SPIKE Essential for primary schools is based on learnings and improvements from WeDo 2.0
Taking key learnings from the WeDo 2.0 experience and marrying those with the needs of today’s education system, LEGO Education have introduced a new solution for the primary grades. This new solution, SPIKE Essential, will be part of the LEGO Learning System. With the introduction of SPIKE Essential, we have retired WeDo 2.0
Key differences between SPIKE Essential and WeDo 2.0
WeDo 2.0 had a main target of 2nd-4th grade curriculum standards whereas SPIKE Essential has a broader target of 1st-5th grade curriculum standards. WeDo 2.0 had a key focus on Science curriculum (physical and life science and engineering) whereas SPIKE Essential has a true cross-curricular STEAM approach with purposeful integration of literacy, math and social emotional learning. The physical boxes differentiate SPIKE Essential by including more elements and more intelligent hardware components as well as a rechargeable battery that does not need to be purchased separately like it was for WeDo.
At-A-Glance Comparison
| WeDo 2.0 | SPIKE Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Core target group | 2-4th. Grade | 1-5th. grade |
| Curriculum Focus | Science (physical science, life science, Engineering) | Comprehensive STEAM units with literacy and math extensions |
| Number of lessons | 30 – 40 hours | 0 – 100 hours |
| Hybrid learning | No specific hybrid learning activities | Yes. hybrid learning activities |
| Piece count | 280 elements | 449 elements |
| Intelligent HW included in set | Hub, motor, motion sensor and tilt sensor | Hub with Built-In Gyro Sensor incl rechargeable battery, 2xmotors, Light Matrix, Color Sensor |
| Power | AA batteries or additional purchase rechargeable battery | Rechargeable battery (incl in set) |
| Storage | Storage bin & sorting tray | Storage bin & sorting tray with color sorting |
| Main engager | Milo the science rover | Sofie, Leo, Daniel, and Maria – minifigures with individual characteristics that make problem solving relatable |