with Dash, they have some coding cards that are excellent for learning the basics of Dash. There are many challenges that students can complete and work on with groups. I love using these when I first get Dash out with my students, and they have no prior background when using these robots. They are perfect challenges that students can progress through. It teaches them how to use the coding language and to see how Dash responds when different coding actions are performed. 


Naomi Meredith  06:30

The second robot that I would recommend for the elementary classroom is the Sphero robot. There are a lot of different variations of these offered by Sphero. There is a Sphero mini that is the size of a golf ball, Sphero bolt, and Sphero Spark Plus. There are a lot of different variations, and they all do about the same thing. So you can always try to purchase the newest version that they have at the time. This robot is shaped like a ball, and it rolls like a ball. They move very, very fast. So different than Dash. Dash has wheels on the bottom, and Sphero rolls around, but it has a very similar coding language. I will say a big difference between the coding of Sphero and Dash is that Sphero can perform more tight turns and angles. So when you have more obstacle courses or things that have corners and turns, Sphero might be the best robot for this. Dash has a bit more of a personality. It's cuter, I would say. So students really connect with that, that it has a personality. But again, robots are things that perform and automate a task. So it's really awesome that these companies have different robots, and they look different. Some look like they have a personality, and some don't. But either way, that's okay. The goal is to teach students that it's performing an automated task that you code it to do. There are a lot of different apps that you can use for Sphero. The one that I like to use is the Sphero education app. The coding is a bit more complicated, so if you're looking for a challenge for students, I would recommend using Sphero with your older students, like fourth, fifth, or even sixth grade, because the coding can be even more complicated. You can talk about the speed and rate of things, again, those lines and angles. So you can even have very specific degrees, which Dash can too. But the way that you can code Sphero can get even more complicated, which is great for students who want more of a challenge. 


Naomi Meredith  08:54

There are other offshoots of Sphero that also I would recommend looking into for your classroom. There is the Sphero rover. It's not spelled rover, it's RVR. But this is recommended for even the higher up grades, so sixth grade and beyond. So if you're a teacher who teaches K through eight, this would be a great investment for you, because the students would be used to the black base coding, like with the Sphero, the ball Sphero. But there is just more of a challenge when it comes to the coding and the capabilities of that robot, and it looks like a little car. So that is pretty exciting as well. Likewise, there's a younger student offshoot the Sphero Indi, which I talked about in that holiday episode, things to buy for your classroom. This one is really cool, too, because this robot reads the color codes on the cards. So you don't necessarily need a device to code that robot. But it reads the cards, and then students can put the cards in a different formation on the ground. Then when that robot drives across those colors, it will perform the action. So there's a whole line of variation. So if you have more room in your budget, I would mix this type of robot in, especially if you teach all the students in the school. It is pretty cool to have a variety of robots for students to experiment with because if you're using the same one, year after year, they might master that type of coding, then you definitely want to mix up the lessons that you're doing. So again, if you have more room in your budget, mix these robots in so you have more variety. Students can compare and contrast the type of coding and the different challenges that they'll perform in your classroom. 


Naomi Meredith  11:52

The very best robots to use for students in the elementary classroom are robots that use directional coding. There are a lot of options for this type of coding. When I describe directional coding, that would be the code that uses the arrows. So this is definitely used for primary students or pre-readers, where there's an arrow that shows the direction the robot is going to be moving. These robots definitely are cute, and they have a lot of personality. There are a lot of different options out there, and I'm going to describe the difference between those to help you with your purchasing decision. Because all of our coding languages are pretty much the same thing with the arrows. But here are the differences between those robots. The cheapest option is the code and go mouse. It's about the size of your fist, and it doesn't use a screen. It does use batteries that you have to replace. It's not a rechargeable robot, and they are the cheapest. So if you are on a tight budget, this is the cheapest option. Now, I will say the coding is great. But if you're using this for hundreds of students, they don't really last a long time, and they come up with some weird little issues and kinks where it might go the opposite direction. The wheels don't always work. So if you're looking for longevity of a product, I wouldn't really recommend the “mouse.” Love the coding since it's super simple to use. You could just buy the robot, you don't need the whole kit that has the squares that come with it. They are these green squares that students can build on, but you don't really need those. The robot is awesome. If you're on a tight budget, if you're a classroom teacher, let's say you only teach about 25 to 30 kids, definitely invest in this code and go mouse or if you are a parent, perfect for at home. But if you teach hundreds of kids, if you can swing it, I'm gonna give you a couple of different options for that. 


