Sphero SPRK Edition- Schools-Parents-Robots-Kids
Just in time for some back to school fun, the new Sphero SPRK Edition brings learning and play together like no other robot can! The new model, called SPRK because it unites Schools, Parents, Robots, and Kids in a unique learning experience, features in-depth app integration and a distinct clear appearance to help kids learn robotics, coding, and STEM principles through the fun of play. My daughter is definitely interested in learning about everything and just about flipped when Sphero SPRK arrived! What a big surprise and a perfect companion to take Em to a higher level of thinking. She could not wait to get Sphero out of the box and start programming “her”.
Sphero SPRK is a ball-shaped clear robot (so kids can get a close look at the inner workings of the machine) that operates in tandem with the free Sphero SPRK app. Easily connected by a touch of your phone or tablet, the robot takes commands in the form of programs that your kids can create using Sphero’s C-based coding language OVAL. Sample programs are included in the app so kids can get a feel for how to code their own programs, and the app also guides them from sending Sphero SPRK simple commands to chaining these commands together into more complex programs.
The Sphero SPRK app also includes a “Drive” option (a fun mode that allows Sphero to operate like a remote-controlled car for when kids want to take a break), access to a community twitter feed linking schools and families using Sphero SPRK (@SpheroEDU), and a look inside Sphero SPRK itself. The look inside is a particularly interesting feature– dovetailing with Sphero SPRK’s clear design, the app’s “Inside Sphero” tab virtually dissects the robot and labels each element that kids should keep an eye out for. From the bot’s Bluetooth Antenna (which wirelessly connects it to your tablet or phone) to its motors, charging coil, batteries, and more, every part of Sphero SPRK is clearly identified, and this interior map of Sphero SPRK adds an extra layer of connectivity between the app and the robot itself, as kids can use this feature as a guide to looking at the actual parts of their own Sphero SPRK.
If your child is interested in computers, coding, robots, and more, Sphero SPRK is the perfect blend of toy and educational tool to set them on the road to programming prowess! The app combines visual blocks representing code and a text-based code viewer to provide assistance at many levels of understanding programming and code, offering your child a great foundation for learning more about programming (or strengthening the knowledge they may already have!) Its interface is welcoming and approachable for newcomers to programming, code, and robotics, but also sophisticated enough to entertain and challenge more seasoned programmers.
SPRK Edition Sphero is available at www.sphero.com and at select retail partners for $129. The new SPRK app is free and is available for download in the App Store for iOS devices and Play Store for Android phones and tablets.
Disclosure: Diane Sullivan is a Orbotix Ambassador. This post is part of a sponsored campaign. I received compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own.
