🌻 Flower Robot Challenge: Seek the Sun!

🚀 Your Challenge:

Can you build a LEGO robot that acts like a real flower?
Your robot should spin slowly to look for light, then stop when it finds the sun (or anything yellow)!

🌱 What Do Real Flowers Do?

Have you ever noticed how sunflowers turn to face the sun? That’s not just for fun—it’s a real plant behavior called phototropism.

🌞 Phototropism means:

Plants grow or move in response to light.

💬 Fun Fact:

Some flowers stop turning once they’re grown, but younger ones still move every day!

🔧 Robot Build Instructions

You’ll build a flower that:

🛠️ Step 1: Build the Spinning Base

Build a sturdy base and mount a motor horizontally so it can spin a platform.
Make sure the whole thing doesn’t tip over when spinning!

We used the Twirling Teacups lesson as an introduction to a spinning base.

🪴 Step 2: Make the Stem

Use LEGO beams to make a vertical stem that connects your flower head to the spinning platform.

🌸 Step 3: Create the Flower

Your color sensor becomes the center of the flower.
Decorate it with bright petals—but make sure it can still “see” colors in front of it!

💻 Coding the Robot

Use this basic idea for your code:

forever:
   Spin slowly
   If color sensor sees yellow or a bright light:
       Stop spinning

📹 Watch the example video for how this works:
Watch on YouTube

💡 Tip: You can use "wait until color sensor sees yellow" in your program, or detect brightness using the reflected light sensor mode.

🧪 Test Your Robot

Try these tests:

🎨 Bonus Challenges

📓 Record Your Learning

Use these questions in your science notebook:

QuestionYour Answer
What is phototropism?
How does your robot behave like a real flower?
What does the sensor do in your robot?
What did you change during testing?
What would you do differently next time?

🌼 Share Your Build!

Take a photo or video of your robot in action and share it with your class or post with permission!

Mars Mission : Ice Collection Challenge

Mission Brief

You're an astronaut-robotics engineer stationed on Mars Base 7. A massive dust storm has just passed, revealing delicate ice crystals on the red surface. These crystals may hold the key to:

But there's a problem: the crystals are too fragile to be picked up by normal grabbers. Your mission is to design a rover with a One‑Way Curtain to collect them safely and bring them home.

🎥 Watch the Mission Video

Check out the full mission walkthrough:
https://youtu.be/20_-gqwPFDc

Step 1: Build the One‑Way Curtain

Create a mechanism that lets ice shards pass into the collection basket—but won’t let them fall out.

Step 2: Build Your Rover

Start with a simple SPIKE Prime drive base:

Add sensors, color tiles, or bumpers if you like!

Step 3: Program the Mission

Using SPIKE Prime’s coding interface:

  1. Drive forward to sweep crystals
  2. Turn and repeat to cover the area
  3. Return to the Home Base when done

Tip: Use loop blocks, timers, or sensor-based navigation to make it reliable.

Step 4: Create Ice Shards

Make your own LEGO “ice crystals”:

Your Challenge

Build, attach, code, and collect:

MISSION GOALS

Document your mission: take photos or videos!

🗣️ Share & Compete

Once your mission is complete, do this:

  1. Comment below the video with your rover’s design and strategy
  2. Like the video if you enjoyed the challenge
  3. Subscribe for more robotics missions
  4. Tag us on social media with your rover—your build might be featured!

VENT Bot Maze Mission

A LEGO Spike Prime Challenge to Save the Mars Base

🚀 Your Mission

The Mars base has lost power. The lights are out. Systems are offline. The only way to reach the life support core is through a maze of narrow vents.
Your job is to build and program a LEGO Spike Prime robot — codenamed VENT Bot — to navigate the maze and save the crew.

Download your printable mission materials:
👉 VENT Bot Mission Tracks Printables (PDF)

💡 Pseudocode Mission Log (PDF)

🧱 What to Build

Begin by laying out a maze with items from home, class, or the printable maze tiles.

Your robot must be compact and precise. Use your LEGO Spike Prime kit to build a robot that can:

Required components:

HINT!

