Sphero RVR+ Challenge

Overview

Students will engage in a hands-on team challenge where they program a Sphero RVR+ robot to autonomously navigate a custom-designed obstacle course. This activity simulates a secret agent’s mission to escape a complex environment, building problem-solving, coding, and engineering design skills. The lesson directly addresses NGSS Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts by integrating programming, iterative testing, and application of systems thinking.

Grade Level

6-8 (Middle School)

Duration

120 minutes

Class Size

25 students (organized into 5 teams of 5 students)

NGSS Alignment

Performance Expectations

MS-ETS1-1: Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution.
MS-ETS1-2: Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
MS-ETS1-4: Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process.

Science and Engineering Practices

Practice 3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Practice 4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Practice 6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Practice 8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Crosscutting Concepts

Systems and System Models
Cause and Effect
Structure and Function

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Collaboratively design a detailed plan to program a Sphero RVR+ to navigate an obstacle course.
Apply concepts of precision and control in coding robotic movement to meet specific mission criteria.
Identify and troubleshoot programming errors or design flaws through iterative testing and redesign.
Explain how feedback from system behaviors informs modifications in robotic programming.
Communicate their team’s design process and findings effectively to peers.

Materials Needed

5 Sphero RVR+ robotic kits (one per team)
Tablets or Chromebooks with the Sphero EDU app installed (one per student or shared per team)
Obstacle course materials (cones, ramps, tunnels, boxes, masking tape for paths)
Whiteboards or large paper for team planning and notes
Stopwatch or timer
Projector or smart board for demonstrations and presentations
Worksheets for planning, reflection, and assessment

Vocabulary

Algorithm
Iterative Testing
Debugging
Autonomous Program
Constraints
Systems Model

Lesson Sequence

1. Introduction & Engagement (15 minutes)

Hook: Show a brief animated video or storytelling introduction describing a “secret agent” scenario where the agent must escape through a complex series of obstacles using a robot (Sphero RVR+).
Set the Challenge: Explain that their mission is to program a Sphero RVR+ to autonomously maneuver through an obstacle course simulating this escape. Emphasize precise control and teamwork.
Connect to NGSS: Highlight how this activity connects to real-world engineering design and problem-solving.

2. Team Formation & Planning (20 minutes)

Divide into teams of 5.
Provide each team with the obstacle course layout (a scaled diagram) and robot control basics.
Teams discuss and complete a planning worksheet outlining:
- Mission criteria and constraints (course boundaries, time limits, obstacles).
- Strategy for programming the robot (sequences of moves, sensor use, etc.).
Teacher circulates to prompt engineering thinking with questions—e.g., How will your robot detect the ramp? What could go wrong?

3. Programming and Iterative Testing (50 minutes)

Students program the Sphero RVR+ in their teams using the Sphero EDU app.
Encourage them to break down the mission into smaller segments (e.g., move forward 3 feet, turn 90 degrees, detect obstacle).
Teams test their programs on the course in iterative cycles: run → observe → identify errors or inefficiencies → debug → retest.
Teacher guides reflection: What worked? What unexpected behaviors occurred? Why?
Incorporate mini “agent reports” after each test where teams note improvements or new challenges.

4. Final Challenge Runs & Peer Review (25 minutes)

Each team performs a timed final run, attempting to complete the course successfully.
Other teams observe and take notes on strategy, movement efficiency, and problem-solving methods.
Use a simple rubric to evaluate teamwork, programming effectiveness, and mission success.
Teams present a short explanation of their approach, challenges, and solutions.

5. Wrap-Up and Reflection (10 minutes)

Class discussion on how this challenge relates to engineering and technology in real-world situations.
Reflect on the importance of iterative design and testing in creating successful systems.
Assign a quick exit ticket: Describe one major obstacle their team overcame and how they fixed it in their programming.

Assessment

Formative: Observation during planning and programming phases; team discussions and mini “agent reports” after tests.
Summative: Final run success measured by rubric including robot navigation accuracy, teamwork, and problem-solving explanations.
Exit Ticket: Written reflection to check individual conceptual understanding of iterative design and system troubleshooting.

Differentiation & Extension

For Diverse Learners: Provide step-by-step programming templates or guided code blocks for students needing extra support.
For Advanced Learners: Challenge them to add sensor-based decision-making (e.g., infrared or proximity sensors) to adapt to dynamic obstacles.
Extension: Invite students to design their own obstacle courses and program for others to test, promoting creativity and leadership.

Teacher Tips

Prioritize safety by clearly defining space boundaries and rules around robot movement.
Use the projector to demo simple programming blocks and debugging techniques.
Encourage free exploration during tests but keep teams focused on mission goals.
Capture video clips of team trial runs to review and discuss coding improvements in future lessons.

This lesson embodies the spirit of STEM problem-solving and computational thinking while fully aligning with NGSS standards, emphasizing collaboration, system design, and iterative engineering. It places students in an immersive, engaging context that encourages deeper understanding of robotics and coding as tools for solving real-world problems.

Teaching Instructions