Naomi Meredith  13:49

A robot that does the same exact thing that is more durable, and you don't have to replace the batteries are the Bee-Bots. Yes, they are pricier, but they are extremely durable and hardly ever have any issues. I've had the same ones for years, and I know that they were in my classroom even before I got this job. They were used for years before that. So they are definitely worth the investment if you can splurge a little bit more. This is the top one that I would recommend for primary students, and it is the Blue Bot. The Blue Bot, again, also has the arrows that you press on the robot, the directional coding, it's see through so it looks just like the Bee-Bot but it's see through with kind of a bluish tint so students can see inside of the robot and what all of its components are. But not only does it have the screen-free option, it does have the option of being able to be coded by using an iPad. I like having this option because this is a great progressive robot, meaning students could start off in Kindergarten or in first-grade coding by using the arrow keys on the back of the robot, and then at the end of first grade or beginning of second grade, they can code the robot using a tablet connected with Bluetooth. They can code using the arrows on the iPad, but you can also code using block-based coding that is even more simple than the Dash robot, which I love. If you have a variety of robots, then this type of coding with the Blue Bot will help them with the Dash robot. Let's say you have the Sphero, then if they can master Dash, then they can go with Sphero. So like I said, I love having a variety of robots in my classroom to have that progression of learning. So when I'm teaching robotics, we're all doing robots at the same time, and we are interacting with robots where there is that progression of learning. There are different challenges along the way that students can explore different coding languages and things that are exciting for them. So that's why I like having that variety. 


Naomi Meredith  14:08

There's also another robot that uses directional coding, and that is the Botley robot. There are two versions, there's the Botley, and then there's the 2.0, where there are just more capabilities with the Botley. The 2.0 basically does the same thing. Instead of having the arrows on the back of the robot, there is a little remote. Now again, it's a really great robot, not as terrible as the Bee-Bot with a ton of hands. Just be careful that the remote doesn't get lost. I haven't used a bunch of these with a whole class. I've used this before, just one robot with a station. So I'm not sure when it comes to the remote if the remote can control all of the Botleys in the room or just the one that comes in the kit. As I said, try it out, and if you know, let me know. But this one is a cheaper option. It's a little more expensive than the Code-and-Go-Mouse. But cheaper than the Blue Bot and Bee-Bot. It can do a little bit more than the Code-and-Go-Mouse. It has a few more functions. So there's just a variety of price ranges when it comes to that directional coding. They all do the same thing, perfect for the same grade of students. But if I were to have to choose one, I would choose the Blue Bot robot. 


Naomi Meredith  17:16

As a recap, here are the best robots for elementary students that I would recommend for your classroom. First, we have the Dash robot by Wonder Workshop. Next are the different robots that are offered by Sphero. We have the Bolt, and the mini, which are both shaped like a ball that can roll around, there is the Rover RVR, and there is the Indi. Finally, there are robots that use directional coding. So we talked about a variety of those. There's the Bee-Bot, the Blue Bot, the Code-and-Go-Mouse, and the Botley. I hope that this helps with your decision-making when it comes to the robots to use in your classroom and what is available out there. We will talk more about specific lessons in future episodes. But I don't want you to be overwhelmed with all the decisions out there. These are ones that I have used with students or ones that I know people have used and that have worked well. So hopefully, this can take out that decision fatigue and find a resource that will work best for your STEM space.

best robots for elementary students

best robots for elementary students

 

Related Episodes/Blog Posts:

 

Connect with Naomi Meredith:

 

More About your host, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is a former classroom teacher turned current K-5 STEM teacher and coach. Her role not only includes teaching over 500 students in her school, but also leading professional development and co-teaching with teachers to help them integrate STEM & Technology.

With over a decade of experience along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM certificate, she helps teachers navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM & Technology in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

More About The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

Are you tired of scrolling online for your next great STEM lesson? Do you feel like there is no time to plan, research and test meaningful STEM lessons, so you throw together a hands-on activity and hope that it works? What systems and routines should you set in place to help students be creative, critically think, and collaborate? 