We used the Driving Base 1 building instructions from Competition Ready.

💻 What to Code

You’ll need to:

Example pseudocode:

Move forward 40 cm  
Turn right 90°  
Move forward 20 cm  
Turn left 45°

Use the printable Maze Mapping Log to record each step!

HINT!

Watch this video about using the Gyro Sensor to make precise turns.

📏 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Set up your maze using tape, tiles, or printed paths.
  2. Test your robot: Can it move straight and turn consistently?
  3. Use a ruler or tape measure to record distances between turns.
  4. Use the gyro sensor to test turn angles (e.g., 90°, 45°).
  5. Record your pseudocode for the entire maze path.
  6. Translate your plan into a working program in the Spike app.
  7. Test and revise — update your code until the robot can complete the maze!

🎯 Success Criteria

🎥 Watch the Full Mission Video

See how the mission begins, how the robot is built and programmed, and how VENT Bot saves the Mars base! Leave us a comment on YouTube if you completed the mission!

How to Improve Robot Turns with LEGO Spike Prime – Using Yaw and the Scientific Method

Want to make your LEGO Spike Prime robot turn perfectly every time? Whether you're preparing for FIRST LEGO League or just want to build better bots, this step-by-step guide will help you fine-tune your robot’s turning using real data and the built-in Yaw sensor.

🔍 What You’ll Learn

🎥 Watch the Full Tutorial

🧭 What Is Yaw and Why Does It Matter?

Yaw measures your robot's rotation around the vertical axis—basically, how much it's turned left or right. The LEGO Spike Prime Hub tracks yaw from -180° to 179°, making it perfect for turn-based navigation.

But there's a catch: as motor power increases, so does inertia—which means your robot often overshoots the desired angle.

🔬 The Scientific Method for Better Turns

Here’s how we used the Scientific Method:

  1. Ask a Question: Why does our robot overshoot 90° turns at higher power?
  2. Form a Hypothesis: Higher power = more overshoot.
  3. Conduct an Experiment:
    • Turn to 90° using different power levels (20%, 30%, 40%, 50%)
    • Run 5+ trials at each level
    • Record the actual stopping angle
  4. Analyze Results:
    • Calculate average overshoot
    • Determine offset needed for accuracy
  5. Apply & Test:
    • Modify your code to stop before the target angle
    • Improve My Block logic to factor in speed-based offset

📊 Example Data Table

Power %Target AngleActual Avg. AngleOffset Required
20%90°92°-2°
40%90°97°-7°
50%90°100°-10°

Use this data to adjust your wait-until yaw angle block by subtracting the correct offset.

This is the code we will be modifying for the experiment.

🧱 Build a Smarter My Block

Create a custom My Block called YawTurn. It should:

This makes your robot modular, reusable, and competition-ready.

✅ Why This Works for FLL and Classroom Robots

By controlling your turns with this method:

📥 Get the Lesson PDF + Sample Code

Download:

🔑 Learning Targets

💬 Leave a Comment or Question

Have questions about your robot's turns? Drop them in the YouTube comments or email us directly!

About Preston Spratt your Robotics Instructor

Preston Spratt started Sprattronics to provide children with incredible learning opportunities. As a school principal, he has specialized in bringing project-based learning into schools. Sprattronics is a place for children to learn about the things that interest them and solve problems that excite them.

Parents should have a choice of what their children are learning, and that it can happen in a safe and welcoming environment. At Sprattronics, Greenville, South Carolina, we focus on children making discoveries and encourage them to explore the things that interest them.

Mastering Precise Turns with LEGO Spike Prime and the Yaw Sensor

Mastering Precise Turns with LEGO Spike Prime and the Yaw Sensor

Objective:
Equip students with the knowledge and skills to utilize the Spike Prime Hub's Yaw sensor for accurate robot turns, leading to improved navigation and higher scores in competitions.

This lesson is available in a video format on YouTube.

Lesson Overview

  1. Understanding the Yaw Sensor
  2. Displaying Yaw Values on the Hub
  3. Programming Precise In-Place Turns
  4. Creating Reusable 'My Blocks' for Turns
  5. Applying Skills in FLL Challenges

1. Understanding the Yaw Sensor

What is Yaw?
Yaw refers to the robot’s rotation around the vertical axis—essentially, its ability to turn left or right in place.

