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HI THERE, WELCOME TO SPHERO!
We're thrilled that you're trying out Sphero for your home learning space. Whether learners are just getting started with programming and inventing or looking to grow their engineering and computational thinking skills, they'll find themselves at home within the Sphero Edu ecosystem.
WHAT IS THIS GUIDE?
This guide will orient you with resources, tips, and suggestions for Mini and Sphero Edu. Our goal is that you'll have all the tools and support you need to confidently guide learning at home. We'll walk you through:
- Getting started with the Sphero Edu app and Sphero Play app.
- Understanding your Mini robot and how it can be used
- Activity Pathways
- Supplemental Resources
PARENTS: START HERE!
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Program your Mini in Draw, Blocks, or even JavaScript in the Sphero Edu app. Download the app on your device at sphero.com/downloads
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QUICK START (RECOMMENDED)
iOS and Android users can select "Quick Start" from the home page. Chromebook users can download the Android client to access this option.
Note: You cannot save activities or programs in this mode.
CREATE ACCOUNT
Users can create a "Home User" account. Follow the steps at edu.sphero.com/ to create an account for your learner(s).
Note: Mac and windows users must create an account.
CLASS CODE
If using your robot in conjunction with your child's school, you may receive information about using "Class Code"mode.
Drive and play games from the Sphero Play app.
- Download the Sphero app on your device at sphero.com/downloads. It is available for free in the iTunes and Google Play store.
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- Connect Mini via bluetooth and get rolling!
MEET MINI
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The Sphero Mini has everything you need to get rolling with STEAM learning at home. Sphero Edu offers three different coding "canvases" for Mini - Draw, Block, and Text - that move from beginner to advanced coding skills while Sphero Play offers the option to drive and play games, all while learning STEAM skills.
CHARGING
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- Connect Mini via the Micro USB charging cable and plug into an AC wall plug.
- Remove Mini's shell, locate the small micro USB charging port, and plug Sphero Mini into the power source.
CONNECTING WITH BLUETOOTH
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- Open the Sphero Edu or Sphero Play app.
- From the Home Page, select "Connect Robot".
- Select "Sphero Mini" from the list of robot types.
- Hold your robot next to the device and select it to connect.
Note: After connecting to bluetooth for the first time, there will be an automatic firmware update.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Here are some tips for caring for your Mini:
- Mini is shockproof and can handle the elements. That being said, we don't recommend testing this theory from the top of your house.
- Mini is not waterproof.
SANITIZING
Below are Sphero's tips on how to clean and properly disinfect Sphero Mini.
- Have the proper cleaning products, e.g. disposable disinfecting wipes (Lysol or Clorox or similar brands are best) or spray, paper towels (if using a spray) and disposable gloves.
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- Remove Mini's outer shell and wipe it inside and out. Allow to dry and place back on the inner robot ball. You can also wipe down the inside, but make sure no liquid gets inside the charging port or other openings.
- Wipe down Mini's outer surface, anything that hands have touched.
- Allow Mini to dry completely before plugging it back into its charger.
ACTIVITY PATHWAYS
The Sphero Edu app contains 100+ guided STEAM and Computer Science lessons and activities and programs, consisting of varying skill level and content areas. We've curated a selection of activities that will help guide you as you get started.
Find the links to the activities below at https://sphero.com/at-home-learning
PROGRAMMING LEVEL
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DRAW
Manual Movement, Distance, Direction, Speed, and Color
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ART
Draw 2: Spelling
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MATH
Draw 1: Shapes
Draw 3: Perimeter
Area of a Rectangle
Geometric Transformations ![]()
BEGINNING BLOCK
Roll, Delay, Sound, Speak, and Main LED
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SCIENCE
Long Jump
Bridge Challenge
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TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Blocks 1: Intro and Loops ![]()
INTERMEDIATE BLOCK
Simple Controls (Loops), Sensors, and Comments
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SCIENCE
Light Painting Tractor Pull
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TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Maze Mayhem
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ART
Sphero City
Chariot Challenge ![]()
ADVANCED BLOCK
Functions, Variables, Complex Controls (If Then), and Comparators
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TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Blocks 2: If/Then/Else Blocks 3: Lights
Blocks 4: Variables
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ART
What a Character
Avoid the Minotaur ![]()
BLOCK-TEXT TRANSITION
JavaScript Syntax, Punctuation, and Asynchronous Programming
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TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Text 1
Text 2: Conditionals ![]()
BEGINNING TEXT
JavaScript Movements, Lights, and Sounds
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TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Text 3: Lights
Text 4: Variables
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MATH
Morse Code & Data Structures
Fun Fun Functions
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES
For more information about Sphero and to get involved in our community you can find links to additional resources below.
SPHERO BLOG:
https://sphero.com/blogs/news
SUPPORT:
https://support.sphero.com/
COMMUNITY FORUM:
https://community.sphero.com/
CONTACT US:
https://sphero.com/pages/contact-us
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the MINI and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers