LEGO ENGINEERING AT KIDS UNIVERSITY 2013
LEGO engineering is a sequential
curriculum with specific models and kits for K/1, 2/3 and 4/5/6. The
curriculum is aligned by LEGO education to national standards for
math and science and technology. In each LEGO class children
learn to make predictions, test the behavior of their models, and
then record and present their findings. Expanded activities
involve rebuilding or revising the model to solve a given problem.
Buddy Building: The
children build in pairs—buddy building. The construction cards for
the models have different directions for each team member; only when
they work together can the model be built.
Double Period Class:
The longer time allows for teams to build their models, test them,
and then after the principles are discussed and demonstrated to
create their own designs.
LEGOS built cannot be taken home:
Models built cannot be taken home, since they are part of a large
kit and are not replaceable. We will photograph LEGOS models
built and post to a KU website. Also, the children complete lab
observation/prediction sheets for their models that are sent home.
KITS USED: K/1
Early Simple Machines; 2/3 and 4/5/6 Science and Technology.
4/5/6 blend add on kits containing more sophisticated,
specialized LEGOS with the LEGOS in the Science and Technology Kits.
OBJECTIVES:
Children engage in scientific discovery and inquiry. When they build
they are asked about their predictions (K/1) or their hypothesis or
assumptions (2 /3 & 4/5/6/), then they measure the behavior of their
models and record and present findings. FREE DESIGN PERIOD with
OPEN ENDED PROBLEM SOLVING: Each grade group has a free
design time with small LEGOS to create their models that answer
specific open ended building problems.
SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT GRADE
GROUPS for 2013:
K-6: Legos: Outer Space—This
popular series, which was offered last summer and is repeated this
summer, was created by the Space Station astronauts using the Early
Simple Machines and Science and Technology Lego Kits we use at Kids
University. The astronauts tested models from these kits in
space and designed special activities for the children to complete.
The astronauts are viewed as they work and play in the Space Station
and test the Lego models. The children build the same models
and compare their designs and results with the astronauts.
Concepts of gravity, gears, friction, calibration, and air
resistance are applied in the building process.
K/1
– Early Simple Machines kit uses large Legos to
teach the scientific principles for each model built. The large Legos suit
the dexterity level of the majority of children in this group; however, some
children enjoy the smaller bricks to build with. Our Lego K/1 classes
combine model building with both types of Legos. 
Session 1: Boats and Floats – Build different boat models that use sails and rafts to test wind power, buoyancy and cargo carrying ability. With smaller Legos create a boat community and harbor. NEW for 2013!
2/3 – Science and Technology kit uses small bricks and involves more complicated models that combine math, as well as science and technology in the lessons.
Session 5: Magnetism and Measurement – Build devices that swing and measure from the Magno-Bir
4/5/6- Science and Technology kit
Session 3: Advanced Motorized Machines – At this more challenging level work with design problems that relate to powered models of a Tower Crane, Ramp and Gear Racer, Catapult, Winch and Merry-go-Round. More emphasis on the design engineering process and redesigning models to solve everyday problems. NEW for 2013!
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