Yaw Angle Range:
The Spike Prime Hub measures yaw angles from -180° to 179°.

2. Displaying Yaw Values on the Hub

Goal:
Use a variable to monitor the yaw angle in real time.

Steps:

Sample Pseudocode for Word Blocks:

When program starts
Set Yaw to 0
Forever
    Set Yaw to motion sensor yaw angle
    Display Yaw on Hub

3. Programming Precise In-Place Turns

Goal:
Use Yaw data to turn exactly a desired number of degrees.

Steps:

Sample Code (Pseudocode for Word Blocks):

When program starts
Reset yaw angle to 0
Start motors: Left forward, Right backward
Wait until yaw angle is greater than 90
Stop motors

4. Creating Reusable 'My Blocks' for Turns

Goal:
Make your code cleaner and more powerful with a custom block.

Steps:

Sample Code (Pseudocode for Word Blocks):

Define 'Turn Degrees' with input 'angle'
Reset yaw angle to 0

If angle > 0
    Start motors: Left forward, Right backward
Else
    Start motors: Left backward, Right forward

Wait until  value of yaw =  value of 'angle'
Stop motors

5. Applying Skills in FLL Challenges

Benefits of Precise Turns:

Practice Activity:
Have students code the robot to drive in a square using four 90° turns, returning to the starting point.

📥 Resources

The Quick Guide to Building a Home Education That Rivals Government Schools

(No Cost, No Stress, Just Results!)

🚀 Why Home Education?

The U.S. education system is falling behind. Test scores are dropping, teachers are leaving, and bureaucracy is winning over students. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to wait for the system to fix itself.

With the right tools, you can build a home education that’s more effective, engaging, and personalized—without spending a dime. This guide walks you through five essential (and free!) resources used by top-performing students worldwide.

✅ No research required – Just plug and play.
✅ No expensive curriculum – These tools are free!
✅ No complicated setup – Get started today.

📌 Step 1: The Five Essential Free Tools

(These resources cover core subjects and go beyond what most schools offer!)

1️⃣ NewsELA – Learn Through Real-World News

🔹 Best for: Reading comprehension, critical thinking
🔹 How it works: NewsELA adapts real-world news articles to different reading levels, making it easy for kids to learn about current events, history, and science.
🔹 Why it’s powerful: Unlike textbooks, which are outdated before they even hit the shelves, NewsELA keeps learning relevant.

👉 Get started: www.newsela.com

2️⃣ Khan Academy – The Ultimate Free Tutor

🔹 Best for: Math, science, history, test prep
🔹 How it works: Students learn through expert-taught video lessons and practice problems that adjust to their skill level.
🔹 Why it’s powerful: It’s like having a private tutor—for free!

👉 Get started: www.khanacademy.org

3️⃣ Modern States – Earn Free College Credit

🔹 Best for: High schoolers & advanced learners
🔹 How it works: Provides full, free courses to prepare students for CLEP exams, which many colleges accept for credit.
🔹 Why it’s powerful: Your child could start earning college credits today—at no cost.

👉 Get started: www.modernstates.org

4️⃣ Your Local Library – The Secret of Self-Taught Geniuses

🔹 Best for: Self-directed learning, reading, research
🔹 How it works: Libraries provide thousands of free books, audiobooks, and online courses.
🔹 Why it’s powerful: Some of history’s greatest minds—Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, and Elon Musk—were self-taught using books.

👉 Action Step: Visit your local library or check their digital resources!

5️⃣ Prodigy – A Math Game Kids Actually Want to Play

🔹 Best for: Math fluency, problem-solving
🔹 How it works: Prodigy turns math into a fun, role-playing game, where kids solve problems to level up.
🔹 Why it’s powerful: Kids love it, and it secretly makes them better at math.

👉 Get started: www.prodigygame.com

📌 Step 2: Creating Your Home Education Plan

Now that you have the tools, here’s how to structure a powerful home education program.

