The Sphero Computer Science Foundations (CSF) curriculum is a complete study manual that aims to give students a solid foundation in STEAM and computer science principles. The lessons are adapted to the needs of the instructors and the students. Additionally, they conform to social conventions. Students can engage in hands-on activities with Sphero robots that aid in their understanding of the essential concepts in computation, programming, and problem-solving. This program should be used by teachers who want to include computer science in theirSTEAM classroom. With the help of Sphero CSF, teachers can provide their pupils with a dynamic and interesting learning experience that will offer them the skills they need to excel in the twenty-first century.
The Sphero CSF Courses
There are three courses in the Sphero Computer Science Foundations (CSF) curriculum. Theselessons concentrate on teaching students to block programming with Sphero Edu. This platform allows for the programming and control of Sphero robots by students.
Course 1
Throughout this course, students will get familiar with Sphero Edu. The Draw Canvas is coveredat the beginning of the course before moving on to the Block Canvas. Here, students will practice both fundamental and complex block programming. They design and implement software that includes elements of forms, numbers, art, and nature. Students who successfully complete the course will be able to use the Draw Canvas with proficiency. Additionally, block programs can be used to build loops and conditionals as well as control lights and music.
Course 2
Specially made for students who have already used Sphero Edu and are ready to learn more about block programming. The course goes through the fundamental Block Canvas subjects again before moving on to intermediate blocks and covering JavaScript programming. Using Sphero robots, students can gain knowledge of storytelling, game creation, and empathy. Students who complete the course will be able to use block programming’s sensors, loops, conditionals, variables, and functions with ease. They will further comprehend transitions from blocks to text.
Course 3
Before introducing students to JavaScript, it begins with a study of intermediate and advanced block programming. Students will develop the skills necessary to program their Sphero robots tocarry out functions including navigation, mission completion, and riddle solving during the course. After finishing the course, students will be able to translate straightforward block programs into JavaScript and build complicated programs using Block Canvas.
Key Features & Benefits
Let us take a look at Sphero CSF’s key features and the benefits school, educators and students reap from it.
Both Educators & Students Learn
It’s a terrific technique for teachers to promote a growth attitude in their kids and a positive classroom environment to learn to code together with the students. To teach a new topic, particularly one as sophisticated as computer science, can be scary. Teachers can demonstratethat it’s acceptable to make errors and that learning is a continuous process by addressing it as a collaborative learning experience.
Teachers can demonstrate efficient problem-solving techniques and highlight the need for persistence. This strategy can aid in developing a learning environment that promotes experimentation, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Teachers are better able to comprehend the struggles and experiences of their students, which can result in more efficient instruction and support. This fosters the relationship- and trust-building that are necessary for fostering a pleasant learning environment between teachers and students. It can aid in developing crucial abilities and mindsets that students will find helpful in their future endeavours.
Welcoming Coding into Content Classrooms
Sphero CSF provides materials and tools for non-computer science teachers to include computer science into their curricula and build students’ foundations in this discipline. This is especially crucial because students who have a strong foundation in computer science are better prepared for a variety of job options and the field is becoming more and more essential across many industries. Students may quickly learn to code by using Sphero BOLT, a coding robot that offers hands-on learning through STEAM activities. Sphero programming enables students to hone their coding abilities and expand on the knowledge they acquired from using the Sphero BOLT.
Teachers may show students how computer science applies to their daily lives and how it is utilized to resolve problems in the real world by incorporating it into fundamental subject areas. A science teacher could utilize data analysis and visualization tools to assist students grasp scientific phenomena, while a foreign language instructor could employ computer science ideas to teach students about natural language processing. Even a physical education instructor mighttrack student athletic performance using sensors and data analysis while educating them about the value of statistics in sports. Students can learn the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities necessary for success in any sector by studying computer science in conjunction with other major subject areas, according to educators. They can also assist students in making connections between various topics, which can result in a more comprehensive and integrated view of the world.
Elevate Community Via SEL
Sphero CSF focuses on developing important 21st-century skills and social and emotional learning (SEL) abilities that are essential for success in the modern world, rather than just teaching technical capabilities. The curriculum is structured to support the development of socialand emotional competencies such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, interpersonal skills, and the capacity to make sound decisions, as well as creative, collaborative,critical thinking, and communication skills in learners.
