15 Spook-tacular Halloween Activities with Sphero RVR for Grades 3-4
Introduction: Unveil the Magic of Sphero RVR Halloween Activities
Hello, fellow educators, parents, and curious minds! 🎃 As we all know, game-based learning has been a game-changer (pun intended!) in K-12 education. It not only makes learning fun but also enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration among students. Now, what if we could combine the magic of Halloween with the educational prowess of robotics? Sounds intriguing, right? Well, that’s exactly what we’re diving into today—Sphero RVR Halloween Activities for grades 3-4!
Sphero RVR (pronounced “rover”) is more than just a toy; it’s a versatile, programmable robot that offers endless possibilities for learning and creativity. And what better time to explore these possibilities than the spookiest season of the year? Halloween is the perfect backdrop for engaging students in coding, robotics, and a whole lot of fun.
So, if you’re looking to add a sprinkle of spooky and a dash of educational to your classroom this Halloween, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through 15 Spook-tacular Sphero RVR Halloween Activities that are perfect for your 3rd and 4th graders. Trust me, these activities are so fun, they’re scary!
Stay tuned, and let’s make this Halloween an educational one to remember!
Ready to get started? Grab your magic wands (or, you know, your Sphero RVRs) and let’s get rolling! 🎃🤖
Activity 1: Spooky Maze – Navigate Your Way to Halloween Fun 🎃👻
Objective
The first on our list of Sphero RVR Halloween Activities is the Spooky Maze. The aim is simple but thrilling: guide your Sphero RVR through a DIY cardboard maze without letting it touch the walls. It’s a fantastic way to introduce your 3rd and 4th graders to basic coding concepts while having a spook-tacular time!
Materials Needed
Cardboard pieces for the maze walls
Markers for decorating
Sphero RVR
Sphero Edu app for coding
How-to Guide
Maze Construction: Use cardboard pieces to construct the walls of your maze on a flat surface. Get creative and make it Halloween-themed by decorating the walls with markers—think spiders, ghosts, and pumpkins!
Initial Setup: Turn on your Sphero RVR and connect it to the Sphero Edu app.
Coding Time: Open the Sphero Edu app and start a new program for your RVR.
Sample Block Code
Start Block: Drag the ‘Start’ block onto the workspace.
Move Block: Add a ‘Move’ block and set the speed and duration to move the RVR forward.
Pause Block: Insert a ‘Pause’ block to make the RVR stop for a moment.
Turn Block: Add a ‘Turn’ block to make the RVR change direction.
Loop Block: Use a ‘Loop’ block if you want the RVR to repeat certain actions.
For example, you might set up your blocks in this sequence:
Start
Move forward at speed 50 for 2 seconds
Pause for 1 second
Turn 90 degrees
Move forward at speed 50 for 2 seconds
…and so on!
Educational Value
This activity is not just fun but also educational. It teaches students the basics of coding, like sequencing and loops, while also enhancing their spatial awareness. Plus, the Halloween theme adds an extra layer of engagement!
Pro Tip
Encourage students to test their code frequently. It’s easier to debug a program in chunks rather than a long sequence of commands.
Ready to move on to the next activity? 🎃🤖
Activity 2: Costume Parade: A Ghoulishly Glamorous Affair 👻👗
Objective
Next up on our list of Sphero RVR Halloween Activities is something that combines tech and fashion in the most adorable way—yes, it’s a costume parade for your Sphero RVRs! The objective is to let your students’ creativity shine by decorating their Sphero RVRs in Halloween costumes and then parading them around the classroom.
Costume Design: Provide students with craft supplies and let their imagination run wild. From tiny witches to mini mummies, the sky’s the limit!
Initial Setup: As always, make sure your Sphero RVR is turned on and connected to the Sphero Edu app.
Coding Time: Open a new program in the Sphero Edu app to make your costumed RVR strut its stuff.
Sample Block Code
Start Block: Begin with the ‘Start’ block.
Main LED Block: Add a ‘Light’ block to make your RVR glow in spooky colors.
Move Block: Insert a ‘Move’ block to make the RVR move forward.
Sound Block: Use a ‘Sound’ block to add some Halloween-themed music or sound effects.
Spin Block: Throw in a ‘Spin’ block to make your RVR twirl like it’s on a runway!
