31
Jan
 2025
Sphero BOLT (Loan Kit) *NEW COURSE* All Events
Event Start: 09:00
Event Finish: 17:00

Part 1: – Friday 31st January 2025 (face to face at SSERC)

Part 2: – Thursday 29th May 2025 (MS Teams – twilight online session)

The following professional learning opportunity from SSERC includes the loan of 5 Sphero BOLTs, starting from the face to face day at SSERC and lasting around 16 school weeks. This will allow delegates to instantly apply their learning in their setting, focussing on small groups or whole class implementation, as well as sharing with staff in their school.

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 short gap task element to the course, followed by a final twilight live remote session to feedback and reflect on your journey with the BOLTs.

Spaces are limited due to the amount of resources we provide to schools, so apply below now to ensure you can take advantage of this opportunity.

 *To use the Sphero BOLT you will need access to the Sphero Edu App which can be downloaded onto iPads, Chromebooks and laptops, so you may wish to have this downloaded onto your school devices prior to your 16 week loan period. 

 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.

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

Location

Face to face full day session at SSERC – Friday 31st January 2025 

Live remote twilight session on MS Teams – Thursday 29th May 2025

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.

Course cost: £60

The course fees include the PL, ongoing access to all of the PPT and BOLT resources used during the PL, the lunch provided on the day, and also helps to cover some of the cost of the loan kit returns via Fed Ex.

Approximate Fed Ex pick up date: Wed 18th June 2025

*Loan kits will be collected via Fed Ex on a predetermined date as above, or if you are local to SSERC these can be handed in as agreed in advance.

*Any successful applicant gaining a place on this course must complete the Loan agreement process which will be sent out once your place has been accepted. 

 

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
Bolt

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