Tech

Tech Tool Resources

Jump straight to a tech tool using the links below, or scroll the page.

3D Printing

Our printers:

Makerbot Replicator (5th Gen)

Larger build plate, more colors

Makerbot Sketch

Quieter printer, faster printer

Recommended Apps/Websites:

Create 3D designs. Website & iPad app.

Download 3D files to be printed. Website.

Online software to load print files then print them!

Helpful 3D Printing Guides & Fun Lessons:

Sketch How-to's

This series of videos should help you get started using the SKETCH.

MakerBot Educators GuideBook_Lite.pdf

This guidebook covers how 3D printers work, how to do 3D design, includes nine lessons to get you started, and even next steps if you complete those activities.

Use this IMEP created lesson to learn about the free 3D design program, Tinkercad.

Use this IMEP created lesson to 3D print cars to get kids printing, racing, and having fun! (You may need some materials from your region so be sure to give them time to get those to you if you plan on using this lesson.

3D printing Troubleshooting

If something doesn't work properly with the 3D printer, you can attempt to fix it using the Troubleshooting Page from Makerbot or you can reach out to your regional tech liaison to get support.

Drones

Our Drones:

The "big drones" in our program. Click the picture for further info and help using this tool.

We have two versions of mini drones in circulation. The Ryze Tello Edu (pictured above) and the Parrot Mambo. Click the picture above for more info and help using this tool.

Recommended Apps:

The apps needed for the drones are unique to the drone that is being flown. Click the drone picture above to see the apps specific to each drone.


eSports

The IMEP eSports Guidebook is being created to help coaches with getting started in our eSports clubs. Use it to learn more about the games being played as well as resources you can use to run your club this summer!

IMEP eSports

GoPros

Our GoPro version:

GoPro Hero 8 Black

A small, action camera that allows you to get pictures and videos you can't with other devices.

Features:

  • 4K Videos or 12 megapixel pictures

  • Waterproof to 33 ft.

  • New video stabilization (HyperSmooth 2.0)

  • Time lapse capabilities

  • Touch screen interactivity or control remotely with app

Battery Info:

This changes based on what you're doing with the camera. The graph to the right considers continuous shooting. Recording in short bursts could help the battery to last longer. It's always a good idea to bring extra charged batteries with you if you are taking it on a field trip to document their trip.

Charging:

Plugged into a wall outlet: ~2 hours to fully charge (from 0%)
Plugged into a computer USB port: ~ up to 4 hours to fully charge (from 0%)

Accessories:

We have head straps, hand straps, tripods, and much more to attach the cameras to for getting the perspective you or the students hope to capture to tell your stories!

Recommended Apps:

Quik by GoPro

GoPro's one stop shop for your camera. This app can be used to control your camera remotely, preview your content, and even edit your content.

iMovie

Apple's movie editing software. Create professional looking movies quickly and easily.

Helpful Guides:

GoPro Hero 8 Black Beginners Guide & Tutorial

This is a lengthy video (30 minutes) but it does a great job of introducing you to our GoPro camera. I highly recommend watching this if you have any questions about the basics of the GoPro camera.

Video Quick Links:

What's in your kit? - 1:57-5:36
Mounts - 5:37-6:50
Charging - 6:51-10:09
Pairing to App - 10:09-13:58
Modes - 13:59-15:02
Display screen buttons - 15:02-18:25
Photo mode - 18:25-19:15
Video mode - 19:18-21:04
Capturing Content - 21:05-22:26
Advanced Settings - 22:26-25:05
Previewing Content - 25:05-25:42


LittleBits

LittleBits Classroom

Lessons, Unit Plans (though I doubt you get to these), and even Invention ideas can be found here.

These are lesson plans specific to the set of bits that you have access to.

This is the PDF version of the book that is found inside each of the STEAM+ kits. It is a fantastic way to introduce you and your students to the Bits and how they work.

This document can be helpful for planning out lessons. Start on page 42.

Fuse

Use this web-based app to program the CodeBit. I need to do more exploration with this Bit myself, but help can be found here if you need it ASAP. You will need to connect the CodeBit to a computer.

Robots

Sphero RVR

These robots are the flagship robot of our robotics clubs in the IMEP. These highly customizable robots utilize a variety of sensors and is expandable to accommodate programmers with little to no coding experience to more advanced "veterans" of coding.


Sphero BOLTs

These robots are the latest and greatest version of the robot that has been a part of our STEAM programming since 2015. Students will be able to learn coding, problem solving, and computational thinking as well as express their creativity while programming an LED matrix.


*NEW* Sphero Indi

New in 2023 will be the Sphero Indi robot. Named one of Time's Best Inventions, the Indi will be used as our entry-level learning robot for our students ages 4+. These young learners will now the a very approachable opportunity to learn the basics of coding, problem solving, and computational thinking!

Sphero RVR

Robotics Club

This summer we will be kicking off the 1st annual IMEP robotics competition to be held at the IMEP Student STEM Summit in July. We will be using this guide to prepare our teams for the competition at Ball Sate. Rather than upload videos of the challenges, they will come to BSU to do the challenges. Click the graphic to the left to access the Coaches Guide.

Want to use the RVR without Check out lessons for the Sphero RVR and LittleBits topper kits here.

RVR Topper help and lessons here.

RVR Animal Imitation lesson

Sphero BOLTs

Battery expectancy: About 2 hours

Recharge time: About 3 hours via inductive charging (nothing plugs into the sphero) & a micro-USB plugged into the charging puck.

Recommended Apps

SpheroEDU

Drive or code a program to automate your Sphero's movements and actions.

Sphero Play

Drive your Sphero in fun new ways. You should definitely take some time to check out this app with the kids!

Helpful Guides & Lessons

Be sure to check out the info specifically targeted towards educators.

Search from hundreds of activities made by Sphero and the user community. Head here for a great starter activity.

This is a great activity for using the BOLT to make some LED animations!

Once you've covered some of the basics, check these activities to learn more about some of the advanced sensors contained inside our little robots!

Having fun coding these?

Add Swift Playgrounds to the iPads and continue your coding adventure with the Spheros in another app!

Learn more about Sphero the robots and the Sphero EDU app.

Activity Cards

Golf & City Activity Mat Cards.pdf

Golf & City Mat Cards

Use these challenges with your students on the Golf & Sphero City Activity Mats (ask your region about this if you don't have it).

Space & Soccer Activity Mat Cards.pdf

Soccer & Space Mat Cards

Use these challenges with your students on the Soccer & Space Activity Mats (ask your region about getting this if you don't have it).

Sphero Indi

Indi Educator Guide.pdf

Educator Guide Book

Use this guide book to introduce yourself (and your students) to the new Sphero Indi robot.



Specdrums

Battery expectancy: About 2 hours of heavy use.

Recharge time: about 1 hour via micro USB cable.

Recommended Apps

Specdrums MIX

Turn colors into sounds using beats, loops, sounds effects, and instruments to create your own music. Use these songs as backgrounds to your video projects!

Specdrums EDU

Customize your Specdrum rings by recording custom sounds. This app turns the Specdrums into a tool that can be used in just about any subject.

Activity Cards

Art Beat.pdf
At First Sight.pdf
C Major Players.pdf
Good Times Table.pdf
Mystery Melody.pdf
Pop Science.pdf
Story Soundtrack.pdf