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Lesson Plan: Exploring Patterns and Shape with Sphero Indi
Class Level: 2nd class
Subject: Mathematics and STEM
Theme: Shape and Space – Exploring Patterns and 2D Shapes
Learning Objectives:
Identify and create simple patterns using Sphero Indi.
Investigate basic geometric concepts.
Design and execute Sphero Indi’s movement patterns.
Collaborate with peers to complete challenges and tasks.
STEM Skills to be Developed:
Geometry and spatial reasoning.
Critical thinking and problem-solving.
Algorithmic thinking.
Creativity and design.
Collaboration and teamwork.
Materials Needed:
Sphero Indi robot (1 per small group).
Cardboard in various shapes and colours.
Markers, crayons, and other art supplies.
Whiteboard and markers.
Various objects for creating physical patterns (e.g., buttons, beads, blocks).
Safety Considerations:
Ensure that the Sphero Indi robot is used on a safe, flat surface to prevent falls.
Children should handle the Sphero Indi and art supplies with care.
Adult supervision is required during the activity.
Introduction and Explanation (10 minutes):
Begin by discussing patterns in everyday life, such as stripes on a shirt or tiles on a floor.
Introduce the Sphero Indi robot and its capabilities for creating patterns and moving in different directions.
Explain that today’s lesson will focus on patterns and shapes using the Sphero Indi.
Hands-on Activity 1: Creating Patterns (15 minutes):
Divide students into small groups.
Provide each group with a Sphero Indi and a set of objects (buttons, beads, etc.) for creating physical patterns.
Instruct students to collaborate and create a pattern using the objects, then program the Sphero Indi to follow the same pattern using the Sphero Edu app.
Hands-on Activity 2: Geometric Shape Challenge (20 minutes):
Show various geometric shapes (triangle, square, rectangle, circle, etc.) on the whiteboard.
Discuss the properties of each shape (number of sides, corners).
Challenge students to program their Sphero Indi to move and trace a specific shape on the floor.
Encourage students to use the Sphero Edu app’s drawing feature to plan their robot’s path before executing the movement.
Then, instruct the children to create their own shape for Sphero Indi to trace. It can be a regular or irregular shape, or even a picture made up of a collection of shapes. The children will plan their shape on the Sphero Edu app’s drawing feature.
Conclusion:
Gather the students and discuss what they learned about patterns and shapes.
Reflect on the challenges faced and the strategies used during the activities.
Emphasize the importance of collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity in STEM.
Assessment:
Observe students’ active participation, engagement, and collaboration during group activities.
Review the students’ completed patterns, geometric shape challenges, and symmetrical art pieces for accuracy and creativity.
Ask open-ended questions during the reflection session to gauge their understanding of patterns and shapes.
Use informal assessment techniques like class discussions and observations to assess students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Part 2:
The article emphasizes the importance of developing computational thinking (CT) in the early years. It is a developmental phase, and provides great learning opportunities paired with challenges. There is a huge sense of motivation and engagement in children of this age, but teachers can also be faced with issues such as limited attention spans and difficulty working as part of a group.
Research suggests that children from various backgrounds can engage with CT concepts which promotes cognitive and social development. It is also crucial to ensure equitable access to CT education as this can promote diversity and inclusivity in STEM fields.
It is essential that CT education is prioritised in the early years and the role of educators and families are crucial, therefore adequate training and CPD must be provided. Digital resources that complement traditional classroom approaches are also needed and should be made available.
The article makes clear that more research to guide policy and practice is needed. This research should explore the impact of CT on cognitive and socio-economic outcomes. Effective strategies for implementation should also be explored. Integrating CT effectively can be done by: taking a play-centred learning approach to stimulate engagement, selecting age appropriate tools that align with children’s learning preferences, offering adequate CPD and involving important stakeholders in CT activities to support the holistic development of the child.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tuZNUD6coDhJwKuZKYJTsX_XIYOX9CrNiL4pM6LzGBk/edit?usp=sharing
In this engaging, inquiry-based and student-led lesson, 2nd class students will investigate the world of Arctic animals, honing their research skills using digital platforms to uncover unique adaptations and characteristics. Through collaborative pair work, they will craft dynamic presentations spotlighting their chosen animals. They will create a presentation using either Padlet or Google Slides. Pupils will also design imaginative 2D or 3D Arctic habitats, fostering creativity and critical thinking. They will have access to various craft materials and recyclables such as plastic bottles, caps, cardboard boxes and more. They will need to think creatively to build their habitat. This interdisciplinary lesson not only fuels scientific curiosity but also nurtures teamwork, digital literacy and design skills.
