From Coding to Creativity: Using Dancing Sphero Robots to Inspire STEM Learning
Dylan Long, Danielle Mathieu, Thuy Vy Pham, Xin Xu, Wei Jin · 2023
The “Robot Dancer” project, created by students from Georgia Gwinnett College’s (GGC) Information Technology program, is an innovative exploration of the intersection between robotics and dance through simplified coding. Our team utilized the Sphero robotic ball to program a custom dance routine, utilizing various programming structures to create a fully functional robotic dancer. Our group also developed several side projects to attain all ages and skill set. Maze-solving and drawing projects were created to offer an alternative to those who wanted a challenge. These projects were created to inspire interest and passion in technology among middle, high school, and early college students, with a focus on underrepresented groups. We aimed to introduce our community to the world of coding by providing them with a foundation in basic and fundamental concepts commonly used in advanced programming languages like Python and Java. Through these projects, we not only teach the fundamentals of coding and robotics, but also explore the creative possibilities of technology and the arts. “Robo Dancer” offers a fun and engaging opportunity for students to interact with robots and understand concepts such as decision structures, loops, and functions, while also fostering a deeper appreciation for the potential of technology.