📅 Daily Schedule (Flexible & Effective!)

Using these resources, you can accomplish as much as a full day's worth of government school learning in just two hours. Build the day that works for you!

✅ Key Tip: Follow your child’s interests! The more engaged they are, the more they’ll learn.

📌 Step 3: Socialization & Enrichment

One of the biggest misconceptions about home education is that kids will be isolated. Here’s how to ensure they stay socially and academically engaged:

🔹 Join Homeschool Groups: Many local and online groups offer meetups, field trips, and co-ops.
🔹 Extracurricular Activities: Sports, music lessons, coding clubs, and art classes keep kids connected.
🔹 Community Engagement: Volunteering, internships, and apprenticeships provide real-world experience.

📌 Step 4: How to Track Progress Without the Bureaucracy

Traditional schools rely on standardized tests. But at home, you can use better methods to measure real learning.

✅ Portfolio: Keep samples of writing, projects, and creative work.
✅ Progress Logs: Track subjects studied, skills mastered, and milestones achieved.
✅ Real-World Application: If your child can teach it, they truly understand it!

💡 Remember: Learning isn’t about memorizing facts for a test—it’s about mastering skills for life.

🎯 Final Thoughts: You Have Everything You Need!

By using these five free tools and structuring a flexible, engaging learning experience, you can build an education at home that rivals (or even surpasses) government schools.

📌 Which resource are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments below!

👉 Want more step-by-step guidance? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more homeschool strategies and free education tools!

🚀 The future of education is in your hands. Let’s make it better!

Geo-Fencing Removed: Fly Anywhere and Five Great Ways to Get in Trouble

This blog post is available in video format on YouTube.

Introduction

If you’re a DJI drone operator, you may have noticed a major change recently. Just days after we released a video on how to geo-unlock your DJI drone, DJI announced that they’ve lifted geofencing restrictions across the United States. This is a significant shift aimed at aligning their systems more closely with FAA guidelines and ensuring that responsibility for compliance falls squarely on the pilot.

DJI Mini 3 and Preston Spratt

So, what does this mean for drone enthusiasts? Essentially, DJI drones now allow you to take off and fly almost anywhere, within technical limitations. However, this newfound freedom doesn’t absolve you of responsibility—you’ll still face the consequences if you break FAA regulations.

In this post, we’ll cover:

  1. What the change to DJI’s maps looks like.
  2. How to ensure you’re still flying legally and responsibly.
  3. Real-world examples of what happens when drone pilots push the boundaries and get into trouble with the FAA.

Let’s dive in.

How the Maps Have Changed

Until January 13, 2025, DJI’s maps were layered with multiple types of flight restrictions. For example, a single location—like your local park—might fall into multiple restricted zones, including:

For instance, at my local park, I used to deal with an authorization zone, a 196-ft altitude limit zone, an enhanced warning zone, and a general warning zone. We had to get LAANC approval to fly and submit a DJO Geo Unlock request just take off in an area where the FAA says we can fly up to 400 feet.

Now, with geofencing removed, DJI no longer enforces these zones, meaning your drone will no longer prevent you from taking off or flying through these areas. Instead, it’s now entirely your responsibility to comply with FAA airspace rules.

How to Load the New Maps on DJI Fly

Update the DJI FlySafe Database

Make sure your drone and app are running the latest firmware and database updates. This will ensure the map reflects the new geofencing changes.

You can do this by clicking PROFILE --> Settings --> Check for FlySafe Database Updates

Use FAA Approved Apps

We love AutoPylot. It is B4UFly approved, has up-to-date FAA maps and restrictions, and allows for instant LAANC approvals.

Five Ways to Get in Trouble with the FAA

While the removal of DJI’s geofencing simplifies flying, it’s crucial to stay within FAA regulations. Here are five ways to land yourself in hot water:

1. Flying in Restricted Airspace

Just because DJI won’t stop you doesn’t mean you can ignore airspace restrictions. Flying near airports, military bases, or in prohibited zones without prior FAA authorization can result in hefty fines.