Impact of Digital Tools in the Classroom and the Wider School Community:
Digital tools can be used to formulate a strategy which aligns with School Self-Evaluation Guidelines and the Digital Strategy for Schools: Enhancing Teaching and Learning.
The goals must be selected first. Online resources can then be sourced to add to the interactivity of the classroom lessons. For example, if the lesson was a maths lesson based on sorting shapes, interactive sorting games or apps with Venn/Carroll diagrams could be used to enhance the lesson.
Digital technologies allow for a more personalised approach for catering for students’ needs. Adaptive learning platforms such as Spellings for Me and Read Theory allow for real time data that informs teachers’ assessment and planning which allows them to differentiate effectively.
Content like movies, videos and infographics can be used to effectively communicate complex ideas in an engaging way. Students can also be facilitated in creating their own content, such as podcasts, videos and presentations.
Digital technologies allow for easy collaboration between students and teachers alike. Working on the same document using different devices on Word and discussion forums can allow for great ideas to emerge. Padlets and other idea-sharing platforms can allow collaboration even if the team is not physically together.
The introduction of interactive games that consolidate learning can be engaging and effective. They increase motivation and enjoyment in learning. Learning through play has been shown to be an effective methodology, and this can be extended to all subject areas facilitated through digital technologies.
Professional Development, Decision Making and Instruction:
The School Self Evaluation should be focused on identifying areas for improvement across teaching areas. Workshops and information sessions should be provided to allow teachers to develop their competency in using various devices, apps and websites.
An effective, school wide plan to incorporate digital technologies in the classroom can be created by consulting the School Self-Evaluation guidelines and the Digital Strategies for Schools. The benefits of this will be that students will be engaged and enjoy their learning, while also acquiring important skills and competencies that align with 21st century digital literacy.
<p id=”docs-internal-guid-781f8251-7fff-f50d-5ae4-4bbcb4d7c2e1″ dir=”ltr” style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;”><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>Impact of Digital Tools in the Classroom and the Wider School Community:</span></p>
<p dir=”ltr” style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;”><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>Digital tools can be used to formulate a strategy which aligns with School Self-Evaluation Guidelines and the Digital Strategy for Schools: Enhancing Teaching and Learning.</span></p>
<p dir=”ltr” style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;”><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>The goals must be selected first. Online resources can then be sourced to add to the interactivity of the classroom lessons. For example, if the lesson was a maths lesson based on sorting shapes, interactive sorting games or apps with Venn/Carroll diagrams could be used to enhance the lesson.</span></p>
<p dir=”ltr” style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;”><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>Digital technologies allow for a more personalised approach for catering for students’ needs. Adaptive learning platforms such as Spellings for Me and Read Theory allow for real time data that informs teachers’ assessment and planning which allows them to differentiate effectively.</span></p>
<p dir=”ltr” style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;”><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>Content like movies, videos and infographics can be used to effectively communicate complex ideas in an engaging way. Students can also be facilitated in creating their own content, such as podcasts, videos and presentations.</span></p>
<p dir=”ltr” style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;”><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>Digital technologies allow for easy collaboration between students and teachers alike. Working on the same document using different devices on Word and discussion forums can allow for great ideas to emerge. Padlets and other idea-sharing platforms can allow collaboration even if the team is not physically together.</span></p>
<p dir=”ltr” style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;”><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>The introduction of interactive games that consolidate learning can be engaging and effective. They increase motivation and enjoyment in learning. Learning through play has been shown to be an effective methodology, and this can be extended to all subject areas facilitated through digital technologies.</span></p>
<p dir=”ltr” style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;”><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>Professional Development, Decision Making and Instruction:</span></p>
<p dir=”ltr” style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;”><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>The School Self Evaluation should be focused on identifying areas for improvement across teaching areas. Workshops and information sessions should be provided to allow teachers to develop their competency in using various devices, apps and websites.</span></p>
<p dir=”ltr”></p>
<p dir=”ltr” style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;”><span style=”font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;”>An effective, school wide plan to incorporate digital technologies in the classroom can be created by consulting the School Self-Evaluation guidelines and the Digital Strategies for Schools. The benefits of this will be that students will be engaged and enjoy their learning, while also acquiring important skills and competencies that align with 21st century digital literacy.</span></p>
