No: 235
3
6
2018

SPHERO + CREATIVITY


by CATHY BROWN

Hello Everyone,
SPHERO SPRK: The robot ball which teaches you how to code. I love this little robot, and so did the kids. It's such a creative tool with a simple interface with opportunities for advanced sophistication. Great for coding, creating, predicting, estimating, measuring, and just generally inspiring. Check out our video and creations below.
You'll love The Ecstasy of Curiosity Video, great for starting a discussion.
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ciao
Cathy
PS Let me know what you are doing in ROBOTICs - I would love to hear all your latest ideas.

MIND CANDY


FORBES QUOTE OF THE DAY
You don’t need to have all the answers. What you need to do is be curious and open-minded enough to learn. David Fialkow, Cofounder of General Catalyst


SPHERO + CREATIVITY

KROKOTAK
KROKOTAK is a fabulous art/craft site.
﷯I loved the 2D to 3D cats.
The pictures of the cat are here:
The pdf template for the cat is here
Also the rainy day is very clever and
has an accompanying video.
There are lots of great ideas throughout the site.
SPHERO SPRK: The robot ball THAT teaches you how to code.
The Sphero Edu platform uses app-enabled robots to foster creativity through discovery and play, all while laying the foundation for computer science. Our program goes beyond code with collaborative STEAM activities, nurturing students’ imaginations in ways no other education program can. Cross-platform apps are approachable for all skill levels of programming JavaScript, allowing us to reach as many minds as possible. Think outside the bot and inspire your future. This is Sphero Edu.

Great site for SPHERO ideas and other APPS for iPad
I have had such great fun with SPHERO. I used it with Kindergarten to do simple shapes using the draw coding tool and then in Stage 1, 2 and 3 to build robots and drive through mazes using the block coding tool. These are great introductory lessons allowing students to work in groups and get used to the interface. Here is one of the student's comments from stage 2

"I thought this was a great activity for students to learn to code and estimate numbers."
Here's one of the Robots we built. You can also check out the video we made, adding sound effects from creative commons ROBOT sounds
A few of the Outcomes covered in these lessons include:-
Mathematics
MA3-1WM describes and represents mathematical situations in a variety of ways using mathematical terminology and some conventions.
MA3-2WM selects and applies appropriate problem-solving strategies, including the use of digital technologies, in undertaking technology, to solve problems.
MA3-3WM gives a valid reason for supporting one possible solution over another.
Science and Technology
ST3-4WS A student investigates by posing questions, including testable questions, making predictions and gathering data to draw evidence-based conclusions and develop explanations
ST3-5WT A student plans and implements a design process, selecting a range of tools, equipment, materials and techniques to produce solutions that address the design criteria and identified constraints
Values and Attitudes
ST3-1VA shows interest in and enthusiasm for science and technology, responding to their curiosity, questions and perceived needs, wants and opportunities

THE ECSTASY OF CURIOSITY

If you are wondering why you are taking on the STEM challenge, why you are being creative and doing fabulous lessons with your students this is WHY.

PAPER TOWER STEM

How to Do the Paper Book Tower Experiment A COOL STEM Challenge the kids will love. Great ideas and easy to setup K-6 could tackle this one.

I do answer all emails so send them along with your questions ideas and great sites.

Hi Cathy,

I recently stumbled upon your site and really liked what I saw. I discovered your site while doing some research for a new art article I'm writing. Good stuff!
I email you today because I created a detailed guide to help people practice drawing effectively (with some easy to follow exercises too).

I thought you and your readers at virtualteacher.com.au would really enjoy it and find it very useful.
Let me know if you’re interested in seeing it and I’d be happy to forward along!

Cheers,
Nathan Hughes
Check out the site - Art Ignition

Hi Nathan,
I love your site to so will put in my next newsletter. The videos are great - well done. Great for Stage 3 and High School.

ciao
Cathy

Dear Editor,
My name is Jen and I’m an Editor at Jen Reviews. I was doing research on olympic athletes and just finished reading your wonderful blog post.
In that article, I noticed that you cited a solid post that I’ve read in the past: http://www.nbcolympics.com/
We just published a piece that is even more detailed, updated and comprehensive on what it takes to become an Olympic athlete - 15 essentials according to Nick Catlin, a two-time Olympian. It offers a lot of personal insights and includes videos and photos from Nick's Olympic training routine. You can find it here: https://www.jenreviews.com/olympic-athlete/
If you like the piece we’d be humbled if you cited us in your article. Of course, we will also share your article with our 50k newsletter subscribers and followers across our social platforms.
Either way, keep up the great work!
Warmly,
Jen
Hi Jen,
You site looks fabulous. The link above is a very old part of the website, I keep them there for historic value and to remind me how far website design has come.
I'll certainly add these to the newsletter and to th esports page on VT. Good luck with them. Love you also to promote Virtualteacher on your end if possible.

ciao

Cathy

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The opinions expressed here are purely those of the editor, Cathy Brown. All other small print clauses apply. Such as: Use at your own risk. Nothing in life is guaranteed. If it doesn't work for you send an email or tweet me.
Editor: Cathy Brown cathy@virtualteacher.com.au
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