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Sphero Mini is a small programmable robot ball that introduces students to coding, robotics, and problem-solving through hands-on play. Students can control it using a mobile device and program it using draw coding, block coding, or text-based coding in the Sphero Edu app. It allows students to explore movement, speed, direction, and sensors while building computational thinking skills in an engaging and interactive way.
Best for
Best for
Grades: 2-5
Subjects: Technology
Math
Reading
STEM/STEAM
What This Tool Helps You Do
What This Tool Helps You Do
each coding using draw, block, and text-based programming
Develop sequencing, logic, and computational thinking
Reinforce problem-solving and debugging skills
Introduce robotics concepts in a fun, accessible way
Support collaboration and hands-on learning
Connect coding to real-world STEM applications
Engage students through interactive challenges and games
How to Use This Tool
How to Use This Tool
Download and open the Sphero Edu app
Connect the Sphero Mini via Bluetooth
Start with driving modes (joystick, tilt, slingshot)
Introduce draw coding (trace paths on screen)
Move into block-based coding for sequencing and logic
Allow students to test and debug their programs
Extend to challenges and projects using coding skills
Classroom Ideas
Classroom Ideas
Create obstacle courses and coding challenges
Design a maze and program the robot to solve it
Mini golf or target-based challenges
Coding races or timed challenges
Partner programming activities
STEM station rotations
Whole-class demonstration using screen mirroring
Reading
Reading
Retell a story using robot movement
Map a character’s journey across a story
Sequence beginning, middle, and end
Create story-based coding challenges
Represent cause-and-effect with movement
Math
Math
Explore angles and turns through movement
Measure distance and speed
Create geometric paths and shapes
Practice sequencing and patterns
Solve path-based problem-solving challenges
Reinforce coordinate-style thinking
SCience
SCience
Design and test obstacle courses
Build engineering challenges with constraints
Explore sensors and cause-and-effect
Create coding-based games
Solve real-world navigation problems
Introduce design-thinking (plan, test, improve)
Materials Needed
Materials Needed
Sphero Mini robot
iPads or mobile devices
Sphero Edu app
Charging cables
Cones, tape, or classroom objects for obstacles
Paper and markers (for planning/design)
Challenge cards or task sheets
Helpful Tips
Helpful Tips
Start with driving before coding
Use draw coding as a bridge to block coding
Keep early challenges short and structured
Encourage students to predict outcomes before running code
Build in time for debugging and revision
Use small groups for better engagement
Use the app’s built-in lessons for guidance
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