The Elementary STEM Coach is a podcast for K-5 STEM teachers, classroom teachers, GT specialists, and homeschool parents looking for actionable STEM solutions. Each week, Naomi Meredith will share tools, resources and lesson ideas that are actionable in your classroom and create highly engaging experiences with your students. You’ll learn systems and routines that will create control in the chaos and that will keep you organized all year long. 

Your mindless scrolling days are over! Your new STEM-best friend is now here in your ear buds!

best STEM toys 2022

Best STEM Toys 2022 for Your Classroom [ep.39]

Best STEM Toys 2022 for Your Classroom [ep.39]

best STEM toys 2022

Check out the full episode on Best STEM Toys 2022 for Your Classroom:  

Subscribe to the podcast HERE on your favorite podcasting platform.

 

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Episode Summary

The holidays are creeping in, and it's a great time to look for deals to purchase new items for your STEM space or even start creating your wish list of must-have items.

In this episode, I share five of the best STEM toys in 2022 for your classroom.

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Sphero Indi
  • Items to improve video and audio production
  • Osmo Genius Kit
  • Lego Education Spike Essential Kit
  • 3D Printer

Resources Mentioned:

Episode Transcript: 

Naomi Meredith  00:00

The holidays are creeping in, and it's a great time to look for deals to purchase new items for your STEM space, or even start creating your wish list of must-have items. In this episode, I'll be sharing with you five of the best STEM toys in 2022 for your classroom. 


Naomi Meredith  00:49

Before we jump into all of these goodies, I have put together an extensive holiday shopping guide for 2022 that you can download for free and created some special Black Friday deals for you to check out and up your game and your STEM classroom. You can grab all of this at Naomimeredith.com/black-friday-22. Now the products that I am going to be sharing with you in this episode, I am not currently sponsored by any of these companies. But if you would like to, you can definitely hit me up. My contact information is below. But these are just some things that I have definitely seen success with students in my classroom or in other classrooms that you definitely want to get your hands on. So let's jump right in. 


Naomi Meredith  01:35

In no particular order, the first STEM toy to check out is the Sphero Indi. Now, most of us are familiar with the Sphero robot that is shaped like a ball, rolls around like a ball, and is coded. Well, Sphero has come out with a product that is fairly recent that is better suited for K through three. It is chunky and durable, which we love as STEM teachers because we know when we see a lot of kids, we want things that are going to withstand a lot of hands. This one is really cool. Think about it like the Ozobots, which are those really tiny robots that read colors to create actions. It's similar in the sense that this robot looks like a little car. There are colored cards that, when the Sphero Indi drives on top of the colors, will perform the action, the colors can go in next to each other, or they can be spaced out. Then students can problem-solve to see where the Sphero Indi is going to go based on the color that it read. Now it seems simple, but as I said, it does take a lot of problem-solving. Even your third graders might have a hard time with this at first. The cool thing about it is that it is geared towards the primary. So this is another great robot that you can add to your collection. They have different options for you to purchase these robots. They have class sets that you can buy individually. My recommendation always for robots is to start with four to six, you do not need a class set, the whole goal is to have students collaborate, and we all know that we're on a tight budget. So if you can even have a station rotation that students can go to test out the Sphero and that would be an excellent start. 


