Sphero Battle Bots

Let’s get ready to RUMBLLLLLLLLLE!!!!!  

Sphero Battle Bots has been the most exciting design challenge I’ve experienced with students.  Have you ever seen the television show Battle Bots?  Bring that fun to your classroom with these tips to implement Sphero Battle Bots with your students.

What is Sphero Battle Bots?

A Sphero is a round robot that can be coded and controlled through apps on an ipad.  My school has the Sphero Power Pack, a case filled with twelve bots and chargers.  More information about Sphero and Sphero products can be found on their website.

The Sphero Battle Bot Challenge asks students to build a protective and sturdy armor for a Sphero.  The Sphero acts as a motor placed inside a protective shell.  Then the Sphero Bots battle!  The goal is to move your bot to pop opponent’s balloons without having your own balloon popped. 

Build Students Excitement

I did Sphero Battle Bots with the 4th graders in my building.  To get them excited for the project, I showed them a video of Sphero Battle Bots.

Materials

Students had a limited amount of materials to build their battle bot.  They could chose to use these items only:

• 12x12 piece of cardboard
• duct tape
• 2 plastic cups
• 10 popsicle sticks
• 10 pipe cleaners
• 10 plastic straws
• 2 paper plates
• rulers (for measurement only)

Teachers provided these items:

• blown up balloons
• 2 wooden skewers
• 2 push pin needed
• sphero
• ipad

Design Rules

Students needed to follow these rules when creating their designs:

• The armor must be light enough to be moved by the Sphero.
• Use only materials provided.
• The Sphero as to be easily placed inside and removed from the armor.
• Balloons must be attached between 2-4 inched off the ground.
• Skewers w/ needle tips need to be 2-5 inches off the ground. 
• Tape can only be applied to the base of the balloon to secure it’s placement. 
• Build armor sturdy.  If a bot is tipped over, it can be placed upright once.  If a bot is tipped over twice, it is eliminated.

The Design Process

We taught students the design process and helped them with each step of think - draw - build - test - change - share.  

To get the students thinking about design ideas, I showed them a video of students showing their thinking as they designed a battle bot armor.   

Then, students drew three sketches to plan out their Sphero armor.  They needed to list each material in the design.  They were asked to analyze their designs and list the positives and the negatives of each design.  They selected their best design to build and gave it a name with flare. 

Next, students used their drawings to pull the materials they needed.  A table was set up in the hall and students grabbed materials and out them in a bag labeled with their name.

Students then built their robot’s armor.  The students had a great time building their designs!

Once complete, students tested their designs by driving them around with a Sphero.  They also needed to check that their design meet the design rules.  Most often, designs were too heavy to be freely moved by the Sphero or they weren't sturdy enough and would tip over easily.  

After testing and inspection, students had an opportunity to change their designs if needed.  They also shared their designs with peers in a classroom share out.

Finally, students took their bot to the teacher for final inspection and teacher initials.  

The Battle

The battle took place in the gym inside an octagon made of 5 feet long PVC pipes and connectors.  All four 4th grade classes participated in Sphero Battle Bots.  For each class, students were placed into groups made up of 4-5 kids.  Each small group battled their bots.  The winners from each group completed with one student as the winner.  The students really enjoyed seeing their designs in action!

The Battle Royale

The final battle was called the Battle Royal.  The winner from each four 4th grade classroom completed in an epic battle with the entire 4th grade class rooting for their favorite.  Since these designs were the best of the best, this was an exciting showdown!  In the end, one students remained the ultimate Battle Bot champion.  This final round was high-energy and students had a blast!

Reflection

After the festivities, students were asked to reflect on their design learning.  

If you’re looking for design challenge that brings the excitement, try Sphero Battle Bots.  Your students will learn a lot and have a lot of fun!