Sphero Blueprint Build is a modular system of easy-to-handle mechanical engineering parts to teach middle and high school students diverse, scalable, and creative engineering and robotics concepts. Solving problems is the foundation of engineering, and Blueprint Build’s practical mechanical parts allow students to quickly design, build, and test mechanical and structural engineering concepts in the classroom. Students explore cross-curricular concepts in engineering and design with Blueprint, while learning critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration skills.

Formats/platforms used:

The Blueprint Build Class Pack curriculum is offered through Google Docs and Slides. This product also supports various CAD certification curricula with free Blueprint Onshape documents, as well as Solidworks and STEP files for CAD software support.

Primary website’s URL:

http://sphero.com

Problem solved:

Blueprint is designed to create multiple inventions with a single, easy-to-use kit. This speaks to its approachability in nature, making engineering concepts understandable and accessible to students who might be intimidated by more complex building kits.
Blueprint also solves for the limited time educators have in the classroom. Assembly and disassembly are faster with Blueprint because of the practical size and visual and technical simplicity of the snap system and building components.

Grade/age range:

Middle and High School

Core or supplemental:

Using Blueprint alongside the engineering design process provides rich and meaningful standards alignment in STEM and Engineering classes and other cross-curricular subjects. While working through open-ended engineering design problems with Blueprint, students will utilize and develop skills across disciplines. Blueprint also supports necessary college and career readiness in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

Standards:

NGSS, STEL

Lesson time needed:

2 weeks - 1 month per lesson plan unit

Pricing model:

Blueprint Build Kit - $179 (1-3 students)
Blueprint Build Class Pack - $999 (5x Build Kits + resources for the whole class)

Additional services included or needed:

The Blueprint Educator Guide Book, 50+ hours of standards-aligned units and lessons, challenge cards and CAD support resources are all available on sphero.com.

What makes Blueprint unique?

Sphero designed the Blueprint product line to provide an engineering-focused solution for educators with limited time in the classroom. There are other modular building systems out there, but the Blueprint Build Kit is unique in its ability to quickly prototype whatever you can imagine. The Blueprint snap system and modular parts were intentionally designed to allow for quicker assembly and disassembly due to their practical size and visual and technical simplicity.

Additionally, Blueprint is designed to create multiple inventions with a single, easy-to-use kit. This speaks to its approachability in nature, making engineering concepts understandable and accessible to students who might be intimidated by more complex building kits.

Characteristics:

Blueprint lessons are delivered through Google Docs and Google Slides. The lesson materials are designed to be simple for teachers and students to use and interact with and include teacher guides, lesson slides, build instructions, and student handouts.