Sphero Indi for the Div 1 Classroom

Sphero Indi for the Div 1 Classroom

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.

Indi allows students to learn to code without the use of a screen (no Chromebook or tablet needed). 
Indi is an entry level robot designed to introduce early learners to the fundamentals of computational thinking, STEAM, and computer science principles. It offers an unplugged experience with its on-board colour sensor; each colour tile is pre-programmed to instruct indi how to move and operate.

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

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

Airblock Modular Coding “Drone” for the Classroom

Airblock Modular Coding “Drone” for the Classroom

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

Codey Rocky for the Classroom

Codey Rocky for the Classroom

Codey Rocky is a favourite among elementary students and their teachers. Codey Rocky is easy to program, fun to play with and does a decent job of meeting kids where they are at.  Students who have never coded before will be interested and engaged by Codey, and students who have some background will be able to quickly work toward more advanced coding.

Here is a slide deck with a few resources and some information about using Codey Rocky in your classroom!

To use Codey 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 Codey Rocky

Code and Go Mouse for the Div 1 Classroom

Code and Go Mouse for the Div 1 Classroom

The Code and Go Mouse is a coding robot designed especially for our wee learners.  Meant for ages 4 and up, the Code and Go Mouse (cutely named “Colby”) does not use a tablet or Chromebook/computer to program. Programming is done using the large, easy-to-press, coloured buttons on the top of the mouse.

The kit Michelle has for you to test includes the “Activity Set”, the “Math Pack” and an extra Colby. Here is a slide deck with some additional resources and information for you about these cool robots for div 1!!

What’s in the Box? – Unboxing the Code & Go Mouse

Ozobots for the Classroom

Ozobots for the Classroom

The ozobot is one of my favourite classroom robots for a variety of reasons!!

 

  1. It is one single piece. There are no parts that can break or be broken.
  2. It’s small. A set of these robots does not take up a large amount of space.
  3. It’s diverse. Grade one students can program ozobots with markers, senior high students can program ozobots by typing code.
  4. It actually performs a remarkable number of actions for such a compact bot.
  5. There are heaps of resources online for Ozobots.

Here is a link to a slide deck with a few resources to help inform you about Ozobots, and to get you started on the path to creative lesson planning using these tiny, fun robots!

What’s in the Box? – Unboxing the Ozobot