Introduction

KIOSC’s Sphero Space and Drones on Mars programs introduces students to the excitement of space exploration through immersive, hands‑on STEM experiences. Across two engaging 90‑minute sessions, students use coding, robotics, and drone technology to simulate real scientific missions—navigating a model solar system or piloting a drone across a Martian landscape. These programs spark curiosity, build foundational STEM capabilities, and make complex space concepts accessible, interactive, and inspiring for young learners.

Program 1 (90 minutes)

Sphero Space offers an immersive, hands-on learning experience for Grade 5 and 6 students, blending coding and planetary science into an engaging simulated space mission. Students will collaboratively program Sphero robots to navigate a model solar system, gathering simulated data from various planets and satellites before returning to the International Space Station.

This program fosters the development of essential coding skills, while simultaneously enhancing students’ understanding of planetary characteristics and the challenges of space exploration. Through research, mission planning, and data analysis, students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills. By designing mission plans, troubleshooting coding errors, and presenting their findings, they will simulate real-world scientific processes, making learning both interactive and meaningful.

Program 2 (90 minutes)

Drones on Mars brings the excitement of space exploration directly into your classroom! This hands-on program allows primary students to experience the thrill of coding and flight, just like the engineers who control Ingenuity, the drone helicopter on Mars. Using TELLO EDU drones, students will learn fundamental coding skills to program and execute a simulated Martian mission. Through haptic learning, they’ll develop an intuitive understanding of drone control and navigation, replicating a real-world Mars flight path. This engaging activity fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning, while igniting a passion for STEM and space exploration. Students will not only learn to code, but they’ll also connect with the incredible achievement of Ingenuity, making complex scientific concepts accessible and inspiring.

 

Curriculum Focus

Science / Mathematics / Digital Technologies