How We Use Sphero Bolts with High School Students

In recent years, I wrote a grant for Sphero Bolts for our High School Library. At the time they cost about $2500 for a set of 15.

We hadn’t had any type of robotic before this, so the Technology Integration Coach and I really wanted to dip our toes in the robot pool, and after some research, it was decided that Bolts were the way to go.

Once they were here, we started to brainstorm how they could be used with students. Our technology integration coach put out some feelers to staff in her newsletter and there were some immediate takers from our Social Studies department.

Our first class was an AP Government class. They had to use the bolts to reenact one of their review topics or a current event. It was exciting to see how the students “dressed up” the bolts or made them move to show the process. We had students download the Sphero EDU app and connect their bolt. The bolts have 3 features that include a draw feature, using coding blocks, and html code. The most basic way to use the bolts is to use the drive feature and just make them move.

We were really excited for our science department to pick up on the bolts. They have the ability to collect all kinds of sensor data like velocity, acceleration, and distance.

Recently, our freshmen science classes programmed the Sphero Bolts to be a tour guide of the cell by describing the function of each organelle. They spent a few days practices a code with a basic maze, and then they set out to record their Bolt cruising through the organelle.

One of our favorite projects that occurred was a pairing between ARMakr and the Sphero Bolts. Students created a setting from a book they read and then used the Bolt to show what they created.

While it may not seem like robotics have a place in the Library, we have certainly found success with our teachers who were willing to think outside the box and give students a chance to think creatively.