With our funding, we introduced Sphero indi robots to the early elementary curriculum, allowing young learners to explore STEAM and robotics in an accessible and engaging way. These robots enabled students to create mazes and pathways using color-coded cards instead of relying on Chromebooks or iPads. By manipulating the cards, students controlled the robots to move forward, slow down, spin, stop, and turn, effectively becoming “coders with colors.”
The Sphero indi robots proved to be easy for young students to use while fostering critical thinking and foundational coding skills. The versatility of the color-coded tiles allowed for endless route and maze configurations, making each activity unique. Challenges encouraged students to incorporate specific moves, such as completing a U-turn, starting and stopping, and celebrating their success at the end.
This grant empowered students to develop high-level thinking skills through experimentation and play, fostering creativity and problem-solving at an early age. It laid the foundation for STEAM education, inspiring curiosity and confidence in our youngest learners.
