Each of the Spheros outlined below share the following features:
They can all controlled via the Sphero Edu app or the Sphero Play app (both of which can be found in the Serf Service app).
The app connects to each Sphero via Bluetooth.
Each Sphero contains programmable sensors (Motor encoders, Gyroscope, and Accelerometer) and LED lights.
Each Sphero is charged using a USB micro cable.
The SPRK+ is a fun, educational and durable little robot. That will find itself at home in range of STEAM activities.
SPRK+ is controlled by either the Sphero Edu app or the Sphero Play app (both of which are discussed below).
Pupils can create code for the SPRK+ to have it follow a particular route.
There is also a free drive mode so that you can bring it back to its start position.
It contains programmable sensors (Motor encoders Gyroscope Accelerometer) and LED lights within its Super durable UV coated polycarbonate scratch-resistant and waterproof shell
The bluetooth connection gives a 100 foot range (approximately).
1 hour of charge on the inductive charging base should allow it up to 1 hour of activity.
Height: 7.3cm / Width: 7.3cm / Weight: 181g
The Sphero Bolt comes as a standalone unit or as part of the BOLT Power Pack. The Power Pack comes with 15 Sphero Bolts, a charging case, and an Educator Guide.
The Bolt can do everything that the SPRK+ can do, but the Bolt also has a programmable 8x8 LED matrix which pupils can code to display colours, pictures, animations, and scrolling text.
Sphero BOLT Features and Benefits
Bolt is controlled by either the Sphero Edu app or the Sphero Play app (both of which are discussed below).
Pupils can create code for the Bolt to have it follow a particular route or explor it's environment.
There is also a free drive mode so that you can bring it back to its start position.
It contains programmable sensors (Motor encoders Gyroscope Accelerometer) and LED lights within its Super durable UV coated polycarbonate scratch-resistant and waterproof shell.
It features an 8x8 programmable LED matrix.
The bluetooth connection gives a 100 foot range (approximately).
6 hours of charge on the inductive charging base will give to 2+ hour of activity.
Height: 73mm / Width: 73mm / Weight 200g
Discover a fun and imaginative way to learn programming with Sphero Mini! This compact robot, measuring about the same size as a ping pong ball, is perfect for beginners, offering intuitive coding and a range of features that make it a fun and engaging tool for exploring the world of STEAM. Equipped with a gyroscope, accelerometer, and colorful LED lights, this educational coding robot is more than a robot toy. And with an interchangeable shell, Sphero Mini can be customized to suit your mood!
Sphero Mini Features and Benefits
Mini is controlled by either the Sphero Edu app or the Sphero Play app (both of which are discussed below).
Pupils can create code for the Mini to have it follow a particular route.
There is also a free drive mode so that you can bring it back to its start position.
It contains programmable sensors (Motor encoders Gyroscope Accelerometer) and LED lights within its Interchangeable, removable plastic shell
Bluetooth connection (10 metre range)
Micro USB charging (outer shell splits to reveal Micro USB port) (almost 1 hour of play on a full charge)
The Mini is small enough for tabletop learning but sturdy enough to roll around on the floor. Learners can easily maneuver the robots around their desks or workspaces, encouraging hands-on learning and interaction in a space-efficient manner.
The Mini comes with cones and pins that can be used to create a range of engaging activities, from navigating mazes to robot races!
Height: 42 mm / Width: 42 mm / Weight: 46 g
Note: Adult supervision is recommended when using Sphero Mini with children under 8 years of age, as the robot's shell is designed to open up, exposing smaller parts that need to be handled with care and could be a choking hazard for little ones.
The Sphero Edu App is available for free on all Argyll and Bute iPads through the Self Service app.
The Sphero Edu App is great for teachers and students of all levels, with three ways to program (Draw, Blocks, and Text coding) and lesson plans and resources for introducing and going further.
The Sphero Edu app is approachable for all skill levels. Designed for learner progression, lower primary pupils can give robots commands by drawing a path in the app for their robot to follow.
Intermediate coders can use code blocks to learn more advanced logic, upper primary and secondary school pupils can use text programming and write their own JavaScript.
SPHERO EDU FEATURES
PROGRAMS: Program your bots in 3 ways with Draw, Block, and Text modes. Start with the basics and grow.
SENSOR DATA: See location, accelerometer, gyroscope, velocity, and distance sensor data through visual graphs.
ACTIVITIES: Program a painting. Navigate a maze. Mimic the solar system. The only limit is your imagination.
TAKE A DRIVE: Need a brain break? Set LED colors on your robot and zoom around in Drive mode.
ASSIGNMENTS: Are you a teacher? Monitor progress by creating and assigning activities to students.
INTEGRATIONS: Simplify classroom use by signing in and syncing classrooms with Google and Clever accounts.
The Sphero Play App is available on all Argyll and Bute iPads through the Self Service app.
Suitable for lower primary.
The Sphero Play app looks at different ways to control the Sphero from the app ands at different ways to use the Sphero as a controller for the app.
The Play app also features an intuitive introduction to coding in the form of a block drive mode.
DRIVE MODES
Drive your robots several ways with the Sphero Play app. Use the joystick and slingshot controls, tilt your device, or use your voice. Our sports-themed drive modes keep things fun with the ability to flick or tilt your device to move your robot.
BLOCK DRIVE PROGRAMMING
Learn programming basics by controlling your robot with colorful movement and light blocks.
GAMES
Use your robot as a controller to shoot your way through space, race your vehicle through a tunnel avoiding obstacles and scoring points, or rotate your ball to destroy a polygon of bricks.
Spheros are perfect for cross-curricular learning, combining STEM and the arts to encourage creativity and innovation in your classroom. With access to an extensive library of educational games and activities found in the free Sphero Edu App (compatible with iOS, Android, and Chrome), your students can learn how to code in an engaging and interactive way.
Out of the box the spheros come with adhesive measuring tape, card protractors, and protective rubber covers. This lends them to a series of coding and maths based exercises straight away. Use the tape to make a track or a maze. Can pupils code the sphero to find the path from start to finish?
Sphero Space Exploration Challenge Cards (PDF)
The above challenge cards can be used in conjunction with pictures of planets thats can be printed out and placed on the floor. Pupils then try to code their spheros to travel between the planets as described on the cards or to display a rocket animation on the Sphero Bolt LED matrix.
Thanks to the Sphero's waterproof shell and rubber covers, it can also be used in a variety of messy activities. Pictured to the left was an event we held where the Spheros were confined to an arena. Poster paint was squirted into the arena at certain points and times. Pupils coded the spheros to make their way around the arena and attempt to draw shapes and mix colours by rolling through the paint.
For this workshop we used K’Nex rod and connector building system to construct a chariot that it was possible for the Sphero Bolt to pull (or push). As well as considering the look of the chariot, pupils also had to consider the weight and manoeuvrability of their design.
Any other light weight construction set or materials could be used for this sort of activity. Pupils could also consider how they could get their chariot to perform a specific task, for example move a payload to a particular location, move through a course, or race against other chariots.