SPIKE™
Familiar LEGO® elements, intuitive electronic components and progressive coding turns STEM lessons into fun and engaging learning through purposeful play.
Low floor, high ceiling
Every pupils can succeed in 15 minutes, while offering endless depth for advanced builders.
Low-prep, standards-aligned
Complete unit plans containing teacher guides, assessment rubrics and extension tasks.
Unified hardware & electronics
All parts are cross-compatible, protecting your investment when it’s time to think bigger.
One app, any device
The SPIKE™ App supports both sets across Windows, macOS, Chromebook, iPad and Android.
LEGO® Education SPIKE™ kits at a glance
Feature | SPIKE™ Essential | SPIKE™ Prime |
|---|---|---|
Target age / Key Stage | Ages 6+ (Key Stage 1 & 2) | Ages 10+ (Key Stage 3) |
Primary focus | Early STEAM, computational thinking, literacy and maths integration | Advanced robotics, engineering design, data logging, algorithm development |
Hardware core | 2-port Small Intelligent Hub | 6-port Large Intelligent Hub |
Included electronics | 2x Small Motors, 1x Colour Sensor, 1x 3×3 Light Matrix | 2x Medium Motors, 1x Large Motor, 1x Distance Sensor, 1x Colour Sensor, 1x Force Sensor |
Coding progression | Icon Blocks > Word Blocks (Scratch) | Word Blocks (Scratch) > Text-based Python |
Element count | 449 elements | 528 elements (expandable to 1,131 with Expansion Set) |
Classroom ratio | Ideal for 2-3 students per kit | Ideal for 2-4 students per kit |
LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime
SPIKE Prime is the go-to STEAM learning tool for secondary computing, robotics and design technology while preparing pupils for future tech careers and competitive robotics.
Open-ended learning opportunities
Pupils get hands-on with sophisticated sensors and motors
Block coding supporting variables, complex conditionals
Access real Python coding environments directly in the SPIKE App
Teaches complex control systems, sensor integration and mechanical engineering
Develops data handling, variable manipulation and syntax
Extendable with the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime Expansion Set
LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential
SPIKE Essential engages primary pupils in hands-on exploration of STEAM concepts through story-led challenges using relatable minifigures and everyday scenarios.
Pupils solve real-world problems through storytelling
Build early coding and engineering confidence
Intuitive drag-and-drop Icon Block coding (similar to Scratch Jr)
Pupils level up their coding with Word Blocks when they’re ready
Develop algorithmic thinking, sequencing and debugging skills
Integrates literacy, storytelling and social-emotional learning into STEM tasks
Builds foundational understanding of simple machines, energy transfer and structures
A closer look at the kit beyond the bricks
Small Hub
The heart of any SPIKE™ Essential invention
SPIKE™ Essential
Small Angular Motor
Functions as a motor and sensor to give models life
SPIKE™ Essential
Colour Sensor
Detects colours and measures reflective and ambient light
SPIKE™ Essential
SPIKE™ Prime
3×3 Light Matrix
Individually programmable RGB LED matrix
SPIKE™ Essential
Large Hub
Extra ports and features to drive more complex creations
SPIKE™ Prime
Large Angular Motor
Plus 2 medium motors to give motion to larger projects
SPIKE™ Prime
Distance Sensor
Programmable LED ‘eyes’ that can see up to 200cm away
SPIKE™ Prime
Force Sensor
Touch-sensitive button that measures pressure
SPIKE™ Prime
The LEGO® Education SPIKE™ App
The LEGO® Education SPIKE™ App is the only software you need for any SPIKE kit, simplifying the tech end of learning through play. It’s completely free to use, works offline and runs on whatever device you already have: Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, iPad or Android.
The app puts your pupils in control, providing step-by-step build instructions, the Scratch-based and Python coding space and real-time data visualisation tools that allow children to monitor live sensor readings, while teaching them how to manage their time effectively and work as a team.
Frequently asked questions
Can SPIKE Essential hardware (motors and sensors) be used with the SPIKE Prime Hub?
Yes. Both SPIKE Essential and SPIKE Prime use standard LEGO LPF2 hardware connections. SPIKE Essential motors and sensors plug directly into the SPIKE Prime Large Hub and vice versa. This cross-compatibility allows schools to create custom robotics builds and scale hardware seamlessly across year groups.
Does the teacher need to have prior coding experience to facilitate lessons?
No. LEGO Education unit plans are explicitly designed for educators of all confidence levels, regardless of prior computing and coding experience. Every unit includes ready-to-use facilitation notes, starter code, troubleshooting and clear assessment rubrics with opportunities to differentiate learning in mixed-ability classrooms, allowing any teacher to deliver structured 45-minute STEM lessons with minimal preparation.
How do SPIKE unit plans align with the UK National Curriculum?
All SPIKE Essential and SPIKE Prime curriculum units are mapped to Key Stage 1, 2 and 3 National Curriculum objectives for Computing (algorithms, control systems, debugging, network logic), Design & Technology (structures, mechanisms, user-centered design) and Science/Maths (forces, energy, data handling).
Does the SPIKE App require an active internet connection in the classroom?
No. Once the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ App is installed on your classroom devices, it operates offline. Students can connect to their Hubs via Bluetooth or USB and write, test and run code without relying on school Wi-Fi or triggering firewall restrictions.
What hardware is required for LEGO® League?
While SPIKE™ Essential and SPIKE™ Prime have historically served as the foundation for LEGO® League Explore and Challenge teams, the competition is evolving with the introduction of LEGO® Education’s new Computer Science & AI kits.
Depending on the specific division and season your school or team enters, you can participate using existing SPIKE Prime kits or transition to the specialised Computer Science & AI kits, which incorporate wireless controllers, smart sensors and interactive field models.