Sphero LittleBits User manual
WHAT IS THIS GUIDE?
This guide will orient you to the content and support materials that come
with your littleBits Kit . We’ll walk you through:
What to do first (Hint: Make a circuit!)
Introductory activities
Troubleshooting tips
Supplemental resources
HI THERE, WELCOME TO LITTLEBITS BY SPHERO!
We’re thrilled that you’re trying out littleBits for your home learning space.
The littleBits Music Inventor Kit is an open-and-go kit designed for anyone
looking for a flexible, yet powerful at home STEAM solution.
AT-HOME LEARNING
FOR MUSIC INVENTOR KIT
Hands-on learning starts with you. Review the following to understand
how littleBits work.
THE POWER BIT, BATTERY & CABLE
Each learner will need a power Bit, a 9V battery, and a littleBits battery
cable . All three components are necessary to start a circuit .
HOW LITTLEBITS WORK
The Bits are designed to snap together, end to end, to create a complete
circuit . The magnets inside each of the Bits’ connectors ensure that
students always attach the Bits the right way.
PARENTS: START HERE!
9V
SNAP
COLOR-CODED
Each Bit is color-coded by its function. There are four colors:
ORDER IS IMPORTANT
Power Bits always come first and input Bits only affect the Bits that come
after them.
Pro tip: Bookmark classroom.littleBits.com; it’s a helpful resource to return to.
POWER is needed in every circuit and is the start of all your
learners’ creations.
POWER
WIRE Bits expand the circuit’s reach and change direction .
Learners use the wire Bits to help place Bits exactly where
they want, especially if they are embedding inside a
structure. Some orange Bits also add a level of complexity
and programmability to the circuit .
WIRE
OUTPUT Bits complete an action or task (for example: light,
buzz, or move). These are the Bits that “Do Something”.
OUTPUT
INPUT Bits add control to the circuit, through information
provided from your learners and/or the environment, and
send signals to the Bits that follow.
INPUT
INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITIES
We’ve curated a selection of inventions and lessons that work well with
your littleBits Music Inventor Kit.
Check out
https://classroom.littlebits.com/curriculum/at-home-learning-starter-kit or
scan the QR Code below to get started.
The Invention Log guides learners through the engineering design
process as they create, play, remix and share their littleBits inventions. The
Invention Log Checklist is included at the end of this guide. Scan the QR
code below to download the complete Invention Log.
GETTING STARTED
Introducing littleBits
Introducing the littleBits Invention Cycle
INVENTIONS
Play a Song
Tuning an Analog Synthesizer
Invent for Good
Hack your Habits
GAMES
Carnival Games
If you have questions about how a particular Bit works, the
Bit-o-pedia: https://classroom.littlebits.com/bit-o-pedia is a helpful
resource. You’ll also find tips and tricks, real world analogies and
more technical “under the hood” explanations.
Once you feel comfortable with the Bits, check out the 100+ inventions
and lessons on littleBits Classroom for endless inspiration and fun!
Keep in mind that success with littleBits is more than just physical builds
and final products; it includes dispositions as well. Consider how you will
encourage and/or evaluate growth mindsets and curiosity in your learning
environment.
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
SANITIZING
Below are Sphero’s tips and tricks on how to clean and properly disinfect
littleBits.
1Make sure you have 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.
SPHERO BLOG:
https://sphero.com/blogs/news
SUPPORT:
https://support.sphero.com/
CONTACT US:
https://sphero.com/pages/contact-us
COMMUNITY FORUM:
https://community.sphero.com/
For more information about Sphero and to get involved in our community
you can find links to additional resources below.
2Disconnect your Bits from the power source and wipe down with
a disinfecting wipe.
3Allow to dry and store back in their cases. We don’t recommend a
spray for littleBits as too much liquid could get into the tiny
openings/connections.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES
INVENTION LOG CHECKLIST:
Use this checklist to make sure you have completed all of the steps of the
Invention Log.
CREATE
PLAY
REMIX
SHARE
While brainstorming, I came up with at least 3 ideas related to the challenge.
I listed my constraints and criteria for success so when I remix, I can look back
and make sure my remixes are on the right track.
I looked at all of my available Bits and materials and wrote down different
ways some of them could help me complete the challenge.
I made a detailed drawing of my first prototype and explained exactly how I
thought it would work during the Play phase of the Invention Cycle.
I paid careful attention to my prototype while I was playing so I could learn
about how it worked.
I recorded my observations in my Invention Log, including both things that I
liked about the prototype and things that weren’t right yet and needed work.
For each one of my remix prototypes, I identified what new thing I was trying.
Everytime I created a new prototype, I made a new prototype profile in my
Invention Log so I could look back at all the different things I tried later.
After playing with and testing a prototype, I recorded what happened, what
was successuful, and what still needed work so I could continue to improve my
invention.
I created an “after” storyboard to go with my “before” storyboard. Together
they show how my invention has solved a problem or filled a need.
I shared my invention and the story of how or why it was made with someone
else.
I thought about everything I did during the challenge, and wrote down future
improvements & new things I want to try when I create my next invention.
STUDENT TEACHER
TUNINg
PROJECT 1: Learn how to make your song’s pitch perfect.
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TUNINg
• Tuning is the relationship between the pitches in a musical instrument. Instruments
need to be “tuned” and a synthesizer is no different. By tuning instruments, you can
create “melodies” that are recognizable.
• The tuning dial on the oscillator Bits module will alter the relationship between
pitches. This will be important when using the keyboard and micro sequencer.
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7csu y
oaY’T!
21
PLAY A SONG
PROJECT 2: Serenade a friend!
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power speakerkeyboard oscillator
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(evj)
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rfuc
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Go to littleBits.cc/synth to learn
how to play more tunes!
The bass sound in Stevie Wonder’s 1973
song “Living for the City” features the use
of a keyboard, oscillator, and envelope.
Can you replicate that sound?
22
SYNTH
HIST
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