For example, your block sequence might look like this:
Start
Light up in orange.
Move forward at speed 30 for 3 seconds.
Play a scary beginning sound.
Spin 360 degrees.
…and so on!
Educational Value
This activity is a fantastic way to foster creativity and fine motor skills. Plus, it introduces kids to the concept of integrating various types of media (light, sound, and movement) through coding.
Pro Tip 🎃
Encourage students to explain their costume choices and how they coded their RVRs to showcase them. It adds a layer of storytelling and presentation skills to the activity.
Activity 3: Pumpkin Race: Speed, Spooks, and Sphero 🎃🏁
Objective
Hold onto your witch hats, because the next Sphero RVR Halloween activity is a pumpkin race! The objective here is to set up a racecourse using pumpkins as obstacles and then have students program their Sphero RVRs to zoom around them. It’s a race against time, with a Halloween twist!
Materials Needed
Pumpkins of various sizes
Sphero RVR
Sphero Edu app for coding
Stopwatch for timing
How-to Guide
Racecourse Setup: Arrange pumpkins in a zigzag pattern to create a challenging racecourse.
Initial Setup: Turn on your Sphero RVR and connect it to the Sphero Edu app.
Coding Time: Open a new program in the Sphero Edu app to code your RVR’s racing moves.
Sample Block Code
Start Block: Kick things off with the ‘Start’ block.
Move Block: Use a ‘Move’ block to make the RVR go forward.
Turn Block: Insert ‘Turn’ blocks to navigate around the pumpkins.
Speed Block: Add a ‘Speed’ block to control how fast your RVR goes.
Stop Block: Use a ‘Stop’ block at the end of the race to halt your RVR.
For instance, your block sequence might look like:
Start
Move forward at speed 70 for 3 seconds.
Turn 45 degrees to the right.
Move forward at speed 50 for 2 seconds.
Turn 45 degrees to the left.
Stop
…and so on!
Educational Value
This activity is a high-speed lesson in coding, sequencing, and timing. It also teaches kids the importance of precision and control, all while having a blast!
Pro Tip 🎃
Time each race and let students tweak their code to improve their RVR’s performance. It adds a competitive edge and encourages problem-solving.
What do you think? Shall we zoom on to the next activity? 🎃👻🏎️
Activity 4: Ghost Hunt: Capture the Classroom Phantoms 👻🔦
Objective
Get ready for a spectral adventure with our next Sphero RVR Halloween Activity—Ghost Hunt! The objective is to hide ghost cutouts around the classroom and then task students with programming their Sphero RVRs to find and “capture” them. It’s like a treasure hunt, but with ghosts!
Materials Needed
Ghost cutouts made of paper or cardboard
Sphero RVR
Sphero Edu app for coding
Optional: small flashlights to attach to the RVRs
How-to Guide
Ghost Placement: Hide the ghost cutouts around the classroom. You can place them under desks, behind curtains, or even hang them from the ceiling!
Initial Setup: Make sure your Sphero RVR is turned on and connected to the Sphero Edu app.
Coding Time: Open a new program in the Sphero Edu app to guide your RVR on its ghost-hunting mission.
Sample Block Code
Start Block: As always, begin with the ‘Start’ block.
Move Block: Use ‘Move’ blocks to guide the RVR around the room.
Light Block: If you’re using flashlights, add a ‘Light’ block to turn them on when a ghost is found.
Sound Block: Insert a ‘Sound’ block to play a triumphant tune when a ghost is “captured.”
For example, your block sequence might be:
Start
Move forward at speed 40 for 4 seconds.
Turn 90 degrees to the left.
Move forward at speed 40 for 2 seconds.
Play a “ghostly giggle” sound.
Light up in green.
…and so on!
Educational Value
This activity is a fantastic way to teach kids about sensors, conditionals, and loops in coding. Plus, it adds an element of suspense and excitement to the learning process.
Pro Tip 🎃
You can make the activity more challenging by setting a time limit or by requiring students to capture the ghosts in a specific order.
What do you think? Ready to hunt down the next activity? 🎃👻🕵️♂️
Activity 5: Trick or Treat Delivery: Sweets on Wheels 🍬🚗
Objective
The fifth installment in our Sphero RVR Halloween Activities series is bound to be a classroom favorite—Trick or Treat Delivery! The objective is simple: program your Sphero RVR to deliver small treats to designated spots around the classroom. It’s like Uber Eats, but with a Halloween twist!
