LEGO

This summer’s Maker Camp includes LEGOs. I bought LEGO Klutz kits for the kiddos as an activity to do and take home.  The kiddos like some swag.  

Maker Spaces and STEM programs often include LEGOs. Here is the current LEGO Education website.  The issue with LEGO products is that they are continuously updated.  Guess what?  These same products require apps, which are eventually discontinued.   LEGO had two popular sets: LEGO Boost and Star Wars Boost, both discontinued; the apps are no longer supported.  Similarly, Mindstorms, SPIKE, Learn to Learn, and these other discontinued products are no longer supported.  LEGO is a corporation, not a 501-C.)  Sadly, I would avoid using LEGO kits with any programming app.  This is unfortunate; the apps are intuitive!  However, I want materials with longevity—not an app with a lifespan of a McDonald’s toy.  

But LEGOs are awesome! (Cue the LEGO movie soundtrack!) What else can I do with ordinary LEGOs? I’m so glad you asked!

1.  LEGO Molecules.  I’m using this idea for my fall classes.  Here is some background information about the molecule sets.  Raid your LEGO bin to make the molecule sets.  Elements, Mixtures, and Compounds may work better than trying to build your entire curriculum around a set of LEGOs, especially for Chemistry.

2. Check out Frugal Fun’s LEGO Archives, some for play, and some more STEM, such the Spinning Tops and the Candy Dispenser.  (Yes, it STEM!  If you build, you’re doing some engineering!)

3.  Another idea is to use activity sheets, such as Build An Awesome City.  (Download and save any activity sheets.  Use the free storage in Drive or a folder in Gmail.). Here is a set which doesn’t require an email to download.  Alternatively, show your kiddo an image of a LEGO build and have them copy it.  Build a Tower (with DUPLOs) is perfect for tiny tots.

4. LEGO Simple Machines is based on a kit.  But the lessons use many basic brick pieces.  Used sets sell on eBay for under $50.

5. Intro,  On the Farm, and  4-H Enchanted Builds  are 4-H lesson plans for younger kiddos.  All of the instructions are in the  download.  Does your Fair have a Building Block Engineering competition?

6.  World Landmark Building Cards is one way to promote architecture.  Be inspired by this Landmark Unit Study.

7.  LEGO Morse Code, LEGO Math, LEGO Physics, Gene Switches, and  DNA LEGOs are all inspiration for you to go down yet another rabbit hole as you search for ideas.