Black Professionals in Cerritos, CA

The January Sphero Robotics workshop immerses students in the foundations of command-and-control robotics, where robots are programmed to sense their surroundings, make decisions, and respond intelligently. Using Sphero robots and block-based coding, learners explore how real-world robotic systems operate through the integration of sensors, logic, and data tracking. Rather than focusing solely on movement, this workshop emphasizes intelligent behavior and autonomy. Students program robots to react to collisions, maintain direction using gyroscopes, track distance and time, and adapt to different environments. Through structured challenges and team-based problem solving, learners gain a practical understanding of how robotics is used in areas such as automation, gaming, fitness technology, logistics, and emergency response. Materials Required Each workshop is fully hands-on and requires the following materials to support learning and experimentation: Sphero robots (Bolt, RVR, or compatible models) for movement, sensing, and interaction Tablets or laptops with Sphero coding applications installed Charging cables and power banks to ensure uninterrupted activity Masking tape or cardboard for building mazes and defining boundaries Colored markers or floor indicators for sequence-based missions Lightweight balls (ping-pong or foam) for Sphero Soccer challenges Open floor space or large tables for safe testing and demonstrations All activities are designed to be flexible and adaptable to different room sizes and student experience levels. Learning Outcomes By the end of the workshop, students will demonstrate growth across multiple skill areas: Robotics & Sensors: Use collision detection, gyroscope, and accelerometer data to guide robot behavior Coding & Logic: Apply loops, conditionals, sequencing, and event-based logic to solve challenges Data & Variables: Create and update variables to track scores, laps, time, distance, and performance metrics Problem-Solving: Test, debug, and iterate on programs to improve accuracy and efficiency Collaboration & Communication: Work in teams, share roles, and clearly explain how their robot works to others Students leave the workshop with increased confidence in coding and a clearer understanding of how software controls physical systems. Workshop Activities & Projects The workshop combines guided mini-challenges with project-based learning to reinforce concepts: Maze Navigator: Program robots to avoid obstacles and reach a goal autonomously using sensor feedback Color-Coded Missions: Navigate through stations in a defined sequence, triggering actions with LEDs and logic Sphero Soccer: Design game mechanics using collision detection, scoring variables, and rule constraints Sphero Fitness Tracker: Track laps, distance, time, and milestones using variables and feedback patterns Real-World Simulations: Model delivery routes and search-and-rescue missions using structured planning and loops These activities encourage creativity, strategic thinking, and teamwork while helping students connect robotics concepts to real-world applications.

Each show features a recurring segment that tackles topics in the Black community—from colorism and conspiracy theories to whether Black history is American history, and even “what happened to Kanye West.” The show opens with stand-up, then blends sketch comedy, improv, more stand-up, and character bits throughout, all building toward a concluding comedy segment that ties everything together.