Materials Needed
Small treats like candies or stickers
Small baskets or containers to hold the treats
Sphero RVR
Sphero Edu app for coding
How-to Guide
Treat Preparation: Place small treats in baskets or containers and set them at designated spots around the classroom.
Initial Setup: Turn on your Sphero RVR and connect it to the Sphero Edu app.
Coding Time: Open a new program in the Sphero Edu app to code your RVR’s treat-delivery route.
Sample Block Code
Start Block: You guessed it; start with the ‘Start’ block.
Move Block: Use ‘Move’ blocks to guide the RVR to the treat spots.
Pause Block: Insert ‘Pause’ blocks where the RVR should stop to “drop off” the treats.
Sound Block: Add a ‘Sound’ block to play a “ding-dong” sound at each stop.
For instance, your block sequence might look like:
Start
Move forward at speed 30 for 5 seconds.
Pause for 2 seconds (to drop off the treat).
Play a “ding-dong” sound.
Move backward at speed 30 for 5 seconds.
…and so on!
Educational Value
This activity teaches students about sequencing, timing, and spatial awareness. It also introduces the concept of automation in a fun and engaging way.
Pro Tip 🎃
For an extra layer of complexity, you can add conditions. For example, the RVR has to change its light color to green to signify a successful delivery.
What do you think? Shall we roll on to the next spook-tacular activity? 🎃👻🍭
Activity 6: Haunted House Exploration – A Spine-Chilling Adventure 🏚️👻
Objective
Our sixth Sphero RVR Halloween Activity takes us on a journey through a haunted house! The objective is to navigate your Sphero RVR through a haunted house obstacle course filled with spooky challenges.
Materials Needed
Obstacle course materials like cardboard, spider webs, and mini pumpkins
Sphero RVR
Sphero Edu app for coding
How-to Guide
Haunted House Setup: Create a haunted house obstacle course using your materials. Think narrow passages, spider-webbed corners, and pumpkin barriers!
Initial Setup: Turn on your Sphero RVR and connect it to the Sphero Edu app.
Coding Time: Open a new program in the Sphero Edu app to navigate through the haunted house.
Sample Block Code
Start Block: Begin with the ‘Start’ block.
Move Block: Use ‘Move’ blocks to go forward or backward.
Turn Block: Insert ‘Turn’ blocks to navigate around obstacles.
Light Block: Add a ‘Light’ block to illuminate dark corners.
For example, your block sequence might be:
Start
Move forward at speed 40 for 3 seconds
Turn 90 degrees to the right
Light up in purple
Move forward at speed 30 for 2 seconds
…and so on!
Educational Value
This activity enhances coding and navigation skills. It also teaches students how to think on their feet and adapt to unexpected challenges.
Pro Tip 🎃
Add “haunted” elements like sudden sounds or flashing lights to make the exploration more thrilling!
Activity 7: Halloween Coding Challenges – Spooky Puzzles for Young Coders 🎃💡
Objective
The seventh Sphero RVR Halloween Activity is all about solving coding challenges with a Halloween twist. The objective is to complete a series of Halloween-related coding challenges using the Sphero Edu app.
Materials Needed
Sphero Edu app
Sphero RVR
How-to Guide
Challenge List: Create a list of Halloween-themed coding challenges. For example, “Make your RVR move like a spider” or “Program your RVR to howl like a werewolf.”
Initial Setup: Make sure your Sphero RVR is turned on and connected to the Sphero Edu app.
Coding Time: Open a new program in the Sphero Edu app for each challenge.
Sample Block Code
Start Block: Always start with the ‘Start’ block.
Move Block: Use ‘Move’ blocks for motion-based challenges.
Sound Block: Insert ‘Sound’ blocks for challenges involving sound.
Loop Block: Add ‘Loop’ blocks for challenges that require repetition.
For instance, to make your RVR move like a spider, you might use:
Start
Move forward at speed 20 for 1 second.
Turn 45 degrees.
Move forward at speed 20 for 1 second.
Turn 45 degrees.
Loop steps 2–5 eight times.