Sphero CSF enables students to collaborate, communicate, and think critically to solve challenges by utilizing a hands-on, project-based methodology. The curriculum also places a strong emphasis on the abilities that aid students in comprehending the moral ramifications of their work and the potential effects it may have on the world. By developing these abilities, students can become more engaged, driven, and resilient, which can boost their academic performance and overall success.
All Ages & Abilities
Regardless of the learner’s age or degree of experience, Sphero CSF serves as a starting point for programming-based problem-solving. The curriculum is designed to meet the learners wherethey are and help them get the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, whether they are third graders who have never programmed before or high school seniors who are seasoned programmers. Sphero Computer Science Foundations teaches basic programming concepts and techniques including sequencing, loops, and conditionals to beginners. Using Sphero robots and other practical tools, these ideas are taught creatively and interestingly to help students develop a solid foundation in computer science.
For more experienced students, Computer Science Foundations (CSF) offers the chance to investigate more intricate subjects including data analysis, machine learning, and robotics as well as apply their programming skills to real-world issues. These challenges can provide students with practice in problem-solving and critical thinking while also giving them a peek at possible future possibilities in the computer sector. Whatever the learner’s level of experience, Sphero CSF offers an encouraging and welcoming learning environment where students may explore their interests, pick up new skills, and gain self-assurance in their capacity to solve issues through programming.
Device Compatibility
To cooperatively create high-quality code through constant communication and feedback, pair programming is a cooperative approach in which two programmers work together on the same codebase, generally by sharing a single device. In the instance of CSF, this entails collaborationbetween two students as they use a single Sphero robot to program. Pair programming has several advantages. It first encourages student cooperation and communication. Students that collaborate can share ideas, work out issues, and benefit from one another. Second, because they must cooperate to do the assignment, it promotes both students’ active engagement and participation.
Finally, it can help to increase the quality of the code because two programmers can identify mistakes and provide each other feedback as they work. Sphero CSF may be simply applied in any classroom, independent of the devices available, because of its device compatibility. Due toits adaptability, the application can be used by teachers with different resources and technological needs.
Standards Aligned
The K12 Computer Science Framework Principles and the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) standards are in line with Sphero CSF. These standards serve as a foundation for teaching computer science in K–12 institutions and help to guarantee that students are gaining the abilities and information required to flourish in a rapidly evolving technology environment. A set of rules known as the K12 Computer Science Framework Principles serves as a unifying framework for computer science education across all grade levels and geographical areas. These five fundamental ideas—computing systems, networks and the internet, data and analysis, algorithms and programming, and computing impacts—are at the centre of all of them. These fundamental ideas are used in CSF’s curriculum to provide students with a thorough foundation in computer science.
The CSTA standards are a set of recommendations for computer science instruction that fit K–12 students’ needs. They offer a structure for instructing students in computer science at various grade levels, from elementary school to high school. By adhering to these criteria, CSF offers students a challenging and thorough computer science education that gets them ready forfuture professions in the field. The curriculum of the program is versatile and adaptable to various school environments, enabling teachers to modify the curriculum to meet the unique needs of their students.
Tech Specs
Printed educator guide: This guide offers teachers the step-by-step guidance they need to deliver each course.
Student-ready lessons: The curriculum consists of 72 scaffolded courses spread across nine themes, all of which are already pre-loaded in the Sphero Edu app for greater convenience.
Lesson duration and handouts: Each 45–60 minute class comes with handouts to aid in learning and assessment.
Optional extensions: The curriculum provides optional extensions that allow for further inquiry and skill development for teachers who want to supplement sessions or provide extra class time.
Sphero robot and device: Each Sphero robot and device is designed to accommodate two to three students, fostering collaboration and interactive learning.
Compatibility: A variety of platforms and devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome, and Kindle Fire, are compatible with the program.
Perpetual license: A perpetual license to all digital student-facing materials and information is provided to educators when they purchase the program, assuring continued access to importantresources and upgrades.
Standards alignment: The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards, among others, are all aligned with the program. (TEKS). This guarantees that the curriculum is rigorous,applicable, and meaningful for both students and teachers.
