Sphero BOLT User manual

HI THERE, WELCOME TO SPHERO!
We’re thrilled that you’re trying out Sphero for your home learning
space. Whether learners are just getting started with programming
and inventing or looking to grow their engineering and
computational thinking skills, they’ll find themselves at home within
the Sphero Edu ecosystem.
SPHERO BOLT:
AT-HOME
GUIDE
WHAT IS THIS GUIDE?
This guide will orient you to the content and support materials that
come with BOLT and Sphero Edu. We’ll walk you through:
Getting started with the Sphero Edu app and Sphero Play app.
Understanding your BOLT robot and how it can be used
Activity pathways based on focus areas and skill level
Supplemental Resources

Download the Sphero Edu app on your device at
sphero.com/downloads. It is available for free in
the iTunes, Google Play, Microsoft, and Amazon
app stores. The Chrome Extension is available in
the Chrome Web Store.
PARENTS: START HERE!
QUICK START(RECOMMENDED)
iOS and Android users can select “Quick Start” from the home page.
Chromebook users can download the Android client to access this
option.
Note: You cannot save activities or programs in this mode.
CREATE ACCOUNT
Users can create a “Home User” account. Follow the steps at
edu.sphero.com/ to create an account for your learner(s).
Note: Mac and windows users must create an account.
CLASS CODE
If using your robot in conjunction with your child’s school, you may
receive information about using “Class Code”mode.

Create custom images using Sphero Edu's built in Matrix
Animation editor.
Learn about conditionals and how they can be used in
code.
MEET BOLT
Fully programmable and highly advanced, Sphero BOLT was
designed for learners of all ages. Although the possibilities are
endless, below are some ideas of how you could integrate BOLT into
your at home learning environment.
Create your own artwork with BOLT by drawing your
favorite shapes!
Learn about what it means to refactor code and how you
can use it in your own programs.

CHARGING
1Place BOLT on charger with power cord plugged into
wall outlet.
2BOLT will blink blue. This indicates that it is charging.
3Charge for 3 hours or until the blue charger light stops
blinking.
CONNECTING WITH BLUETOOTH
1Open the Sphero Edu app.
2From the Home Page, select “Connect Robot”.
3hrs

3Select “Sphero BOLT” from the list of robot types.
4Hold your robot next to the device and select it to
connect.
If you are having connection troubles, try the following:
Place your robot on the charger for 15 seconds to ensure
it’s not in deep sleep, then try again.
Note: After connecting to bluetooth for the first time,
there will be an automatic firmware update.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Here are some tips for caring for your BOLT:
Bolt
BOLT is waterproof; to clean simply wipe your robot with
warm soapy water and dry it with a towel.
BOLT is also shockproof. Pop it, lock it, drop it. Your ball
can handle it. That being said, we don’t recommend
testing this theory from the top of your house.

SANITIZING
Below is Sphero’s step-by-step guide on how to clean and
properly disinfect Sphero BOLT.
1Have the proper cleaning products, e.g. disposable
disinfecting wipes (Lysol or Clorox or similar brands are best)
or spray, paper towels (if using a spray) and disposable
gloves.
2Wipe down BOLT’s outer surface. Wipe and spray away!
There are no charging ports or openings to worry about.
Just be sure not to use harsh solvents or anything abrasive or
sharp to clean them.
3Allow BOLT to dry completely before placing it back on its
charger.

PROGRAMMING
ACTIVITY PATHWAYS
The Sphero Edu app contains 100+ guided STEAM and Computer
science lessons and activities and programs, consisting of varying skill
level and content areas. We’ve curated a selection of 30 activities that
will help guide you as you get started.
Find the links to the activities below at
https://sphero.com/at-home-learning
DRAW
Manual Movement, Distance, Direction, Speed, and Color
ART
Draw 2: Spelling
MATH
Draw 1: Shapes
Draw 3: Perimeter
Area of Rectangles
Geometric Transformations

SCIENCE
Long Jump
Bridge Challenge
TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Blocks 1: Intro and Loops
SCIENCE
Light Painting
Tractor Pull
Hydro-Hypothesis
TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Maze Mayhem
Simple Controls (Loops), Sensors, and Comments
ART
Sphero City
Swim Meet
Chariot Challenge
BEGINNING BLOCK
INTERMEDIATE BLOCK
Roll, Delay, Sound, Speak, and Main LED

ADVANCED BLOCK
Functions, Variables, Complex Controls (If Then), and Comparators
BLOCK-TEXT TRANSITION
JavaScript Syntax, Punctuation, and Asynchronous Programming
TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Blocks 2: If/Then/Else
Blocks 3: Lights
Blocks 4: Variables
TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Text 1
Text 2: Conditionals
ART
What a Character
Avoid the Minotaur
SCIENCE
Atom Tracks
Helmets for the Win
Organ Quiz
Planets Quiz

Keep in mind that success with Sphero is more than just learning
coding and STEAM concepts; it includes dispositions as well.
Consider how you will encourage and/or evaluate growth mindsets
and curiosity in your at home learning environment.
BEGINNING TEXT
JavaScript Movements, Lights, and Sounds
TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Text 3: Lights
Text 4: Variables
MATH
Morse Code & Data Structures
Fun Fun Functions