LEGOS

One of the highlights of our Makerspace is the Lego wall.  Students can take their Legos to the tables or they can build on the Lego wall.  We were very fortunate to receive funding for our Lego wall from the Imagine a Day, Courtney Bella Foundation.  We also purchased some WeDo kits. These kits combine Lego software with Lego models featuring working motors and sensors that when students connect them to the computer, they can use simple programming tools to control the Lego's behavior. 

We have had some skeptics on the use of Legos for education.  Aren't they just toys?  Don't they just play and have fun with them?  The answer is YES! They are toys! They are fun! And kids do play!  BUT we believe that toys can be our best learning tools.  Learning should be fun!

Luckily, we aren't the only ones who believe this basic principle.  In fact, Lego has created an entire Lego Education website with teacher professional development, stories and case studies, and support for their math and literacy products.

"With LEGO^® Education Elementary solutions, children are provided with rich curriculum, materials, tools, and programs through which they have free-form ability to create or resolve problems. Without the restriction of having a right answer, we eliminate inhibitions and promote creativity – helping children develop the tenacity and ability to adapt to change that are so crucial for every student’s success in their education and in life. 

The use of Legos fits perfectly into the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) movement.  Engineer Matthew Loew said "It is clear to me that the combinations of rules and structure (bricks only connect in certain ways and there are a limited set of parts) along with the flexibility to be creative (there are so many connection combinations) is what engineering is all about." 

We also have a Lego club after school and it's probably our most popular club. We love LEGOS!