Perfect for Your School’s Need
All readiness and experience levels are supported by the Sphero Computer Science Foundation(CSF). Sphero CSF offers an approachable and interesting entry point to computer science and STEAM education, regardless of your level of experience with programming robots and robotics or your desire to advance your skills. It encourages community and teamwork in the classroom, making it a perfect option for teachers searching for a unique and cutting-edge method of instructing and learning. CSF can assist teachers in developing a pleasant and supportive classroom culture that promotes growth, development, and achievement thanks to its emphasis on SEL and the newest skills.
If you’re just getting started with Sphero Programming and Robotics or you’re looking for new ways to inspire and engage your students in STEM education, the Computer Science Foundations curriculum is a great choice for educators and schools of all types and levels.
Flexible Versatile Implementation
Depending on the requirements and objectives of various schools and instructors, Sphero CSF is flexible and adaptable to implementation types and contexts. The following are some examples of how the CSF is implemented:
School-wide initiatives: The Sphero CSF provides a consistent and comprehensive approach to STEM teaching across all grade levels as part of school-wide activities in STEAM, computer science education, technology, and robotics.
Single teacher or team-taught: For individual teachers or teaching teams, CSF can provide a framework for teaching computer science and STEAM principles across subject areas and grade levels, facilitating the integration of STEM concepts into the already-existing curriculum.
Subject-area teams or grade-level teams: To create and carry out interdisciplinary projects and activities that include computer science and STEAM principles, Sphero CSF uses subject-area teams or grade-level teams.
Extracurricular or core content: CSF offers a flexible and adaptive approach to teaching and learning computer science and STEAM ideas in a range of venues, from extracurricular programs and clubs to core subject classes.
For schools and educators who want to include computer science and STEM education into their curricula and programs in creative and engaging ways, CSF’s various implementation choices make it a powerful and versatile tool.
Flexible Device Support
Depending on the requirements and available resources of various schools and educators, the CSF is versatile and adaptable to a variety of device support models and situations. Here are a few examples of how CSF is used:
Shared devices (classroom cart): A classroom cart is one of many tools that CSF provides and makes available to various courses or groups during the day. This strategy might be economical and give students who might not own gadgets access to technology.
1:1—a device for every student: CSF is open to individual devices for schools with a 1:1 device program, giving each student their device to utilize in the classroom.
BYOD (Bring Your Device): CSF in a BYOD setting where students utilize their gadgets in the classroom. This strategy allows students to utilize their own devices rather than relying on the technology the school provides, which is especially helpful for schools with limited resources.
Stationary devices in Library Media Centre or Learning Lab: CSF is compatible with stationary devices in a school library media centre or learning lab, giving students who might nothave their own devices (access to technology) and CSF resources.
For schools and educators who wish to incorporate computer science and STEM education into their curricula and programs in creative and engaging ways, CSF’s variable device support options make it a versatile and accessible tool.
Flexible Device Support
Depending on the requirements and resources of various schools and educators, Computer Science Foundations (CSF) can be taught in a variety of settings and timing models. Here are a few examples of how CSF is used:
Weekly in the classroom or monthly in the Library Media Center/ Makerspace: CSF is introduced as a consistent weekly or monthly activity in the classrooms, as a stand-alone activity in the library media centre, or as a distinct activity in the maker space. This strategy is useful for schools that want to incorporate CSF into their regular curricula and schedules or for schools with a limited budget or time to dedicate to CSF.
Short “sprints” with a given theme or a year-long marathon: CSF can either be conducted as a year-long program that builds on prior knowledge and abilities, or in shorter, more concentrated “sprints” with a specific theme or topic. This method can be helpful for schools thatwant to give students more in-depth, targeted CSF education or for schools that want to give students a CSF experience that lasts longer.
Build deeper skills or broaden application: This method can be helpful for schools that want to help students use Sphero CSF skills in creative and relevant ways, or for schools that want togive students who are already comfortable with coding robots and robotics more advanced CSF education.
For schools and educators who wish to include computer science and STEM education into their curricula and programs in creative and engaging ways, CSF’s adjustable timing choices make it a versatile and accessible tool.
Conclusion
Sphero CSF is a fantastic tool for educators to include in their STEAM classrooms and help kidsthrive in the digital age thanks to its extensive curriculum and interactive learning platform. To obtain the Sphero Computer Science Foundations (CSF) by your academic requirements, get intouch with Atlabme. To learn more, contact us
