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What is BOLT?
What is BOLT?
Bolt Robot
Bolt is a codable robot that can meet your students wherever they are in learning about coding; students can:
Freehand draw their code.
Use block-based coding.
Text-based coding with Javascript.
It also contains multiple sensors that gather data throughout its program execution.
What onboard sensors does Bolt have and what do they do?
Accelerometer: measures linear acceleration and can be used to detect changes in speed and collisions.
Gyroscope: measures twisting or rotational movement around the pitch (x-axis), roll (y-axis), and yaw (z-axis).
Light Sensor: reads the light intensity (luminosity) in your environment from 0 - 100,000 lux, where 0 lux is full darkness and 30,000-100,000 lux is direct sunlight.
Infrared (IR) Sensors: can be used to send and receive messages between BOLT robots within a 4 meter range.
Compass (magnetometer): allows BOLT to know its orientation on earth, just like a normal compass.
Bolt Kit
General Information and What You Might Need
General Information and What You Might Need
What's Included?
What's Included?
Power pack case
15 BOLT Robots
15 Inductive charging cradles with USB cables
15 Protractors with heading, directions, and clock
DEVICE COMPATIBILITY
Sphero (6 kits) - Grade(s) 3-8
Get ready to add some excitement to your classroom with Sphero BOLT – the ultimate coding robotic ball! The Sphero BOLT Power Pack is the perfect classroom tool for engaging students in hands-on STEAM activities. With a durable and waterproof design, all-day battery life, and advanced programmable sensors, BOLT can withstand even the most imaginative, out-of-the-box ideas. The BOLT Power Pack includes 15 programmable robots, an inductive charging case, an Educator Guide, and accessories.
Download our free, in-depth, standards-aligned BOLT Power Pack Educator Guide to easily get started and go further with BOLT in your classroom. A hard copy of the BOLT Educator Guide book is included with BOLT Power Packs.
BOLT Power Pack Features & Benefits
BUILT FOR THE CLASSROOM: With its durable and waterproof design, Sphero BOLT can withstand even the most imaginative, out-of-the-box ideas that your students can dream up, and can take on any adventure your learners can imagine with its all-day battery life.
HANDS-ON STEAM: Teach your students hands-on STEAM skills while inspiring creativity and exploring endless possibilities with Sphero BOLT's advanced programmable sensors and 8x8 LED matrix. With BOLT, your students can engage in fun, hands-on play while learning to code and explore the exciting world of robotics.
BEGINNER TO ADVANCED: Sphero BOLT Power Pack is great for teachers and students of all levels, with three ways to program (Draw, Blocks, and Text coding canvases in the Sphero Edu app) and lesson plans for introducing and going further with BOLT.
CROSS-CURRICULAR LEARNING: Sphero BOLT Power Pack is 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.
DURABLE CHARGING CASE: Take your Sphero programmable robots with you wherever you go with the carrying case that also doubles as a charging station. With its built-in wheels, this versatile case lets you easily store and transport your robots while keeping them fully charged and ready for action, anytime and anywhere.
Maintenance & Charging
Maintenance & Charging
How do I charge Bolt?
How do I charge Bolt?
The Power Pack contains the charging cradles. When not in use, a Bolt should be placed in its charging cradle. Cradles and charging cables can be removed from the Power Pack if needed and Bolt can be charged in any Sphero Bolt charging cradle.
How do I know if my Power Pack is charging?
How do I know if my Power Pack is charging?
Make sure the switch on the front of the case is in the on position to initiate charging. The green light will be on when the case is charging.
How long does it take Bolt to charge?
How long does it take Bolt to charge?
It takes approximately 6 hours to charge a fully-depleted robot.
How do I know when Bolt is done charging?
How do I know when Bolt is done charging?
The blue charger lights will be solid when the robots are fully charged.
How long will Bolt last on a full charge?
How long will Bolt last on a full charge?
Sphero Bolt lasts approximately 2 hours of constant play on a full charge.
How should we store Bolt?
How should we store Bolt?
Sphero Bolts should be stored in the Power Pack case. If not using the robots for a few weeks, it is best to fully charge them, turn them off, and then store them. For specifics on how to turn off and store, see the Sphero Support website.
How can I clean Bolt?
How can I clean Bolt?
Lightly spray a clean cloth with a disinfectant and wipe clean. Dry before placing back in a charging cable.
Helpful Grade Level Information
Helpful Grade Level Information
[to your Bolt Power Pack]
Curriculum
Computer Science Foundations (CSF) is a supplemental, standards-aligned curriculum designed to be taught in the classroom alongside our Sphero BOLT robot. By the end of course 1, students will be able to demonstrate proficiency with the draw canvas and know how to use block programs to manipulate lights and sounds, and create loops and conditionals.
24 lessons in a printed teacher guide book
“A” in STEAM
Shapes & Numbers
Nature
Aligned to NGSS, CSTA
Includes a perpetual license to all digital student facing materials and content
Getting Started
Getting Started
How does Bolt work?
