Croquet probably doesn’t immediately come to mind when you think about robotics. But for eighth graders at Chagrin Falls Middle School, the classic game provided a hands-on introduction to controlling technology, solving problems and preparing for a much bigger challenge ahead.

Students recently took on a game of “croquet” using Sphero robots, small, programmable robotic balls controlled through an iPad. Instead of swinging a mallet, students had to maneuver their Spheros through a course, learning how the robots responded to their commands and making adjustments along the way.

What looked like a game was really an exercise in precision, problem-solving and persistence.

Students quickly discovered that getting a robot from point A to point B wasn’t always as simple as it appeared. They had to understand the controls, judge speed and direction, navigate obstacles and adjust when their first attempt didn’t produce the result they expected.

The Sphero lesson is building foundational skills students will use as they move into work with drones. By starting with a smaller, ground-based robot, students can develop an understanding of how their inputs affect a device’s movement before adding the complexity of flight.

The experience reflects Chagrin Falls Schools’ commitment to providing High-Quality Learning Experiences that give students opportunities to Create, Connect and Challenge. Students aren’t simply learning how to operate a piece of technology. They are learning how to approach a challenge, make adjustments, collaborate and apply what they learn to increasingly complex problems.

For these eighth graders, navigating a Sphero through a croquet course is just the beginning. Next up: taking those skills into the air.