About BOLT

Sphero BOLT is an app-enabled robotic ball that is fully programmable and designed for learners ages 8 and up (grades 2-12) to explore robotics, coding, and STEM through play-based learning. 

Each BOLT kit includes:

• 1 Sphero BOLT robot
• 1 inductive charging base
• 1 charging cable (micro-USB)
• 1 AC/USB wall charger
• 1 360° protractor
• 1 BOLT user manual
• 1 STEM at Home: Get Started with BOLT guide
• 1 mesh waterproof bag 
• 1 Brampton Library tote bag

Place a hold on a BOLT kit through the catalogue here. 

Learn with BOLT

This section includes links to more learning resources that will help you get the most out of your BOLT. If you arrived here from the Get Started with BOLT guide included in your STEM at Home Pack, you're in the right place. 

All learning happens in the Sphero Edu app, which means you will need a device with an internet connection (not provided in this kit). Visit sphero.com/downloads for more details. Instructions on how to get started with the app can also be found in the STEM at Home: Get Started with Sphero BOLT guide (included in this kit).  If you have difficulty downloading the app, please check your device’s compatibility here.

Video lessons

Check out this step-by-step tutorial on Sphero’s YouTube channel: 

Getting started with the Sphero Edu app

Recommended Activities

The Sphero Edu app includes over 100 guided STEM and computer science activities. 

Not sure where to start? Begin with the Introduction to Sphero Edu activity, then complete the recommended activities below to build strong foundations for programming BOLT.

Draw activities

• Draw 1: Shapes
• Draw 2: Spelling
• Draw 3: Perimeter

Beginner block activities

• Blocks 1: Roll Block Squares
• Blocks 2: Light and Sound Stories
• Blocks 3: Matrix Emotions

Intermediate block activities

• Blocks 4: Collision Event Pong
• Blocks 5: If Then Animal Toss
• Blocks 6: Sensor Storytelling Sidekick

Advanced block activities

• Blocks 7: Flashlight Function Tug o’ War
• Blocks 8: Hot BOLTatoes and Variables

Block-text transition activities

• Text 1: Hello World!
• Text 2: Conditionals

Beginning text activities

• Text 3: Loops!
• Text 4: Variables

Educator resources

Sphero has created comprehensive guides for educators. 

• Sphero BOLT Computational Thinking Guide
• Sphero BOLT AP Computer Science Principles Guide
• Sphero BOLT Cybersecurity Labs Guide

For subject area activities and DIY downloads that can help enhance learning in the classroom, check out the Sphero BOLT resources page on Sphero’s website. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to borrow a STEM at Home Pack?

You will need a Brampton Library card in good standing. Learn how to get a Brampton Library card.

Where can I borrow a STEM at Home Pack?

STEM at Home Packs are made available at all Brampton Library branches. We encourage you to plan ahead and place a hold with your Brampton Library card through the catalogue. When available, a STEM at Home Pack can be borrowed on a first-come, first-served basis. To avoid disappointment, we recommend checking availability before you visit the branch.

How long can I keep a STEM at Home Pack?

You can borrow a STEM at Home Pack for 7 days. You can renew your loan as long as the kit does not have a waitlist. We appreciate your cooperation in returning this kit in a timely manner.

Where can I return this STEM at Home Pack?

You can return this STEM at Home Pack to any Brampton Library branch. This item will need to be returned in-person to a Library staff member during open hours. Before returning this item, please make sure you are bringing back all contents included when you borrowed it. 

Where can I share feedback about my experience?

We would love to hear about your experience with the Sphero BOLT kit, and STEM at Home Packs in general. If you have a few minutes, please tell us your thoughts in a quick survey. Your feedback is really important and will help us build and improve this collection.