Thursday, July 3: Sphero Secret Missions
Your Task
You be creating a Secret Mission Maze for your Sphero. Similar to last week, you will design, test, and refine an maze for your Sphero. You will use the Sphero EDU app to navigate through your maze. You will have several 3D printed obstacles to use that you can use . You will have 5 minutes to draw out your design and 15 minutes to create your maze. Be creative and use your imagination.
Review: How to Download Sphero EDU
To download the Sphero Edu app on your phone, search for “Sphero Edu” in your device’s app store (Google Play Store for Android, or App Store for iOS) and install it. The app is also available on other platforms like Windows and macOS, and through a web app.
Steps:
- Open the App Store: Locate and open the app store on your phone (Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iOS).
- Search for Sphero Edu: In the search bar, type “Sphero Edu”.
- Install the App: Find the Sphero Edu app in the search results and tap “Install” or “Get”.
- Launch the App: Once installed, open the app.
- Connect your Sphero Robot: The app will guide you through connecting your Sphero robot via Bluetooth.
Plan Your Sphero Secret Mission Maze
You will have 5 minutes to plan out an secret mission maze for your Sphero with your group. Think about what types of Draw out multiple options if you finish early or get really detailed with one. Remember, have fun and be creative!
They’ll navigate laser mazes (made with string or tape), deliver coded messages, and perform stealth moves to unlock clues. Each mission requires programming with direction, loops, and sensor input.
Inspiration:
Building Your Design
Now that you have your plan, you will have 15-20 minutes to create your design. Take your time and grab a Sphero to check out the width. You will not be driving yet so don’t connect to your Sphero yet!
You MUST have:
- Three obstacles
- A laser maze (made with string or tape)
- Secret passages
Testing Time!
Now that you have planned and built out your maze, it is time to test it! Watch the videos below to connect to your Sphero. You will be using the “Block” Program to test out your creation! Read down below the video to see the requirements for your code.
Review: How to Connect Your Sphero Bolt
Now that you are connected, test out your maze and improve it as needed. As you work on your maze, you will inevitably need to make edits. This is part of the process! It is okay if your maze isn’t perfect the first run or if you struggle with the Sphero EDU app. Take your time and when you finish testing your maze, check out others and have them test yours. Share what improvements you all think are needed and make those changes alone the way.
For your code, you MUST have:
- A secret coded message
- Minimum of 10 blocks including at least one direction, loop, color, and sensor input block
- Tip: The colors can help solve your secret message- try making a key for each color and what it might mean
Wrap Up
Now that you have finished your task, discuss the following questions:
- What was the most difficult part of this process? How did you work around this difficulty?
- While checking out your peers mazes, what were some of the ideas that you really liked? Where there any that really stood out to you that you would like to incorporate if you did this project again?
- What was the best part of this project? Say thank you to someone who helped you along this process!
Extensions
Have extra time? Try these 3 extensions!
- Secret Codes: Make a key and incorporate different colors or use the matrix animation block to create secret codes along the way.
- Timed Runs: Have students race one another one at a time until you have a winner.
- Free Drive: Use the free driving mode on Sphero EDU to drive around your maze.