Dates:

Part 1: – 23rd February 2024 (face to face at SSERC)

Part 2: – 22nd March 2024 (MS Teams – afternoon online session)

This introductory course will provide the foundations for using Sphero Bolt in your setting, covering all of the basic functions of the Bolt and how to embed Computing Science concepts and approaches into your teaching. We will begin the course with a face-to-face, full day session at SSERC, getting hands on with the Sphero Bolt and using block-coding via the Sphero Edu app to program it. We will also consider the online resources available to enhance the delivery of Sphero Bolt sessions within your setting, and how this resource can be used to enhance cross-curricular learning.

There will then be a self-study gap task element to the course, followed by a final afternoon live remote session to feedback and reflect on your journey with the Bolt.

When you have completed this course, you will also be eligible to apply for Sphero Bolt loan kits as part of our SSERC Lending Library service, in order to expand the use of this resource in your setting.

Meet Sphero BOLT

Fully programmable and highly advanced, Sphero BOLT was designed for learners of all ages. BOLT fosters a love of robotics, coding, and STEM principles—all through play-based learning. Packed with plenty of programmable sensors and a colorful LED light matrix, Sphero BOLT is paving the way for the next generation of coders. With BOLT students can:

  • Display custom graphics and real-time data with BOLT’s 8×8 programmable LED matrix and let your creativity shine through  
  • Equipped with advanced robot sensors that you can program and use to learn more about robotics – including a compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, and light sensor
  • Play educational games, create your own and learn how to code through hands-on play and STEAM activities
  • program with draw, block, and text languages on any type of computing device

Click here to find out more.

Closing Date: 26th January 2024

Apply for a place

Audience

For Educators working in and around First and Second level CfE, although this resource could be used to introduce Computing Science concepts across the entire primary setting. While the course will focus on using Bolt up to Second Level, it is also a useful tool to engage with Computing Science concepts and approaches across the BGE.

Rationale

This exciting professional learning practical course provides the opportunity for you to try out engaging Computing Science activities, and to consider how they can be transferred to your own setting.

Course Leader

Kevin Reid

Kevin.Reid@sserc.scot

Cost

The course fees are subsidised by ENTHUSE funding from STEM Learning. This fee covers the PL and the Sphero Bolt resources provided for you to keep as part of the course. SSERC will support you to complete the application process.   

Your setting pays for the course in advance, and once the course activities and evaluations are completed, you will be eligible for an ENTHUSE subsidy.  This subsidy is normally paid by STEM Learning 8 weeks after the course has been completed. 

Course cost:  £320

ENTHUSE subsidy:  £320 

Core outcomes covered:

Organiser:   Designing, building and testing computing solutions

TCH 1-14a  – I understand the instructions of a visual programming language and can predict the outcome of a program written using the language.

TCH 1-15a  – I can demonstrate a range of basic problem solving skills by building simple programs to carry out a given task, using an appropriate language.

TCH 2-14a – I can explain core programming language concepts in appropriate technical language.

TCH 2-15a  – I can create, develop and evaluate computing solutions in response to a design challenge.

Aim and objectives 

On completion of this training, you should be able to:

  • Integrate the teaching of Computing Science concepts within your setting
  • Use Sphero Bolt to develop pupil knowledge and understanding of computational thinking
  • Plan, implement and evaluate learning opportunities for your learners using Sphero Bolt

Face to face full day session at SSERC – Friday 23rd February 2024

Live remote session on MS Teams – afternoon of Friday 22nd March 2024

There will also be a Gap Task to complete via MS Teams.

Each successful applicant will receive an invite to a SSERC Ltd guest teams account.