Sphero Robotics Workshop

Code, Build, and Compete in the Ultimate Robotics Makerspace! $250

SparkGrounds Tampa Bay
7777 131st Street, Seminole, FL 33776

Fridays · 4:15 - 5:15 PM
Workshops Begin the Week of August 18!

SPARKGROUNDS WORKSHOPS are open forums where students in 2nd through 12th grade meet weekly to tackle instructor-provided challenges. Workshops are designed to remain challenging and new even if taken repeatedly.

Unlike classes which feature lecture, instruction, and hands-on training from a SparkGrounds Instructor, SparkGrounds Workshops allow students to tackle problems together without direct instruction. SparkGrounds staff will act as guides as students figure out how to respond to each weekly challenge.

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Step into the future of technology with our action-packed Robotics & Automation Lab! Whether you’re a beginner or a robotics pro, this course will challenge you with hands-on projects in coding, automation, and AI. From programming obstacle-avoiding robots to creating musical machines, students will experience the thrill of engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork. Get ready to bring your ideas to life—one line of code at a time!

Robots are shaping the future, and now your child can too! In this engaging and repeatable robotics course, students will explore everything from simple movement coding to AI-powered automation. Each session features a new challenge, so students can return again and again while continuously developing their coding and robotics skills.

Whether you’re a first-time coder or an experienced robotics enthusiast, this class meets you at your level. Younger students start with block coding and simple navigation, while older students tackle advanced automation, AI simulations, and custom robot builds. With weekly themed challenges, competitions, and creative problem-solving, Robotics & Automation Lab ensures an exciting and educational experience every time!

After enrolling, parents or guardians will be sent a liability release that includes expectations and rules. That document must be returned before the first meeting. Partial, pro-rated refunds are always provided should a child unenroll before the end of the workshop.

This workshop is approved for the PEP and FES scholarships and can be purchased here or directly on the Step Up website.

Fall 2025 Challenges:

1. Intro to Robotics – What makes a robot? Basic movement and control
2. Obstacle Course Navigation – Sensors, loops, and precision movement
3. Follow the Light – Programming light-responsive robots
4. Drawing with Robots – Algorithmic art and geometric patterns
5. Battle Bots (Non-Destructive) – Sumo-style robot competition
6. Autonomous Delivery Bot – Path planning and real-world applications
7. Mission to Mars – Robotics in space exploration
8. Musical Robots – Programming beats and rhythm into movement
9. AI & Machine Learning – Basics of AI in robotics
10. Coding Escape Room – Logic-based problem-solving with robots
11. Speed Racer Challenge – Fastest robot programming competition
12. Team Relay Robots – Passing information between robots
13. Simulated Factory Automation – Assembly line programming
14. Game-Building with Robotics – Creating an interactive experience
15. Final Robotics Showdown – Free-choice projects and showcase

Note that the schedule (and especially what is done on each day) is subject to change based on the realities of each individual workshop.