Coding with Sphero’s BOLT robot is just as exciting and fast-paced as a name with a lightning-quick sound might suggest. There is a lot more, however, to teaching computer science with BOLT than high speeds and flashy looks. Here, you can learn about the different programming modes and how to use them.
The most recent and, honestly, probably most impressive robot from Sphero, the RVR, is an awesome option for coding across grade levels. It boasts more power than previous Sphero models and students can truly embrace a hacker mentality by connecting third-party hardware, like the Raspberry Pi, micro:bit, Arduino, and littleBits.
Whether teaching computer science lessons using the Sphero Mini, BOLT, or RVR, Sphero’s robotics solutions open up a whole lot of possibilities for computer science education. You can also try taking your STEAM teaching and learning further and pair the robots with the corresponding curriculum, Sphero’s CS Foundations Courses, which are now available on our store!
The BOLT Power Pack was adapted from the SPRK+ Power Pack except it now supports charging the Sphero BOLT. It holds 15 BOLTs and is available as an all-inclusive set with robots and accessories (charging cradles/cables, protractors, turbo covers, maze tape rolls, and stickers) and also as an empty pack for those who already have BOLT robots.
When paired with the BOLT, writing code in the Sphero Edu app proved easy thanks to the step-by-step tutorials and detailed videos of the process. The coding levels offer a progressive experience, allowing students with varying programming experience to experiment, get creative, and learn new STEM skills with BOLT!
The RVR is the first Sphero robot that can drive over practically any surface and be programmed and customized to inspire creativity in students. It’s outfitted with an expansion port and on-board power supply that allows students to build onto their robot with littleBits or other third-party hardware, like the micro:bit or Raspberry Pi.
The Sphero Mini has been upgraded and now includes a new transparent shell and an educational bundle that unlocks cool, new ways to play and learn! In this week’s Tips and Tricks blog, we’ll talk about the activity kit’s new materials, how they affect the playability of the Sphero Mini, and cover some of the key concepts you need to know.
The Sphero SPRK+ Power Pack is a safe, mobile, charging station for 12 SPRK+ robots. It is available for purchase empty (if you already own the robots) or with 12 SPRK+ robots, plus maze tape, stickers, charging cables, classroom posters, and turbo covers. This Power Pack is compatible only with the SPRK+ robots and not the Sphero BOLT.
We’re excited to now be able to offer K-12 teachers more of Sphero’s most exciting options. A powerhouse throughout this world of coding and STEM education, Sphero is always at the forefront of innovative education thanks to their SPRK, SPRK+, BOLT, and Mini solutions but those are not the only products they provide to enhance STEAM learning.
The Sphero Robots truly work great in K–12 STEAM and CS education. We mean really great. Starting early on, and then all the way up through middle school, teachers love the value that the Sphero solutions add to classroom instruction. Perfect for empowering true 21st century problem solvers, the various Sphero Robots are must-add teaching tools with a ton of upside.