Educational Value
This activity encourages logical thinking and coding skills. It also introduces students to the concept of debugging as they work through each challenge.
Pro Tip 🎃
Reward students with Halloween treats for each challenge they successfully complete. It adds an extra layer of motivation!
What do you think? Ready for more spook-tacular coding fun? 🎃👻🤖
Activity 8: Monster Dance Party: Boogie with the Bots 🎶👾
Objective
Our eighth Sphero RVR Halloween activity is a Monster Dance Party! The objective is to host a lively dance party where students program their Sphero RVRs to perform synchronized dance moves and sounds.
Materials Needed
Sphero RVR
Music setup (speakers or a music-playing device)
Sphero Edu app for coding
How-to Guide
Music Setup: Prepare your music setup and select some monster-themed tunes.
Initial Setup: Turn on your Sphero RVR and connect it to the Sphero Edu app.
Coding Time: Open a new program in the Sphero Edu app to code your RVR’s dance moves and sounds.
Sample Block Code
Start Block: Kick things off with the ‘Start’ block.
Move Block: Use ‘Move’ blocks for forward and backward steps.
Spin Block: Add ‘Spin’ blocks for twirls and spins.
Sound Block: Insert ‘Sound’ blocks to sync with the music.
For instance, your block sequence might look like:
Start
Move forward at speed 30 for 2 seconds.
Spin 360 degrees.
Play a “monster growl” sound.
Move backward at speed 30 for 2 seconds.
…and so on!
Educational Value
This activity teaches coding and synchronization. It also encourages teamwork, as students can work in groups to create a synchronized dance routine.
Pro Tip 🎃
Challenge students to match their RVR’s moves to the beat of the music for an extra layer of complexity!
Activity 9: Spider Web Design Challenge: A Tangled Web We Weave 🕸️🕷️
Objective
The ninth Sphero RVR Halloween activity is a Spider Web Design Challenge. The objective is to construct a spider web and then program the Sphero RVR to navigate through it without disturbing the web.
Materials Needed
Craft supplies like string, tape, and plastic spiders
Sphero RVR
Sphero Edu app for coding
How-to Guide
Web Construction: Use string and tape to construct a spider web. Add some plastic spiders for extra spookiness!
Initial Setup: Turn on your Sphero RVR and connect it to the Sphero Edu app.
Coding Time: Open a new program in the Sphero Edu app to navigate through the spider web.
Sample Block Code
Start Block: Begin with the ‘Start’ block.
Move Block: Use ‘Move’ blocks for precise forward and backward movements.
Turn Block: Insert ‘Turn’ blocks to navigate the web’s twists and turns.
Pause Block: Add ‘Pause’ blocks to stop and assess the path ahead.
For example, your block sequence might be:
Start
Move forward at speed 20 for 1 second.
Turn 30 degrees to the left.
Pause for 1 second.
Move forward at speed 20 for 1 second.
…and so on!
Educational Value
This activity enhances engineering and coding skills. It also teaches students about planning, precision, and problem-solving.
Pro Tip 🎃
Make the challenge more difficult by adding “trap zones” in the web where the RVR must pause for a few seconds before proceeding.
What do you think? Ready to weave into the next activity? 🎃👻🤖
Activity 10: Ghost Bowling Alley: Strike Out the Spooks 🎳👻
Objective
The tenth Sphero RVR Halloween Activity is a Ghost Bowling Alley! The objective is to use your Sphero RVR as a bowling ball to knock down ghost-themed pins. It’s a fun way to learn about physics and coding simultaneously.
Materials Needed
Bowling pins (you can decorate them to look like ghosts)
Sphero RVR
Sphero Edu app for coding
How-to Guide
Bowling Setup: Arrange your ghost-themed bowling pins at the end of a smooth surface.
Initial Setup: Turn on your Sphero RVR and connect it to the Sphero Edu app.
Coding Time: Open a new program in the Sphero Edu app to code your RVR’s bowling moves.
Sample Block Code
Start Block: Start with the ‘Start’ block.
Move Block: Use a ‘Move’ block to propel the RVR towards the pins.
Speed Block: Add a ‘Speed’ block to control how fast your RVR should go.
Stop Block: Use a ‘Stop’ block to halt the RVR after it hits the pins.
