Sphero Mini

Features

• Compact Design: Sphero Mini is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, making it highly portable and easy to use in a variety of settings, from classrooms to home learning environments.

• App-Enabled Control: The Sphero Mini can be controlled via the Sphero Play and Sphero Edu apps, which are compatible with iOS and Android devices. The apps offer various modes of control, including joystick, tilt, slingshot, and face drive, where facial expressions can be used to steer the robot.

• Block-Based and JavaScript Coding: Like other Sphero robots, the Mini can be programmed using block-based coding for beginners or JavaScript for more advanced users. This allows students to start with simple commands and gradually progress to more complex programming.

• LED Lights: The Mini features customizable LED lights that can be programmed to display different colors, adding a visual element to coding projects.

• Built-In Games: The Sphero Mini comes with built-in games that are controlled by the robot, offering a playful way to interact with the device and introducing coding concepts through game-based learning.

• Accessory Pack: The Mini often comes with mini traffic cones and bowling pins, allowing students to create obstacle courses and challenges, further enhancing the learning experience.

Educational Benefits

• Introduction to Coding: Sphero Mini is an excellent tool for introducing students to coding in a fun and non-intimidating way. Its block-based coding interface is intuitive and accessible, making it ideal for beginners who are just starting to explore programming.

• Hands-On Learning: The physical interaction with the Mini, through activities like navigating obstacle courses or playing games, reinforces learning by allowing students to see the immediate effects of their code. This hands-on approach helps make abstract coding concepts more concrete and understandable.

• Encourages Creativity and Problem-Solving: Students can design their own courses, challenges, and games, fostering creativity and encouraging them to think critically as they work through the coding needed to complete their projects.

• Engaging and Accessible: The small size and affordability of the Sphero Mini make it accessible for a wide range of learning environments, including classrooms with limited resources. Its playful nature keeps students engaged and makes learning feel like play.

• Scalability: Although simple enough for beginners, the Sphero Mini’s compatibility with JavaScript coding allows it to grow with students as they advance, making it a tool that can continue to be used as their skills develop.