2. Flying Without the Correct Certification

If you’re flying recreationally, you need to pass the TRUST test (The Recreational UAS Safety Test). For commercial use, you must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Operating without the appropriate credentials can lead to penalties.

3. Flying Over People

FAA rules prohibit flying drones directly over people unless specific waivers or safety conditions are met. This is especially critical in populated areas or events.

4. Not Yielding to Manned Aircraft

Drones must always give way to manned aircraft. Failing to yield to planes, helicopters, or emergency response aircraft could result in severe penalties and risks to safety.

5. Flying Above 400 Feet

The FAA’s maximum altitude for drones is 400 feet above ground level (AGL) in most areas. Exceeding this limit can interfere with manned aviation and result in fines or other legal action.

Final Thoughts

The removal of DJI’s geofencing system represents a shift in responsibility from the drone manufacturer to the pilot. While this change offers greater freedom, it also means that you must be diligent about understanding and following FAA regulations.

Before taking off, make sure you:

Flying a drone can be an incredible hobby or a valuable tool for commercial work—but with great power comes great responsibility. By following the rules and respecting airspace, you can ensure your flights are safe, legal, and trouble-free.

Take Off Legally Anywhere - Preparing your DJI Drone for Flight in the USA

Take Off Legally Anywhere: Preparing Your DJI Drone for Flight in the USA

DJI drones dominate the skies, making up 80% of the drone market in the USA. With their price dropping every year and the quality continuously improving, it’s no surprise that DJI drones are a favorite among students, photographers, hobbyists, and outdoor enthusiasts. But before you take to the skies, you need to ensure your flight is legal. This guide will walk you through the steps to fly your drone legally as a recreational pilot in the USA.

Step 1: Pass the TRUST Certification

To legally fly a drone recreationally in the USA, you must pass the FAA’s TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test). Introduced in June 2021, this certification ensures you understand the rules, safety considerations, and best practices for flying drones.

How to Take the TRUST Test:

What to Do After Passing:

Pro Tip: Even an 11-year-old can pass this test on the go. Encourage young drone enthusiasts to learn and certify too!

Step 2: Download the Two Essential Apps

You’ll need two apps to ensure your flights are safe and within legal boundaries:

  1. AutoPylot: This app helps you understand flight zones, altitude limits, and real-time flight conditions.
  2. DJI Fly: The official DJI app allows you to unlock restricted zones, manage flight permissions, and control your drone settings.

Download both apps to your smartphone and familiarize yourself with their interfaces before heading out to fly.

Step 3: Research Before You Go

Flying in a new location? Do some research to avoid disappointment or legal trouble. Check if others have flown there and what types of zones apply:

Use resources like the DJI FlySafe map to identify potential restrictions and plan accordingly.

Step 4: Request a GeoUnlock

If your planned flight area is restricted, you may need to unlock it using DJI’s FlySafe platform:

  1. Visit the DJI FlySafe website.
  2. Add your drone’s details and upload your TRUST certificate.
  3. Request a custom unlocking for your desired flight area.
  4. If your request is denied, don’t give up—try again or adjust your flight plan.

Step 5: Load Your License into Your Drone

Once you’ve obtained the necessary permissions, load them into your DJI drone:

  1. Open the DJI Fly app.
  2. Go to your profile and access the Unlock License section.
  3. Load your license to the connected controller and aircraft.
  4. Double-check that your drone recognizes the permissions before takeoff.

Ready for Takeoff!

By following these steps, you can ensure your DJI drone flights are safe, legal, and stress-free. Whether you're capturing stunning photos or simply enjoying the thrill of flying, preparation is key. With your TRUST certification, essential apps, and proper permissions in hand, you're ready to explore the skies confidently.

Happy flying, and remember: don’t get grounded—stay informed and stay legal!

Engineer Summer Programs Summer of 2022

August Themes

Mad Scientists - August 1 - 5

This week you will conduct cool experiments that involve mixing chemicals and seeing reactions happen right in front of your eyes. We will be doing more than the average homemade volcano as you will get to decide your own projects. Slime, oobleck, elephant toothpaste, electric dough – the possibilities are endless!