For instance, your block sequence might look like:
Start
Move forward at speed 70 for 3 seconds.
Stop
Educational Value
This activity teaches physics and coding. Students will learn about speed, force, and impact while also getting hands-on coding experience.
Pro Tip 🎃
Encourage students to experiment with different speeds and angles to see how it affects their bowling performance.
Activity 11: Zombie Obstacle Course: Dodge the Undead 🧟♂️🚧
Objective
Our eleventh Sphero RVR Halloween Activity is a Zombie Obstacle Course. The objective is to navigate your Sphero RVR through a zombie-themed obstacle course filled with challenges.
Materials Needed
Obstacle course materials like cardboard, cones, and zombie cutouts
Sphero RVR
Sphero Edu app for coding
How-to Guide
Course Setup: Create a zombie-themed obstacle course using your materials. Think barricades, “zombie zones,” and narrow escapes!
Initial Setup: Turn on your Sphero RVR and connect it to the Sphero Edu app.
Coding Time: Open a new program in the Sphero Edu app to navigate through the course.
Sample Block Code
Start Block: Begin with the ‘Start’ block.
Move Block: Use ‘Move’ blocks to go forward or backward.
Turn Block: Insert ‘Turn’ blocks to navigate around obstacles.
Pause Block: Add ‘Pause’ blocks to stop and assess the path ahead.
For example, your block sequence might be:
Start
Move forward at speed 40 for 2 seconds.
Turn 90 degrees to the right.
Pause for 1 second.
Move forward at speed 30 for 1 second.
…and so on!
Educational Value
This activity enhances problem-solving and coding skills. It also teaches students how to think strategically and adapt to challenges.
Pro Tip 🎃
Add “zombie traps” that require the RVR to pause and “shake off” zombies by spinning or flashing lights.
What do you think? Ready to tackle the next set of haunting activities? 🎃👻🤖
Activity 12: Pumpkin Art Contest: Unleash Your Inner Picasso 🎃🎨
Objective
The twelfth Sphero RVR Halloween Activity is a pumpkin art contest. The objective is to decorate your Sphero RVR like a pumpkin and hold a contest to determine the most creative design.
Materials Needed
Craft supplies like orange and black paper, markers, and glue
Sphero RVR
Optional: small prizes for the winners
How-to Guide
Decoration Time: Provide students with craft supplies to decorate their Sphero RVRs like pumpkins.
Initial Setup: Make sure the Sphero RVRs are turned off during the decoration phase.
Contest Time: Once all RVRs are decorated, hold a contest to determine the most creative pumpkin design.
Judging Criteria
Creativity
Attention to detail
Overall aesthetic
Educational Value
This activity encourages creativity and competition. It also allows students to express themselves artistically while working on a tech-based project.
Pro Tip 🎃
Consider having categories like “Scariest Pumpkin,” “Funniest Pumpkin,” and “Most Creative Pumpkin” to give everyone a chance to shine.
Activity 13: Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt: The Hunt is On! 🍬🔍
Objective
The thirteenth Sphero RVR Halloween Activity is a Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt. The objective is to use your Sphero RVR to assist in a scavenger hunt for hidden treats around the classroom or school grounds.
Materials Needed
Treats
Clues written on paper
Sphero RVR
Sphero Edu app for coding
How-to Guide
Treat and Clue Placement: Hide treats and clues around the classroom or school grounds.
Initial Setup: Turn on your Sphero RVR and connect it to the Sphero Edu app.
Coding Time: Open a new program in the Sphero Edu app to guide your RVR on its scavenger hunt.
Sample Block Code
Start Block: Begin with the ‘Start’ block.
Move Block: Use ‘Move’ blocks to guide the RVR to the clue spots.
Pause Block: Insert ‘Pause’ blocks where the RVR should stop to “pick up” a clue or treat.
Sound Block: Add a ‘Sound’ block to signal when a clue or treat is found.
For example, your block sequence might be:
Start
Move forward at speed 30 for 4 seconds.
Pause for 2 seconds (to pick up the clue).
Play a “ding-dong” sound.
…and so on!
Educational Value
This activity enhances problem-solving and teamwork. It also adds an element of excitement and adventure to the learning process.
