Lego Robotics: STEM Can Be Fun!!!!

Of course we've all heard by now that STEM is the language of the future and you've probably also heard that it's our responsibility as educators to make certain our students can speak it. How is it spoken?? That's where we all must start.

First of all, what is STEM.? It's ok if you said ...Oh, it must have something to do with "stem cell research" because that's what most respondents who were asked the same question said (Keefe, 2010). Smile...you're one of many. But next time someone asks you what STEM is you'll know. STEM, in short is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. More specifically it's an integration of all four, although some scholars prefer to advise educators to teach each discipline in solidarity with a rooted understanding of their relationships (Bybee, 2010). Whichever ideology you prefer, you must at least remember what STEM stands for and that each subject is related.

So have you ever wondered what you could do as a teacher to get your students more engaged and intrigued by Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics? Well, an effective and proven way to ensure students retain a concept and remain actively engaged in the learning process is to make the lessons being taught fun, meaningful and relevant to each learner specifically.

There are certainly many programs, resources and guides one could use to get learners attention, but the LEGO Education WeDo Robotics Construction Set and the WeDo Robotics Software and Activity Packs were what I chose to get my little ones excited about STEM. They were designed to do just that!! The program infuses LEGO brick building and design with computer programming, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Engineering and much, much more! Students are able to construct and program different fully robotic models and connect and apply their new found understanding to all subject matters. Each lab provides stimulating, hands-on learning experiences where students can let their imagination’s soar and see their creations come to life before their eyes!!


Curriculum 2.0, which is Montgomery County Public School's new curriculum, is an exciting and engaging curriculum which encourages STEM. preparedness and collaboration, among other things. Implementation of this program could help prepare our young learners to become young leaders and work effectively together to reach common goals and objectives.


The LEGO Education WeDo Robotics Construction Set is user friendly and helps introduce  students to robotics and reinforce the engineering design process. Learners would have the opportunity to design and build LEGO models with fully operational motors and sensors; program their modeled designs; and explore an array of cross-curricular, thematic activities while developing their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, as well as Language Arts. The construction set comes with printed building instructions for 12 models and contains more than 150 elements including a motor, both tilt and motion sensors, and LEGO USB Hub.



The LEGO Education WeDo Software v1.2 and Activity Pack is also easy-to-use and child friendly! The software (powered by LabVIEW) is icon based and allows learners to use a drag-and-drop menu to program their robotic designs. The program also comes with a digital "Getting Started Guide" with programming examples and designing tips. The activities provided are divided into four different themes: Amazing Mechanisms, Wild Animals, Play Soccer, and Adventure Stories, all in which can be tied to Curriculum 2.0 and Common Core State Standards in all subject areas. Teacher notes, glossary, and building instructions are also included.


This is my school's second year implementing Curriculum 2.0. The intent of a program of this nature, would not only be to supplement the curriculum but to get our children enthusiastic and interested in engaging in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in school and beyond!!


This is my third year teaching third grade. I will certainly be using these materials again in my class. My students last year were able to design, and create working LEGO models. I saw my learners gain a new found enthusiasm toward Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. I'd recommend any teacher who's looking for a way to spark imagination and interest in the aforementioned disciplines to give LEGO Education WeDo Robotics a try!


Refrences
Keefe, B. (2010). The perception of STEM:Analysis, issues, and future directions. Survey. Entertainment and Media Communication Institute.
Bybee, R. (2010). Advancing STEM Education: 2020 Vision. Technology and Engineering Teacher.