Sphero Robotics Coding Challenge Activities

Check out this STEM Short Series by Maryville University to explore the exciting world of Sphero robotics and how coding with Sphero can transform classroom learning. This hands-on approach introduces students to fundamental programming concepts like loops, conditionals, and functions—while sparking creativity through fun, summer-themed challenges: https://maryvillestem.educate.today/module-4-robotics-sphero 

Sphero robotics is an exciting, hands-on teaching tool that brings STEM learning to life in engaging and meaningful ways. These programmable robots help students build a solid foundation in computer science and problem-solving—while also encouraging exploration, collaboration, and creativity.

By integrating Sphero into classroom lessons, educators can help students:

• Develop computational thinking through coding activities

• Experiment with real-time feedback using sensors, lights, and movement

• Apply math and science concepts in fun, interactive challenges

• Work collaboratively to design, test, and improve their code

1. Sphero Beach Race Coding Challenge

Scenario: Design a summer-themed maze with elements like palm trees, sand traps, and water hazards. Students program their Sphero to navigate through it as quickly as possible using loops and conditionals.

• Coding Focus: Use loops for repeated actions and conditionals to detect hazards and make decisions on direction and movement.

• Challenge Mode: Use colored tape to mark “wave zones” and “sand patches” on the track—blue tape for areas where Sphero must perform a spin or slow down to simulate waves, and tan or yellow tape for “sand” where movement is restricted or rerouted.

2. Summer Road Trip Planner

Scenario: Program Sphero to visit multiple “destinations” on a large U.S. map or imaginary summer getaway.

• Coding Focus: Use functions to define reusable travel routines (e.g., goToBeach(), goToCamp()).

• Challenge Mode: Include optional scenic routes or use variables to calculate mileage.

3. Tropical Treasure Hunt Showdown

Scenario: Scatter “treasures” (colored tokens or paper cutouts) around the room, each placed on marked grid coordinates or color zones. Students program their Sphero to navigate the space and “collect” as many treasures as possible within a time limit. Collection is simulated when Sphero drives over or stops on a treasure, signaling the find with a light or sound.

• Coding Focus: Use coordinate-based navigation or color sensors to detect treasures, plan efficient movement paths, and signal successful collection using LEDs or sound cues.

• Challenge Mode: Assign different point values to treasures (e.g., gold = 5 points, silver = 3) to encourage students to prioritize and strategize their routes for maximum score.

  
  

4. Sphero Summer Obstacle Course Relay

Scenario: In groups, students program their Sphero to complete sections of a summer-themed obstacle course featuring beach balls, cones, and inflatable toys. Control is passed relay-style between teammates.

• Coding Focus: Write modular code blocks for repeatable tasks, such as navigating around cones or pausing at checkpoints, to ensure smooth transitions.

• Challenge Mode: Include dynamic course elements that change mid-race, requiring students to adapt their code on the fly.

• Learning Outcome: Encourage collaboration, modular design thinking, and fast problem-solving under pressure.

5. Sphero Sunscreen Squad

Scenario: The sun is out and everyone forgot sunscreen! Program Sphero to navigate to each “person” (use mini figurines or paper cutouts) who is in the sun and apply sunscreen.

• Coding Focus: Use if/else conditionals to decide whether a person is in the sun (yellow zone) or shade (blue zone).

• Challenge Mode: Use random number generation to simulate changing UV index and change behavior accordingly.

By incorporating Sphero robots into your summer-themed STEM lessons, students gain hands-on experience with coding, problem-solving, and creative thinking in a way that’s both fun and educational. Whether it’s navigating obstacle courses, programming light shows, or collecting virtual treasures, these engaging Sphero activities make robotics and computer science accessible for learners of all ages. Explore the power of Sphero in your classroom and inspire the next generation of innovators through interactive, tech-driven learning.