Naomi Meredith  03:20

The next best STEM toys for 2022 are a collection of items that I love to use with students to improve their video and audio production. When I first got started with video production with my students, I only used iPads in my classroom, which is an excellent start. But if you keep doing some videoing with your students, they're going to want to up their game, and you are, too, as a teacher. So these are some tools that I love to use in my classroom. Again, they're very versatile from K through five, so you will get a lot of use of them. And these tools that I'm going to mention aren't very expensive in terms of STEM tools. First are portable green screens. There are a lot of different options for these, the ones that I have really loved kind of look like a tripod where they pop up, and they have a long bar at the top, and then it comes with a big thick piece of fabric that is green on one side blue on the other, and you can clip on the side that you would like students to use. It is the perfect color green and the perfect colored blue. And it is so nice to set these up wherever you want students to record. We know it's a little bit hard to find a quiet space so it's nice you could spread kids out in the hallways or other areas in the building, but then you can clean them up and easily store them when not in use. Likewise, I like to use pop-up tripods in my classroom. Again, these are portable, easy to set up, and broken down if needed. I actually keep mine up all the time on the tripods because I do a weekly school-wide news that is pre-recorded. It really helps the improvement of students' video production because the camera is steady and not shaking around and making you feel like you're on a roller coaster. When you watch, I highly recommend if you have any tablets in your classroom and you're hoping to do video production, having tripods are an absolute game changer. Now we also know the sound quality can be a little bit iffy. And I realized the other day that, again, finding a quiet spot to record is very difficult to do in a school. When I moved kids around with the tripods and the green screens, I wanted to have the option of their sound to be even better. So I tested out these tiny microphones. And I mean tiny, they're about the size of your thumb. And you would think, Oh, that's just gimmicky. They don't work. No, they're actually really, really good. And the cord is really long, which is helpful because when you have the tripod a bit of ways, then the student can still hold the microphone. And the sound quality is superb. I was super impressed. And I was so excited because I could hear their sweet little voices. And I just know that our videos are going to improve immensely. I'm also going to be using these when I'm doing podcasting with my fifth graders again, it will improve the sound quality a lot. This is a side bonus when it comes to video and audio production. If you have any of those fabric cubes on hand, those big giant ones from Ikea that pop up, I like to lay those on their side. And when students are recording their voices for a video when it's not showing on their screen, I have them put their heads in the box with the script. And then they have the microphone, and it creates a little sound booth for them where their voice is echoing out. And it's really soaking in that sound inside of the box. It looks a little bit awkward, but it helps a ton. So that's just a little side tip, go ahead and invest in a few. But really investing in these video and audio tools, they definitely can be reused so much and really improve the quality of these things that you're creating with your students. 


Naomi Meredith  07:11

The third STEM toy of 2022 to try in your classroom are Osmo Genius Kit. I am so impressed by Osmo. And this is a tool I recommend to families all the time who have primary students, they are such a cool tool. And it creates this Augmented Reality experience where it is a self-checking app where students are using real-life objects and the Osmo. This little attachment, it's like a mirror that is reading what is being done with these little hands-on tools. And when they're in the app, it will self-correct and then read what they are doing with their hands. It is so amazing. And the kids aren't really staring at the screen, they're really focused on the materials in front of them. There are a ton of different Osmo kits to choose from. Just make sure that when you are purchasing, if you have Kindles, you can buy the Kindle Osmo. And when you have iPads, there's an iPad Osmo. They are different, they're not interchangeable. Pretty sure they have the same kits for both, you just have to make sure you buy the right one for your device. The kit that I have is the genius kit, which includes a number of tiles that students can add using the actual numeric form or the Dot version, there is a tangrams game. And then there's also a spelling game, which I still do in STEM, I think it's super important to have literacy within your STEM instruction. I have those three options. I use this as a STEM station, I have about five or six Osmos. And I love to use this with my primary students. It's super engaging, it differentiates itself. And again, it's self-checking, again worth your investment. The little tiles and pieces are super user-friendly. They're fairly durable, and they come in some nice containers as well. When you're done using them, you can keep it all organized, I highly recommend checking out the cosmos, I know that there's a kit that has some hands-on coding. So if you need some more coding elements, that would be a great addition to your space. 


Naomi Meredith  09:13

The fourth best STEM toy in 2022 to try in your classroom is the LEGO education spike essential kit. There are a couple of different versions of the spike. So there's spike prime and their spike essential I have this spike essential K I have a few of these kids, and I am utterly impressed and obsessed. If you love LEGO, we do point out you're gonna love the LEGO spike essentials even more. They're even more versatile than the LEGO we do to point out I'm not getting rid of those kids. I just like having a variety for all grade levels, so I try to build up my LEGO education kits every year. That's usually what I spend most of my budget on, to be honest. So these kits are really cool. There are so many challenges for Are first through fifth grade, they're completely different that use the same kit. That is pretty amazing. There are not a whole lot of tools out there like that. And so I highly recommend getting your hands on some of these because you're going to be super impressed. Like LEGO, we do point out there are coding elements, there is the option of picture-based block coding for the younger students like LEGO we do to point out, but for the older students, they have something like Blockly or Scratch where they have the words and more complicated coding for their level. So it's super cool. And the little hubs that are connected don't use batteries, they are rechargeable, like a cell phone. So I know that it can be really frustrating when you buy STEM toys when the tools aren't rechargeable. These are, and it's amazing. I am so excited to keep trying these with my students because they have so much potential. And the parts are a bit different. They're usually LEGO parts that kids don't often see in their own LEGO kits. This is a really great addition to your classroom if you're looking to buy more LEGO kits for your room. 


