Robot Drivers Ed (with Sphero SPRK+)

Red Arch Solutions will host Robot Drivers Ed on Saturday, November 4 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Robot Drivers Ed (with Sphero SPRK+) is an official event of the 2017 Maryland STEM Festival.

Robot Drivers Ed will feature hands-on STEM activities using Sphero SPRK+ robotic toys. Sphero SPRK+ is an app-enabled robotic ball that can be controlled with some logic and creativity! It can change colors, change speeds, make sounds, and even go across water.

Have you seen the zippy mini replicas of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens‘ BB-8 and BB-9E droids? That’s Sphero! During Robot Drivers Ed, students will work in groups to complete small challenges with Sphero SPRK+ that lead to competing in an ultimate obstacle course battle.

This event is targeted to Juniors and Seniors attending a Howard County High School and Freshmen attending Howard County Community College. No experience is necessary! This is a free event, but preregistration is required. Click here to register on Eventbrite by 10/28. First 20 students who apply will be placed on a team. We will provide the Sphero balls and mobile devices with the app installed (and lunch and a t-shirt too!).

Sphero SPRK+ was built for learner progression. It’s approachable for beginners of all ages, yet sophisticated enough for seasoned programmers. BEGINNERS can draw paths that represent code for their robot to follow. INTERMEDIATE coders can utilize the block-based drag and drop interface and PROS can use JavaScript and write text programs like a boss.

#BeyondCode #Codingmadeapproachable
Programming. It’s kind of a big deal, but there’s more to learn than just logic. Robot Drivers Ed (with Sphero SPRK+) incorporates STEM activities and the 4Cs (Collaboration, Critical thinking, Creativity, and Communication).

As an official 2017 Maryland STEM Festival event, Robot Drivers Ed is among hundreds of community-based events that are showcasing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities for the residents of Maryland.

What’s the Maryland STEM Festival?

Founded in 2015, the Maryland STEM Festival has become one of the leading, if not, the leading STEM event in the State. Through a ten day series of community-based events each fall (hosted by schools, colleges, libraries, museums, parks, businesses and other local organizations), the Festival celebrates the economic, educational and cultural impact of STEM in Maryland.

“STEM is for everyone regardless of their background or experience, STEM is the basis for everything we do, and most importantly STEM is FUN! — The Maryland STEM Festival wants to bring that FUN to every Maryland resident,” said Phil Rogofsky, Festival director. For more information on the Maryland STEM Festival visit www.marylandstemfestival.org.