8 Creative STEM Projects to Try with the Sphero BOLT+

The Sphero BOLT+ is much more than just a robot; it’s a gateway to unlocking students’ creativity, problem-solving skills, and love for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Whether you're an educator looking to engage your classroom or a parent hoping to introduce coding in a fun way, Sphero BOLT+ offers endless possibilities for learning through play. By leveraging its programmable features, sensors, and interactive capabilities, students can dive into a wide range of hands-on STEM projects. 

Here are 10 creative STEM projects you can try with the Sphero BOLT+ to inspire your students:

1. Code Your Own Obstacle Course

Creating an obstacle course for the Sphero BOLT+ is an exciting way to teach students about algorithms and problem-solving. Start by building a course using everyday classroom items—books, cups, or even chairs. Then, challenge students to use the Sphero Edu app to code the robot through the maze without hitting any obstacles.

This project encourages trial and error, allowing students to refine their code and adjust parameters such as speed, distance, and direction. It’s a hands-on way to develop logical thinking and learn about loops and conditions in coding.

Pro tip: Use the infrared communication feature to let multiple BOLT+ robots interact and navigate the course together!

2. Simulate Planetary Orbits

Introduce your students to the concept of planetary orbits by having them program the Sphero BOLT+ to mimic how planets revolve around the sun. Using the compass and accelerometer sensors, students can calculate and simulate the orbital paths of different planets at varying speeds and distances.

This project seamlessly integrates math and science, teaching students about planetary motion, speed, and the forces that govern celestial bodies. It’s an engaging way to link programming with space exploration!

3. Light and Color Exploration

The 8x8 LED matrix on the BOLT+ allows students to experiment with light and color in creative ways. Challenge students to create a program that changes the colors of the LED display based on different conditions. For example, they can make the robot display red when it bumps into an obstacle, or flash different colors as it moves.

This project provides an excellent introduction to color theory, light sensors, and conditional coding. Plus, it allows for a lot of creativity as students can experiment with various patterns and designs.

4. Sphero Art Bot

Combine coding with creativity by turning the Sphero BOLT+ into an artist! Attach a marker to the BOLT+ and have students program it to draw geometric shapes or intricate patterns on a large sheet of paper. By experimenting with different speeds, angles, and movement commands, students can create fascinating designs.

This project not only teaches coding and geometry but also taps into students' artistic skills. It's a fun way to explore symmetry, patterns, and the relationship between math and art.

5. Speed and Distance Challenge

For this project, challenge students to program the BOLT+ to travel a specific distance in the shortest possible time. Using the speed settings and distance calculations, students will have to fine-tune their code to ensure the robot travels the exact distance without going too fast or too slow.

This project integrates math concepts such as measurement, speed, and time, while also encouraging students to refine their coding skills. You can turn this into a competitive activity by having teams race against each other to see who can code the fastest, most accurate robot.

6. Weather Simulation with Sensors

Leverage the light sensor and temperature data from the Sphero BOLT+ to create a weather simulation project. Students can program the robot to respond to different environmental conditions. For instance, if it’s dark, the LED matrix could display rainclouds, and if it’s bright, the robot could display sunshine.

This project introduces students to the basics of sensors and how technology can interact with the environment. It’s a perfect example of how robotics and coding can be tied into real-world applications like weather forecasting.

7. Maze-Solving Robot

Create a complex maze on the floor using tape or other materials, and have students program the Sphero BOLT+ to navigate through it. They can use the gyro sensor to ensure the robot takes accurate turns and stays on course.

This activity is fantastic for teaching problem-solving, as students will have to think critically and plan ahead. Plus, it emphasizes spatial awareness and geometry, making it a well-rounded STEM challenge.

8. Sphero Solar System Model

Turn your classroom into a mini solar system by using the Sphero BOLT+ to represent the planets. Students can program the robot to follow specific paths and speeds, reflecting the orbit of each planet around the "sun" (a stationary object in the middle).

Not only will students learn coding, but they’ll also grasp the concept of proportional distances and speeds in our solar system. It’s an immersive way to link coding with astronomy and physics.

Conclusion

The Sphero BOLT+ is a powerful tool for engaging students in STEM through interactive and creative projects. Whether you’re teaching basic coding concepts or exploring complex scientific principles, the BOLT+ can be adapted to fit a variety of educational needs. From creating art and solving mazes to simulating planetary orbits, these 10 creative STEM projects offer endless opportunities for students to learn through experimentation and play.

By integrating Sphero BOLT+ into your classroom or home learning environment, you can help students develop crucial 21st-century skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration—all while having fun with a little robot.