Pro Tip 🎃
You can make the activity more challenging by setting a time limit or by requiring students to solve riddles to find the next clue.
What do you think? Ready to dive into the next set of bewitching activities? 🎃👻🤖
Activity 14: Halloween Storytelling: Once Upon a Spooky Time 📖👻
Objective
The fourteenth Sphero RVR Halloween Activity is Halloween Storytelling. The objective is to program your Sphero RVRs to act out Halloween stories or skits. It’s a unique way to combine narrative skills with coding!
Materials Needed
Story scripts
Sphero RVR
Sphero Edu app for coding
How-to Guide
Script Preparation: Provide students with Halloween story scripts or encourage them to write their own.
Initial Setup: Turn on your Sphero RVR and connect it to the Sphero Edu app.
Coding Time: Open a new program in the Sphero Edu app to code your RVR’s actions according to the script.
Sample Block Code
Start Block: Begin with the ‘Start’ block.
Move Block: Use ‘Move’ blocks for the RVR’s movements.
Sound Block: Insert ‘Sound’ blocks for any dialogue or sound effects.
Light Block: Add ‘Light’ blocks to change the RVR’s color based on the mood of the story.
For example, your block sequence might be:
Start
Move forward at speed 30 for 2 seconds (to enter the “stage”).
Play a “witch cackle” sound.
Light up in green.
…and so on!
Educational Value
This activity teaches narrative skills and coding. It also encourages creativity and helps students understand the elements of storytelling.
Pro Tip 🎃
Consider recording the performances to share with parents or to review as a class for constructive feedback.
Activity 15: Creepy Crawly Race: Speed Through the Spookiness 🕷️🏁
Objective
The fifteenth and final Sphero RVR Halloween Activity is a Creepy Crawly Race. The objective is to navigate your Sphero RVR through a racecourse featuring creepy crawlies like spiders and worms.
Materials Needed
Creepy crawlies (plastic spiders, worms, etc.)
Sphero RVR
Sphero Edu app for coding
How-to Guide
Racecourse Setup: Create a racecourse and place the creepy crawlies along the path.
Initial Setup: Turn on your Sphero RVR and connect it to the Sphero Edu app.
Coding Time: Open a new program in the Sphero Edu app to navigate through the racecourse.
Sample Block Code
Start Block: Start with the ‘Start’ block.
Move Block: Use ‘Move’ blocks to guide the RVR along the course.
Turn Block: Insert ‘Turn’ blocks to navigate around the creepy crawlies.
Speed Block: Add a ‘Speed’ block to control how fast your RVR should go.
For instance, your block sequence might look like:
Start
Move forward at speed 50 for 3 seconds.
Turn 90 degrees to the left.
Move forward at speed 40 for 2 seconds.
…and so on!
Educational Value
This activity enhances coding and competitive spirit. It also teaches students about speed, timing, and navigation.
Pro Tip 🎃
Add “trap zones” where the RVR must pause and “shake off” creepy crawlies by spinning or flashing lights.
What do you think? Ready to bring these activities to life in your classroom? 🎃👻🤖
Conclusion: The Treats of Learning 🎃📚
Wow, what a spook-tacular journey we’ve had exploring 15 Sphero RVR Halloween activities! These activities are not just fun and festive; they offer a multitude of educational benefits. From enhancing coding and problem-solving skills to encouraging creativity, teamwork, and competition, these activities are designed to make learning engaging and effective.
Teachers and parents, I highly encourage you to try these activities in your classrooms or at home. They’re a fantastic way to celebrate Halloween while also providing valuable educational experiences. Plus, they’re adaptable to various skill levels, making them perfect for our target grade 3–4 audience.
Call to Action: Share Your Spook-tacular Stories 📣👻
We’d love to hear about your experiences! If you try any of these activities, please share your stories, photos, or videos. Got your own Halloween activities with Sphero RVR? We’re all ears! Your creativity could inspire others and contribute to a community of enthusiastic educators and parents.
So, are you ready to make this Halloween not just fun but also educational? Let’s get rolling! 🎃👻🤖
Richard Campbell
Richard Campbell is an experienced English professor in South Korea with over 20 years of teaching experience across all levels of education. With a doctorate in education, Richard is passionate about promoting language learning and using innovative approaches, including AI writing tools, to inspire his students.