As kids enter the later years of grade school, they are introduced to the world of technology, coding, and computers. Sure, kids get a lot of experience with technology before this age, but schools start teaching classes with background information. Sphero SPRK is a unique learning tool for technology that incorporates technology learning with fun. I remember when I was growing up in a world of new technology where owning robots were a thing of the future. Now we are living in a Jetson’s world where robots like Sphero are common and easy to get your hands on.
We got our hands on the new Sphero SPRK Edition to check out. My nephews are in 5th and 3rd grade, and fully fluent in the world of technology. They play games like Minecraft with ease, and enjoy anything they can create or control with their iPads. As we opened the Sphero box, their eyes widened because they had never seen anything like it before. The spherical creature came to life with two finger taps, lit up, and spun around in excitement. What the boys didn’t know was that every move they taught Sphero with commands on their iOS devices, Sphero would happily oblige and do what he’s told. Although Sphero is for older children, my girls, ages 6 and 3 were able to navigate the Sphero app and control their newfound friend.
Aside from teaching cause and effect and programming basics, you can also play games with Sphero. The app is where all the action takes place, with different play modes, coding ideas, and multiplayer activities, fun with Sphero is endless. The Sphero SPRK app makes it easy for kids to communicate their ideas to Sphero and watch as he follows commands. All the kids were intrigued with the insides of Sphero. The clear casing allows them to look inside and see the technology behind the mini machine, even though they didn’t have a clue as to what each item represented.
The only thing I would change about Sphero is his ability to detect edges. While he stayed away from an up-ledge from one room to the other, he was unable to stop when near a down step. I can see him falling down the stairs, but his hard outer shell will most likely protect him from less-devastating falls. Check out a quick video of Sphero on our Instagram page.
Sphero SPRK is available at Sphero.com for $129 and can be paired with Android or iOS devices. You can also check out the Sphero community on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.