How does Bolt work?
Bolt is a solid sphere with two drive motors inside. These motors enable rolling and spinning of the robot. It also contains an 8X8 LED matrix for coding colors, animations, or scrolling text across the screen.
Do I need a device to code Bolt?
Do I need a device to code Bolt?
Yes. Bolt receives its code from another device. Apps are available for mobile devices such as iOS and Chromebooks (through their respective app stores).
One of the Bolt robots fell off of a table in my classroom. Is it damaged?
One of the Bolt robots fell off of a table in my classroom. Is it damaged?
Bolt is shockproof from falls up to 3 feet. It can even measure impact/deceleration with its accelerometer. While the sound of it hitting the floor can instill panic and we don’t recommend using your Bolts to simulate the egg drop science project, it is quite indestructible under normal circumstances. But maybe encourage the students to get down on the floor.
How do I prevent students from getting the wrong robot?
How do I prevent students from getting the wrong robot?
When students select the ‘Connect Robot’ button in their Chromebook app, the selected robot will light up. If multiple students around the classroom are all connecting at once, it becomes difficult to tell which robot is connecting to which Chromebook. Students should come up one at a time with their Chromebook to connect, remove the lit up robot from the Power Pack before the next student attempts to connect.
Support Videos
Support Videos
Basics of Sphero Bolt
Getting started with the Sphero Edu app
Programming BOLT to Move
Try this activity in the Sphero Edu app to get started: Beyond the Square
Programming Loops with BOLT
Try this activity in the Sphero Edu app to learn more: Grow with Sphero - Spherograph
Other Block Categories
There are seven more types of blocks included in the Sphero Edu app coding environment that are more advanced than the three outlined above:
Operators are math statements to modify or create values.
Comparators can compare two values and create conditional logic.
Sensors add read-only values streamed from the robot’s sensors.
Communications control a BOLT or RVR’s ability to send and receive infrared (IR).
Events can embed conditional logic in predefined functions.
Variables are values that limit redundant logic.
Functions help organize complex logic.
Try these activities in the Sphero Edu app to get started.
Premade Lesson Plans/Classroom Support
Premade Lesson Plans/Classroom Support
Classroom Management
Classroom Management
How should students work with Bolt? Whole group? Small group? Individually?
How should students work with Bolt? Whole group? Small group? Individually?
Like any other lesson, what will work best depends on a number of factors including the content being covered, the nature of the class, and the amount of space available. Keep in mind your Power Pack contains 15 robots, so partners and groups allow everyone to engage at once.
What suggestions do you have for managing groups working with a Bolt?
What suggestions do you have for managing groups working with a Bolt?
Have students take turns engaging in different roles so everyone in a group learns to use the measurement tools, code with the interface, and review the data.
Are there rules I should consider in my classroom when using the Bolts?
Are there rules I should consider in my classroom when using the Bolts?
A good rule to keep students focused is if a Bolt is driving around the classroom, it gets “impounded.” For how long is up to you. Driving Bolt is fun, but chances are it is not reinforcing your lesson and is just wasting time.
These Sphero Bolt Task Cards are designed to get you started quick with step-by-step direction for creating a variety of basic projects.
These Sphero Bolt Task Cards are designed to get you started quick with step-by-step direction for creating a variety of basic projects.
The Sphero Edu BOLT Blocks 1: Roll Block Squares is a great lesson to get your students using your Bolt. Use the customizable slides for your in class presentation.
Creative Coding Website with more resources, activities and information about using the Sphero Bolt.
Visit Sphero Edu to browse their library of pre-made activities; sort by grade level or content.
Other Resources
Other Resources
All BOLT+ lessons are aligned to national and state computer science standards. When applicable, lessons have also been aligned to national core subject area standards including NGSS and CCSS. Select standards or states to view details.
Get Certified
Get Certified
The Sphero Education Ambassador Programs recognize teachers who are using Sphero robots to inspire their students. Applications for Sphero Lead Educators are always open or become a Sphero Hero and join a community of innovators who are passionate about STEAM education.
Extension Resources
Extension Resources
The Sphero Edu Web App allows you to program compatible robots right from your internet browser - no need to use a native app! This is a great solution if you have a Chromebook, macOS, or Windows device and use a compatible browser.
Students code using Draw, Blocks, or Javascript. Access 1000s of activities and manage your classroom. Chrome, Mac, PC, iOS, Android, Kindle
Other Lesson Ideas and Supplemental Resources
Other Lesson Ideas and Supplemental Resources
It is recommended that teachers utilize the Sphero Bolt Educator Guide Book and the accessories included in the power pack to introduce the students to the robots. Additional lesson ideas and supplemental resources can be found later in this AACPS resource book, the Sphero website and the AACPS Office of Instructional Technology’s Creative Coding with Robots website.
Help & Resources
Help & Resources
Make a Google Doc copy of BOLT Information
Make a Google Doc copy of BOLT Information
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