LEGO Engineering

Innovator Hour

Materials Needed:

  • LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential Set

  • Ipad (with Lego SPIKE app) OR computer with internet access to https://spike.legoeducation.com/essential/unit-plans/

Objective: Campers will engage in building and programming LEGO® robotics models or free-building with standard LEGO®, fostering creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and an introduction to engineering and robotics principles.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Welcome campers and introduce today's activity: building and programming LEGO® robotics models using the SPIKE Essential platform, or free-building creatively.

  • Briefly explain the options and encourage campers to choose based on their interest.

  • