Saved by the Bolt: A Predator-Prey Showdown in Middle School Science

Dust off your Walkman and get ready to pump up the volume on science education! This session takes attendees on a totally rad journey to teach 8th grade students about ecosystems using Sphero Bolt robots in a hands-on, high energy predator-prey simulation. This isn't just a game; it's a powerful and engaging way to meet North Carolina's new science standards head-on. Participants will learn how to facilitate a lesson where student groups drive their Sphero Bolt as either predator or prey in an arena. This competition allows students to directly investigate key concepts like the effect of biotic and abiotic factors on populations, and the complex relationships within a food web, including competition and cooperation. We walk you through the entire lesson and showcase how this lesson is perfect for the educator looking for an innovative, inquiry-based approach that truly embodies the new Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs).