Sphero Mini Shells: Creative Classroom Activities

Quick answer

Sphero Mini shells let students quickly personalize their robots while adding a layer of organization and creativity to coding lessons. Swap shells in seconds to color-code teams, run design challenges, or simply keep track of multiple Minis.

4 classroom activities with Mini shells

1. Color-coded coding teams: Give each group a different shell color. In the Sphero Edu app, assign each team a color and have them write a program that makes their Mini blink that same color when it reaches a target. Common mistake: students forget to set the LED color in the program. Remind them to add a 'Set Main LED' block at the start of their code.
2. Shell design challenge: Have students draw a pattern or logo on paper, then pick the shell color that best matches their design. They can present why they chose that color and how it relates to their robot's personality. Common mistake: students treat this as just decoration. Frame it as a design-thinking exercise—ask them to explain the connection between the shell and the robot's programmed behavior.
3. Speed and color sorting: Place colored targets (paper squares) on the floor. Students program their Mini to drive over only the target that matches its shell color. This reinforces conditional logic and color sensing. Common mistake: the Mini's color sensor may not perfectly match the shell hue in dim light. Test the activity under classroom lighting first, and adjust the threshold in the code if needed. If the Mini doesn't stop on the right color, try increasing the sensor threshold value in the program.
4. Inventory and cleanup: At the end of class, have each student remove their shell and place it in a labeled bin by color. This makes it easy to spot missing shells and keeps the classroom organized. Common mistake: shells get mixed up when students swap robots mid-activity. Assign each robot a permanent shell color and let students trade robots instead of shells.

Product details

• Mini Accessory Shells: Available in five vibrant colors: Blue, Pink, Green, Orange, and White. You can assign a different color to each group, making it easy to see which team is which during group coding challenges.

  

• Mini Accessory Shells: Easy to swap shells to match your style or mood. Students can change shells between activities without tools, encouraging ownership and creativity without interrupting lesson flow.