Naomi Meredith  11:07

And finally, the fifth best STEM tool to try and 2022, if you can swing it, is to invest in this pair of 3D printers. There's so much talk about 3D printers and what to buy, there are so many complicated options. I've seen teachers on Instagram who have received 3D printers, and they have to build the 3D printer. Girl, I don't have time for that I can figure it out. But I'm all about like, let's open the box and be ready to go. I researched and found this pair of printers, I actually received them a week before the shutdown in the spring of 2020. So I was able to take the 3d printers home and play around with them. And I was actually printing some projects that kids were completing with me online. But I love these printers that I got. The brand is MakerBot, which you may or may not have an opinion about that. But I love this. It's the MakerBot sketch classroom. And I am not kidding you. You get two printers for under $2,000. But on top of the two printers that are plugging go, you get six ginormous spools of filament that will last you forever, I have so much filament left, I haven't really had to buy any since then you get six giant rolls you've also got a teacher training, which is so helpful because we don't always get that when it comes to STEM tools. And there's student training. So if you're thinking about having an after-school club, they can go through this as an after-school club and learn with you. So that would be a really cool club to do. What I love love love about these printers is they are cloud-based, you do not have to set up a device and have it chillin by your printer while it reads the prints. You don't even have to plug in a USB drive, you can have the option to send it all through the cloud-based system. So I can literally sit at home and log into Tinkercad. So Tinkercad is what students would create their 3d prints in, I download the prints at home if I wanted to. And then put it into the MakerBot platform, the cloud-based printing, and I get all of my prints queued up and ready to go. And then, when I log into my work computer, everything is there, and I can print and feed everything throughout the day. I have print 1000s and 1000s of prints for my students. And I have not had one single jam are any issues whatsoever. I am very picky about the filament I am still using their MakerBot brand filament. I haven't bought any other off brands off Amazon. I'm really iffy about that. But I'm telling you, I print things for K through five every single student creates a project, and I have been absolutely impressed. They aren't anything fancy. So I'm not doing overly complicated projects before in elementary space. They are wonderful. They are quiet. They're these cute little clear boxes like you can see everything that's happening. And so, coming from someone who had zero experience when it comes to 3d printing, I am super impressed. They should literally sponsor me for this because if you're not going to buy the 3d printers after listening to this, I don't know what you're gonna do. But I recommend these to everybody who's looking to upgrade the 3d printers. They are so so so so easy. Perfect for elementary, I'm telling you, so good. 


Naomi Meredith  14:35

As a recap, here are my recommendations for the best STEM toys of 2022 that you should definitely get for your classroom or just put on your wish list. We have the Sphero indie robot Osmose all the awesome video recording tools, LEGO education spike Essentials Kit, and the MakerBot sketch classroom 3d printer combo When it comes to shopping for items, I am all about how I can use things for multiple grades for multiple years and things that will age out super quickly. I am very, very picky when it comes to the things that I buy from a classroom, and I'm all about durability. You can even go back and listen to a past episode, I have a whole episode about purchasing things for your classroom. But I have seen great success with these tools. And I know you well, too. Now don't forget I have that free holiday shopping guide I put together for you like a beautiful magazine side. Now I always wanted to work for a magazine company when I grew up, aside from being a teacher. So when I'm creating things for you guys, that's just like the magazine editor and me, the creator, that I just love doing this. So make sure you go and check out that free guide and all of the special Black Friday deals that have going on for you. They've been going on, and they've been open up and early, but you definitely want to check those out, so you don't miss out. So make sure to grab that free guide and all of the awesome deals at Naomi meredith.com/black-Friday-2022

 

best STEM toys 2022

best STEM toys 2022

best STEM toys 2022

Related Episodes/Blog Posts:

Connect with Naomi Meredith:

More About your host, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is a former classroom teacher turned current K-5 STEM teacher and coach. Her role not only includes teaching over 500 students in her school, but also leading professional development and co-teaching with teachers to help them integrate STEM & Technology.

