Heading Back To School With @SpheroEDU!

This summer my oldest daughter, Reaghan, discovered a love for coding. After spending a week at a coding camp she has gobbled up every book, YouTube video and resource you can imagine teaching herself not only the fundamentals of coding but experimenting with what she can do. Her ability to try something, have it fail and then figure it out again is inspiring.

So when the folks at Sphero approached me about taking a look at what they are doing for Back To School 2019 I jumped at the chance because it gave me an opportunity to get Reaghan to experiment with code beyond the screen.

If you aren't familiar with Sphero (https://www.sphero.com/) you should be. Sphero is the leading robot used in classrooms and has raised the standard for inspiring a new generation through hands-on, applied learning. They create some of the best robots and offer thousands of activities and resources to help kids, teachers and parents go #BeyondCode. These Robots come in all configurations, sizes, abilities and prices to fit any budget.

Often coding is stuck in a makerspace or STEM class. It might make its way out for Week of Code but often these limited opportunities are student's only exposure to code during the school year. Sphero changes all that. Educators have access to a community of activities for every grade level and curriculum level where Sphero can introduce or reinforce concepts. (Yep. Even English class. https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/45834/how-robots-in-english-class-can-spark-empathy-and-improve-writing)

Every Sphero product is a blank canvas for kids to build and create. They are innovative and functional, yet simple and intuitive in design. Sphero’s tools get you coding in minutes, so you can skip the tedious set-up and get right to unlocking your creative potential!

Reaghan and I had a chance to try out a Sphero BOLT. And it's pretty incredible. The BOLT’s programmable 8x8 light matrix opens up an endless array of coding and gaming capabilities. Using advanced sensors we could track speed, acceleration, and direction, or even drive the BOLT without having to aim thanks to the compass. BOLT also features infrared communication, allowing it to “talk” with other BOLTs. It's perfect for all surfaces and is even water and mud proof. And you can paint with it!

So for Back to School Sphero has 2 great offers.

Purchase a Sphero BOLT 15 Pack and get 50% off the Sphero Fundamentals Course (https://www.sphero.com/bolt-15-pack-sphero-fundamentals)

15 Pack: The Sphero BOLT 15 pack contains everything you need to get started teaching robotics and the fundamentals of programming. This special pack of 15 BOLT robots is available exclusively to educators at a discount.

Sphero Fundamentals: This asynchronous Professional Learning course walks you through getting started with the Sphero Edu Program, the Sphero Edu app, and how to apply it all in your classroom. Created by the pros from the professional learning team, this course will take you into a deep dive into Draw, Block Based programming, and Javascript text programming. It wrap's up with suggested classroom applications for all grade levels, experience and content areas. In addition, you’ll get exclusive access to Sphero content that no one else has!

Or Upgrade to a BOLT Power Pack and get 15% off the Sphero Code Mat and Activity Cards (https://www.sphero.com/sphero-bolt-power-pack)

Power Pack: The BOLT Power Pack is the top of the line kit for educators using the Sphero Edu program in a classroom, robotics club, or in any maker environment you can dream up. Plus it’s loaded with Turbo Covers, Maze Tape, and Protractors, so the activities can get started anytime, anywhere. Tote it all like a boss in a sleek airline compliant carrying case on rollers with a retractable handle.

Code Mat: The Sphero Code Mat seamlessly pairs learning with play. This two-sided mat offers a simple, accessible way to learn block-based coding, basic math principles, and collaborative problem-solving with Sphero robots. The mat comes with 3 sets of Activity Cards, providing over 40 hours of coding and skill building. It's the perfect pairing for hands-on coding concepts.

Sphero is truly inspiring the creators of tomorrow. Reaghan and I will definitely be exploring more of what our Sphero can do. Head over to Sphero's website to learn more and take advantage of these offers!

This post is part of a sponsored compensation package provided to me by Sphero. 

Learning and Programing With @GoSphero

A few weeks ago the folks over at Orbotix sent me a Sphero to try out. I had seen them before so when given the chance to get hands on I couldn't resist.

What is a Sphero?

So as you can see it's a robotic ball that you control via Bluetooth from your smartphone or tablet.

But it's more than that too.

There are a slew of apps that you can download that allow you to take your Sphero to the next level.

Interested in Augmented Reality? The Rolling Dead app uses your Sphero to navigate through your world to destroy the onslaught of zombie hordes.

Are you an aspiring golfer? Sphero Golf follows a virtual course that you set up where ever you are. The Sphero is your ball. The trick is you have to program the strokes just right to get the Sphero in the hole.

But Sphero is more than just games. Where I see the benefit of this little ball is the programming.

There are several apps that allow you to get into the brain of Sphero to see how it works and how making slight adjustments, changes the way it behaves. Two of my favorites are MacroLab and orbBasic for Sphero. This app contains several basic, pre-loaded programs for you. This gives you a sense of how things work. Then you can enter each and begin making adjustments. Feeling confident? Try to start programing from scratch.

What I really enjoy is you can see your output immediately with your Sphero. There really is a sense of satisfaction, even if it doesn't do exactly what you thought it would.

As if Sphero didn't already belong in every classroom, they've just released Sphero for Education, an effort to get kids thinking about programming and doing it too. They've created some great lessons on things like rate and time, geometry and percentages and they have loads of examples of how others are using their Sphero's in their classrooms. They are real-world but the kids learn programing too. They also have a deal on getting a classroom pack of Sphero for your classroom.

The Sphero would make a great edition to any STEM or STEAM classroom!