In January 2020 we added a class set of Dot & Dash coding robots to the IMC.  Since their arrival, they have been booked solid.  These robots are fantastic classroom robots for a few reasons, not the least of which is that they are endearing.  If they are switched on, their eyes blink, they make occasional quiet sounds, and give the coder a sense of “aliveness” to the robot.  Dot (the small one) and Dash are great in classrooms because they are durable, they don’t have small/breakable parts, and the kit has allt he accessories including the xylophone and ball launcher! Here is a visual of what is in each of the 9 Dot & Dash robot sets contained in our IMC kit.

We have also purchased the Dot and Dash Curriculum book to accompany this set in the IMC, and encourage teachers to search for lessons online – Pinterest has thousands of resources catalogued.

Additionally, we have digital resources to offer teachers.

• Sample course pacing for teaching robotics
• Connecting Dot & Dash to Chromebooks
• Robot Guts & Driving School
• Introducing Dot & Dash to kids
• Dot & Dash activities linked to the Alberta Curriculum (work in progress, I add more when I can!)
• Dot & Dash Activity Cards
• Troubleshooting without being a “techie person”

The Sphero Bolt is Sphero’s most widely used in-school robot. This robot is larger than the Sphero Mini, and would be described as feeling around the same size as a baseball when held in one’s hand.  Bolt’s programmable sensors include a gyroscope, accelerometer, motor encoders, infrared communications and a light sensor.  The built-in compass lets users automatically aim and drive the robot.

Sphero has a huge library of educational resources for all levels of coding skill to use in conjunction with the Sphero Bolt. Additionally, their home-learning guide is a great place for adults to get started with this fun robot!

What’s in the Box? – Unboxing the Sphero Bolt

The Sphero mini is the little sibling of the classic Sphero. These spherical robots are easy to use, and fun to play with; a genuine favourite of kids!  They are a great introductory robot for all ages and all coding skill levels.  Though they are small, there is a gyroscope, accelerometer and LED lights inside this small ball. The Sphero Mini can be used in drive mode, through draw coding and through block-based coding.

This hyper-linked chart of activities and learner progression will ensure that tasks assigined in classrooms are feasible for the level of coding of the students.

The Sphero At Home Guide is a great place for teachers (and parents, of course) to start their learning!

Additionally the Sphero Mini At Home Challenge Cards and the Sphero Mini At Home Play Cards offer immediate activities to get excited kids started!

What’s in the Box? – Sphero Mini

Sphero Indi is a coding robot designed for younger children by the well-known robotics company Sphero. Indi encourages open-ended, imaginative play-based learning with real-life scenarios as learners build custom mazes, solve puzzles and drive.

To assist you with getting started, here are a few resources

• Sample Educator Guide Book
• Indi – Introduction Booklet
• Challenge Cards
• Indi – Literacy & Math Support

What’s in the Box? – Unboxing the Sphero Indi

The Airblock is a lightweight, easy-to-assemble modular robot that snaps together using magnets.  It can be configured to fly, to hover on land, or to cruise on water.  Built of styrofoam, this robot is lightweight, and resists damage.

The airblock is an excellent curricular support for sciences that study thrust and air force.

Here is a website constructed by a teacher offering some ideas and information about the Airblock “drone”

To use Airblock with a Chromebook, you will need to install the mLink extension to your profile and your students’ profiles.

What’s in the Box? – Unboxing the Airblock