Some are still at full distance learning. Schools around the country are at various stages of returning to normal. One BOLT is coded to have the “virus.” It then sends out a code that “infects” other BOLTs which then, in turn, spread the disease to other BOLTs. Another lesson helps demonstrate how diseases can spread from person to person. For example, you can code a BOLT to follow an RVR. The Sphero EDU app has lessons that teach you how to do this. If you have a second Sphero BOLT or a Sphero RVR, which I reviewed last year, you can use the IR feature to communicate between robots. This code using Blocks includes a variable, a loop, math functions, and even causes images to appear on the LED display. As mentioned, the app provides lessons and activities complete with videos to help get you going. If you don’t know how to program using any of these three options, no problem. Finally, you can program with text code using JavaScript. BOLT also has its own unique blocks, such as those that code what will appear on the LED display. These are very familiar to those who have used, Scratch, micro:bits, or other block codes. For example, movement blocks are light blue, lights are a shade of green, sounds are maroon, and so forth. The different types of functions are color-coded to make it easier to understand what the blocks do. This is great for learning coding as well as for quickly trying out different tasks. Blocks use blocks of code that users stack together to create a program. The color you choose for the line is the color the LEDs will light up. In Draw, you literally draw the path you want the robot to move. T here are three ways to program the Sphero BOLT in the app. It also features several already created programs that users can try out. The app has several different activities to teach coding. Here is where the Sphero BOLT really shines and teaches STEM. The nice thing is that this app works with Chromebooks that many students and schools currently use. While playing games with the Sphero Play app is fun, Sphero BOLT is also compatible with the Sphero Edu app for iOS, Android, Amazon Fire OS, macOS, Windows, and Chrome OS. The SpheroEDU app offers a variety of lessons that teach coding. In addition, there are also currently three games on the app in which you use the Sphero Mini Golf as the controller. There are eight different drive modes from which you can choose to make the Sphero BOLT move around. Within the app, you can adjust the color of the robot’s LED lights and brightness as well as its maximum speed. Once installed, the app easily connects to the Sphero BOLT. In order to interact with Sphero BOLT, the Sphero Play app will need to be downloaded onto an iOS, Android, or Amazon Fire OS compatible device. The built-in battery provides four hours or more of use on a single charge. It also communicates via Bluetooth and infrared. It actually contains a gyroscope, motor encoders, as well as accelerometer, magnetometer, and ambient light sensors. This little robot is not just a remote control toy. It is charged through induction by placing on its charging base, which can be plugged into a USB power source. The softball-sized sphere is fully enclosed and waterproof. Sphero BOLT is essentially a small robot inside a spherical shell. 360-degree protractor with heading, directions, and clockĮverything you need to get started is included in the box.1 Inductive charging base with USB charging cable.The Sphero BOLT includes the following items: It is appropriate for those 8 years and up. Sphero BOLT sells for $149.99 and can be purchased directly from Sphero as well from Amazon and other retailers. Sphero BOLT takes their robots to a new level with more sensors and IR communication as well as an 8×8 LED matrix. Sphero is known for its spherical robots that can be programmed to roll around and perform different functions. The Sphero BOLT is a product that can help reengage children in learning whether at home or in the classroom. While students have been using technology as a tool for their learning, they have not really been learning STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), which can really help support all other academic subjects because it offers authentic learning experiences that engage students in the learning process. However, there has also been an engagement epidemic as students have only interacted with a screen rather than experience authentic hands-on learning and exploration. As schools across the nation and even the world have closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and distance learning has been the prevalent means of education, there has been a concern over learning loss for these students.
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