Mad Scientists

Mad Scientists

$75.00

Buy now

LEGO Robotics - August 8 - 12

Can you design and build robots that can overcome challenging scenarios? Master the basics of robotics and visual coding to engineer solutions to a variety of problems. Can your robot move without wheels, can it win a race against other designs?

LEGO Robotics

LEGO Robotics

$120.00

Buy now

Civil Engineering - Bridges - August 15 - 19

Build a bridge that can hold the highest amount of weight.  Utilize our maker lab and supplies to build a bridge to cross a gap and allow for cars to travel both directions.  Will your bridge be a suspension bridge, truss bridge, or arch bridge?

Engineer Bridges

Engineer Bridges

$75.00

Buy now

Arcade Games - The Claw - August 22 - 26

Children will build jointed claws inspired by the biomechanics of a human hand. They will explore articulation and tension as we modify the number of joints and fingers in their claws, using limited materials. Students will also work together to solve engineering challenges, from picking up a slippery marble to playing a clawsome board game.

Arcade Claw

Arcade Claw

$75.00

Buy now

Mini Medical School - August 29 - September 2

Get an introduction to our year long mini medical school theme.  Each session we explore a medical issue and how to fix it.  Help heal cut wounds with sutures, glue, band-aids, or invent your own way to mend our skin.

Become a member to join the mini medical school program. It's perfect for children interested in medicine, becoming a health care worker, or curious about biology.

Join Sprattronics Today

Sprattronics Learning Lab

Our facility is located at 117 Haywood Rd. Our space is facilitated by learning engineers. They are great teachers who fan the flames of learning, inspire creativity, and spark curiosity.

When you join Sprattronics, you create the schedule that works for you. You can drop your child off for up to three hours at a time, Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM.

Become a founding member and come as often as you like. Participate in all of our weekly themes.

Summer Camp Color Engineer LEGO

Signing up today

Sprattronics Founder Membership

Sprattronics Founder Membership

$150.00

Buy now

Want to know more?

You can call me on my cell phone or through text at 864-735-7520‬

Preston Spratt, Founder

July Summer Sessions

Engineer Summer Programs

Make it Fly – July 5 – 8

How does an airplane fly? How does a glider work? What makes a kite stay in the air? These are all questions we will answer this week as we learn about aerodynamics. You will investigate how fast or slowly objects move by building a variety of designs. Use your creative skills to build objects that fly and test them out with our wind-tunnel to see how long they can glide.

*We are closed on July 4th.

Grow Lab – July 11 – 15

Become a botanist and explore the beautiful world of plants and flowers with plant science this week. Dig your hands into the soil of nature to explore the biology of plants, how they grow and how they are sustained in different environments. By investigating the process of composting and hydroponics, we will build our very own Lab garden to care for throughout the year.

Grow Lab

Grow Lab

$75.00

Buy now

Barrier Island Survival – July 18 – 22

Stranded on the Beach – How would you survive being stranded on a barrier island?  We will build escape rafts, shelter, and ways to get food.  Learn all about the barrier islands of the Carolinas through hands-on survival simulations.

Barrier Island Survival

Barrier Island Survival

$75.00

Buy now

LEGO World – July 25 – 29

LEGO World Ticket

LEGO World Ticket

$75.00

Buy now

Have you ever wanted to live in a LEGO world? Now is your chance! Collaborate
with your team and use engineering concepts to become architects in designing
and building your very own LEGO city. You will make your own LEGO character
and use your imagination to create a whole new universe.

Sprattronics Learning Lab

Our facility is located at 117 Haywood Rd. Our space is facilitated by learning engineers. They are great teachers who fan the flames of learning, inspire creativity, and spark curiosity.

When you join Sprattronics, you create the schedule that works for you. You can drop your child off for up to three hours at a time, Monday to Friday, 10AM to 8PM.

Become a founding member and come as often as you like in July. Participate in all of our weekly themes.

Summer Camp Color Engineer LEGO
Sprattronics Founder Membership

Sprattronics Founder Membership

$150.00

Buy now

Signing up today

Want to know more?

You can call me on my cell phone or through text at 864-735-7520‬

Preston Spratt, Founder