Teach Primary Issue 18.6

T he concept of coding is often considered the be the domain of geeks and technology gods. But let’s face it, in the current climate we live in, we’re all going to need to speak a bit of the lingo. This is where Sphero coding robots roll in (sphero.com ) . The groundwork Starting with coding can be daunting. The fear of the unknown, coupled with concerns about technical glitches, can be daunting. But fear not! You don’t need to be a coding whizz to teach it. Websites like code.org offer free resources and tutorials that can guide you and your pupils through the basics. Introduce unplugged activities first. These are coding exercises that don’t require a computer, making them perfect for easing into the subject. For instance, have pupils write ‘programs’ for each other to follow, like making a jam sandwich or how to pick up a pencil from the ground. Once they grasp the basics, move to visual programming languages like Scratch ( scratch.mit. edu ), which allows kids to create programs by snapping together blocks of code. To truly inspire children, it’s essential to show them how coding is used in the real world. After all, it’s not just about making pixelated cats dance on a screen (although that’s pretty cool, too). From self-driving cars to smart home devices that can remind you where you left your keys, coding and robotics are at the heart of technological advancements. Highlighting these examples can spark curiosity, make coding feel like magic, and motivate children to dive deeper into their coding journey. Cross-curricular applications Sphero robots aren’t just for coding class – they can bring excitement to any subject. One of the greatest strengths of these robots is their ability to turn learning into play. By gamifying lessons, we ensure children remain engaged, excited, and maybe even convinced that school is actually fun. Instead of just staring blankly at a textbook, they’re navigating a robot through a maze, or racing their ‘Spheros’ in a high-stakes classroom Grand Prix. Imagine a world where math class involves programming a robot to follow a path shaped like a giant pizza slice. Who knew geometry could make you this hungry? Or picture history lessons where pupils recreate the path of ancient explorers using Spheros, all while trying to avoid the ‘pitfalls’ (aka strategically placed LEGO bricks) of history. In science, pupils can program their robots to simulate the orbit of planets, ensuring no one ever forgets that Pluto still has feelings... Your Sphero robot will come with instructions and online resources ( edu.sphero. com ) to help you guide your class to coding successes like these. Once you’re confident with your device, you can try the following activities. MATHS Program robots to follow specific geometric patterns or solve math problems. Have pupils calculate the distance a Sphero device travels given different speeds and times. You can simply have a series of numbers on the floor, ask the pupils a question and they have to drive their Sphero to the correct answer. SCIENCE Use your coding robots to test and simulate the effects of different forces and motion. Can you build a ramp and calculate what speed and angle is required to enable your Sphero to climb the ramp and jump off the other end? (They’re pretty sturdy.) ART Attach a marker to your Sphero and program it to create abstract art. You might discover the next Jackson Pollock, or it could end up like Edvard Munch’s ‘Angry Dog’ portrait. HISTORY Recreate historical events by programming Spheros to ‘act out’ scenes. Imagine a mini Battle of Stalingrad rolling out across your classroom with epic sound effects (including screaming, explosions and whistles blowing). ENGLISH Have pupils write stories featuring Spheros as characters, then program the robots to act out parts of their tales. You could simply use pictures from a famous story, such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears and ask the children to drive their Sphero from one image to another, whilst telling their story verbally. Integrating coding “Robots aren’t just for coding class – they can bring excitement to any subject” Laura Di Pasquale explores different ways to use Sphero coding robots in the classroom LET’S ROLL 30 | www.teachwire.net