If you teach in a school, you'll know that the best STEM tools are the ones students actually want to use. Tools that earn squeals of delight when they come out of the cupboard. Tools that turn reluctant learners into confident problem-solvers.
The Sphero BOLT+ is one of those tools.
Building on the legacy of the wildly popular Sphero BOLT, the new BOLT+ is a programmable spherical robot that combines durability, sensor-rich hardware and a brilliant coding app to deliver genuine STEM learning – without the fuss. Here are five reasons Australian primary teachers are choosing Sphero BOLT+ for their classrooms.
1. A Vibrant 8x8 Programmable LED Matrix
The standout visual feature of Sphero BOLT+ is its colourful 8x8 LED matrix. Students can program scrolling text, animations, emoji and pixel art – all controlled directly from their code. This instant visual feedback is incredibly motivating for young learners and removes the abstract barrier that often makes coding feel intimidating.
For primary teachers, the LED matrix opens up cross-curricular opportunities. Use it for letter recognition, mathematics patterns, weather symbols or art projects. The possibilities are genuinely endless.
2. Advanced Sensors for Real-World Science
Sphero BOLT+ packs a remarkable array of sensors into its compact spherical shell. Students can investigate motion using the gyroscope and accelerometer, measure ambient light, work with a compass for directional programming and even communicate between robots using infrared.
This makes BOLT+ far more than a coding toy – it's a genuine science instrument. Students can collect real data, run experiments and connect coding concepts to scientific inquiry, supporting your Australian Curriculum outcomes across both digital technologies and science.
3. Coding That Progresses with Every Student
One of the biggest challenges in primary STEM is finding tools that suit a wide range of abilities. Sphero BOLT+ solves this beautifully. The free Sphero Edu app offers three progression levels:
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Draw – students program by drawing paths, perfect for early learners
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Blocks – drag-and-drop block coding, ideal for middle and upper primary
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JavaScript and Python – text-based coding for advanced and high-ability students
The same robot grows with your students from Foundation right through to Year 6 and beyond, making it a genuine long-term investment.
4. Built Tough for the Classroom
Anyone who has worked with primary-aged students knows that classroom equipment needs to be robust. Sphero BOLT+ features a durable polycarbonate shell, is splash-resistant and recharges wirelessly with no fiddly cables to break or lose. It's built to handle drops, knocks and the enthusiastic play of a classroom full of curious learners.
5. Curriculum-Aligned Lessons Ready to Go
Sphero provides hundreds of free lesson activities through the Sphero Edu platform, organised by age group, subject and skill level. For busy primary teachers, this means you don't need to design lessons from scratch. Activities cover coding, mathematics, science, literacy and even creative arts – all aligned with curriculum outcomes recognised in Australian schools.
Ready to Bring Sphero BOLT+ to Your Classroom?
Whether you're starting your STEM journey or building on an established program, Sphero BOLT+ delivers the engagement, durability and progression that primary teachers need. Visit Sammat Education to explore the full Sphero BOLT+ range, including class packs, accessories and chargers.
Shop Sphero BOLT+ at Sammat Education