Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball User Manual

Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball

HI THERE, WELCOME TO SPHERE
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.

WHAT IS THIS GUIDE?
This guide will orient you with resources, tips, and suggestions for  Mini and Sphero Edu. Our goal is that you’ll have all the tools and support you need to confidently guide learning at home. We’ll walk you through

• Getting started with the Sphero Edu app and Sphero Play app.
• Understanding your Mini robot and how it can be used
• Activity Pathways
• Supplemental Resources

Program your Mini in Draw, Blocks, or even JavaScript in the Sphero Edu app. Download the app on your device at sphero.com/downloads

QUICK START(RECOMMENDED)
iOS and Android users can select “Quick Start” from the homepage. 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.

Drive and play games from the Sphero Play app.

1. Download the Sphero app on your device at sphero.com/downloads. It is available for free on the iTunes and Google Play stores.
2. Connect Mini via Bluetooth and get rolling!

The Sphero Mini has everything you need to get rolling with STEAM learning at home. Sphero Edu offers three different codings “canvases” for Mini – Draw, Block, and Text – that move from beginner to advanced coding skills while Sphero Play offers the option to drive and play games, all while learning STEAM skills.

1. Connect Mini via the Micro USB charging cable and plug into an AC wall plug.
2. Remove the Mini’s shell, locate the small micro USB charging port, and plug Sphero Mini into the power source.

CONNECTING WITH BLUETOOTH

1. Open the Sphero Edu or Sphero Play app.
2.  From the Home Page, select “Connect Robot”.
3.  Select “Sphero Mini” from the list of robot types.
4. Hold your robot next to the device and select it to connect.

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 Mini:

• The Mini is shockproof and can handle the elements. That being said, we don’t recommend testing this theory from the top of your house.
• The Mini is not waterproof.

SANITIZING
Below are Sphero’s tips on how to clean and properly disinfect Sphero Mini.

1. 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.
2. Remove the Mini’s outer shell and wipe it inside and out. Allow to dry and place back on the inner robot ball. You can also wipe down the inside, but make sure no liquid gets inside the charging port or other openings.
3. Wipe down Mini’s outer surface, anything that hands have touched
4. Allow Mini to dry completely before plugging it back into its charger.

ACTIVITY PATHWAYS
The Sphero Edu app contains 100+ guided STEAM and Computer Science lessons activities and programs, consisting of varying skill levels and content areas. We’ve curated a selection of activities that will help guide you as you get started.
Find the links to the activities below at:https://sphero.com/at-home- learning

PROGRAMMING LEVEL

DRAW

Manual Movement, Distance, Direction, Speed, and Colo

ART

Draw 2: Spelling

MATH

• Draw 1: Shapes
• Draw 3: Perimeter
• Area of a Rectangle
• Geometric Transformations

BEGINNING BLOCK

Roll, Delay, Sound, Speak, and Main LED
SCIENCE

• Long Jump
• Bridge Challenge
• BEGINNING BLOCK

TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Blocks 1: Intro and Loops

INTERMEDIATE BLOCK

Simple Controls (Loops), Sensors, and Comments

SCIENCE

• Light Painting
• Tractor Pull

TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING

Maze Mayhem

ART

• Sphero City
• Chariot Challenge

ADVANCED BLOCK

Functions, Variables, Complex Controls (If Then), and Comparators
TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING

• Blocks 2: If/Then/Else
• Blocks 3: Lights
• Blocks 4: Variables

ART

• What a Character
• Avoid the Minotaur

BLOCK-TEXT TRANSITION

JavaScript Syntax, Punctuation, and Asynchronous Programming

TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING

• Text 1
• Text 2: Conditionals

BEGINNING TEXT

JavaScript Movements, Lights, and Sounds

TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING

• Text 3: Lights
• Text 4: Variables

MATH

• Morse Code & Data Structures
• Fun Fun Functions

SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES

For more information about Sphero and to get involved in our community you can find links to additional resources below.

• SPHERO BLOG:https://sphero.com/blogs/news
  SUPPORT:https://support.sphero.com/

• COMMUNITY FORUM:https://community.sphero.com/

• CONTACT US:https://sphero.com/pages/contact-us

FAQs

What is the Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball?

The Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball is a compact, spherical robot designed to teach coding and robotics through interactive play. It combines a durable, mobile robot with coding challenges to engage children in learning STEM concepts.

How does the Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball help children learn to code?

The Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball helps children learn coding by allowing them to use an app to program the robot's movements and actions. Through drag-and- drop coding blocks, kids can create sequences and commands to control the robot, teaching them fundamental programming concepts.

What age group is the Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball suitable for?

The Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball is suitable for children aged 8 and up. Its coding challenges and interactive features make it an excellent tool for introducing young learners to robotics and programming.

What features does the Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball offer?

The Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball offers features such as customizable colors, programmable movements, and obstacle detection. It also includes various coding modes and challenges that help children understand coding logic and problem-solving.

What comes in the box with the Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball?

The Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball package includes the Sphero Mini robot, a charging cable, and a quick start guide. The robot is also compatible with the Sphero Edu app, which provides additional coding activities and resources.

How do you charge the Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball?

The Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball is charged using a USB charging cable that comes with the robot. Simply connect the cable to the robot and a power source, and the indicator light will show when the robot is fully charged.

What programming languages or tools does the Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball use?

The Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball uses block-based coding through the Sphero Edu app, which is based on visual programming languages like Blockly. This method allows children to create and execute code without needing to write text-based programming.

How durable is the Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball?

The Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball is designed to be highly durable and resilient. It is encased in a tough, impact-resistant shell that can withstand drops and collisions, making it suitable for indoor play and learning.

What types of coding challenges are available with the Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball?

The Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball offers a variety of coding challenges through the Sphero Edu app. These challenges range from basic movement commands to more complex programming tasks, allowing children to progressively build their coding skills.

How does the Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball enhance problem-solving skills?

The Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball enhances problem-solving skills by requiring children to think logically and sequentially when programming the robot. They must plan, test, and adjust their code to navigate obstacles and complete challenges.

Is the Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball compatible with other devices?

The Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball is compatible with most iOS and Android devices that can run the Sphero Edu app. This allows for flexible usage and accessibility across different types of tablets and smartphones.

How does the Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball support STEM education?

The Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball supports STEM education by integrating coding and robotics into interactive play. It helps children develop essential skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on learning experiences.

What are some fun activities you can do with the Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball?

With the Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball, you can engage in a range of fun activities, such as navigating mazes, completing coding challenges, participating in robot races, and customizing the robot's colors and patterns. These activities make learning to code enjoyable and interactive.

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