With over a decade of experience along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM certificate, she helps teachers navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM & Technology in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

More About The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

Are you tired of scrolling online for your next great STEM lesson? Do you feel like there is no time to plan, research and test meaningful STEM lessons, so you throw together a hands-on activity and hope that it works? What systems and routines should you set in place to help students be creative, critically think, and collaborate? 

The Elementary STEM Coach is a podcast for K-5 STEM teachers, classroom teachers, GT specialists, and homeschool parents looking for actionable STEM solutions. Each week, Naomi Meredith will share tools, resources and lesson ideas that are actionable in your classroom and create highly engaging experiences with your students. You’ll learn systems and routines that will create control in the chaos and that will keep you organized all year long. 

Your mindless scrolling days are over! Your new STEM-best friend is now here in your ear buds!

how-to-use-sphero

How to Use Sphero in the Classroom

How to Use Sphero in the Classroom

how-to-use-sphero

Robots in the classroom are a great way to integrate content and STEM. Learn how to use Sphero in your classroom and great lessons to get started with. 

There are a few different Sphero to choose from. If you have a limited budget, the Sphero Mini is a great starting point. For a robot that has more complex coding options and is larger (great for integrating building projects), try the Sphero Bolt. 

 

This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the link, no extra cost to you, but I receive a kickback from purchases. 

 

how-to-use-sphero

How to Use Sphero | Purchasing Options

Robot Name: Sphero (Bolt or Mini)

Price Range: Prices Vary, $50-$200/robot

Type of Device Based Coding: Device required. Can be programmed with a tablet or computer 

Typical Age Range Used with: 3rd-5th grades

Types of batteries: Charging Base

Additional {Optional Attachments}: Sphero Mini Activity Kit, Sphero RVR, Turbo Cover, Jump Ramps, Maze Tape, Sphero Mini: Pins & Cones, Chariot

How To Use Sphero | Why I recommend them

Once your students have some coding experience, either with other robots or even coding online with Scratch your students can be successful with Sphero. 

 There are many different types of out there. I had the original version (the white ones) and they stopped charging and connecting to my devices. If you can afford newer ones, go with that option. 

 There are a few apps to choose from. I found that the Sphero Edu app worked best for a classroom setting and used “real” coding. It can be overwhelming at first for elementary student eyes, but with anything, start slow to go fast! 

how-to-use-sphero

Lesson Ideas

Inside the Sphero Edu app, there are ideas to try. With my 5th grade students, we went through the Engineering Design Process (EDP) while learning about the Iditarod. Students were posed with the challenge: How can you create a sled that Sphero can pull through the Iditarod race? 

After going through the (EDP) students came up with interesting designs which posed new challenges when coding. This lesson had high engagement and the 5th graders the following year asked if we could be doing “that sled lesson”. 

 Another lesson I taught in 4th grade with was snowflakes. Again, another Engineering Design Process challenge where we explored the science and math behind snowflakes. The coding involved a lot of angles and symmetry.

getting-started-with-sphero

getting-started-with-sphero

Additional Accessories

There are a few accessories to try (listed above). However, when getting started with Sphero in the classroom, accessories aren’t necessary. 

One accessory that is worth the investment are pool noodles. These can be used to block off various corners and exits. There are moments when there is a bug in the code and Sphero will quickly roll away and hit something. The noodles will keep the robot safe from knicks and impacts.

 

How to Use Sphero| Grab these lessons!

Don’t waste your time planning new lessons. Grab this bundle of 2 Sphero lessons that have been used with hundreds of students in my 4th & 5th grade STEM classes. 

All Engineering Design Process pages are printable & digital on multiple platforms. Grab this bundle for your class!

sphero-lesson-plans

how-to-use-sphero

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What questions do you have about using Sphero in your classroom? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ or send me an email, contactnaomimeredith(at)gmail.com, and I would love to chat with you!