The coding and robotics club meets each Wednesday for about an hour in the Curtis Elementary Library. Sometimes, however, a few students will also get together during their lunch and/or recess periods.
“We initially began with 10 students who were interested in computer coding, and another 10 students wanting to learn about robotics,” Curtis Elementary Teacher-Librarian Shawna Ford said. “Since then, we have combined the two groups as well as opened the club up to those who were interested.”
Ford said although the club is open to all Curtis Elementary students, it is primarily comprised of students in grades 3-6. Parents also volunteer their time to help the kids with various assignments.
“Dr. Keith Emmert and James Clark are two of our parents who have been the driving forces in keeping this club organized,” Ford said. “We are very fortunate to have them as well as our other parent volunteers.”
Dr. Emmert is the Associate Professor of Mathematics at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, and Clark is President of C2 Logistics Solutions, LLC in Weatherford.
Ford said each week students work with app-based devices called Spheros or Ollies (similar to remote-controlled vehicles) that sync remotely via Bluetooth to an iPhone or Android-based phone or tablet. The students program their devices using the app-based software and then maneuver the Spheros or Ollies based on their prior coding.
“These Spheros and Ollies are not toys,” Ford added. “By fusing technology with robotics, these devices teach and inspire tomorrow’s inventors and innovators.”
A Sphero is the world's first app-controlled robotic ball. Individuals have the opportunity to learn, play, and explore with this robot once the required iOS or Android software has been installed. Spheros can roll at speeds up to 4.5 mph via Bluetooth.
Ollies are app-controlled robots engineered for speed, programmed for tricks, and customized by the user. They also roll at speeds of up to 14 mph and connect instantly to the device via Bluetootth LE with a range of up to 100 feet.
Ford said that Curtis Elementary currently owns three Spheros and three Ollies. Additionally, some of the club members bring in their own robots.
“The students are always very engaged and motivated,” she added. “They come in and get right to work, and if they have difficulty, they call me over.”
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Spheros
Spheros retail for around $129.99 and may be purchased online or at several major electronics retail stores.
Programming software for Apple or Android-based devices: MacroLab, OrbBasic
Ollies
Ollies retail for around $99.99 and may be purchased online or at several major electronics retail stores.
Programming software for Apple or Android-based devices: MacroLab, OrbBasic
Photo Information
Pictured (from left) are sixth grader Jude Leal, fifth grader Ashleigh Bounds, and fifth grader Jaylee Williams maneuver a Sphero robot that is following their prior coding on the app-based program. For additional photos, please click HERE to visit the Curtis Elementary Photo Gallery.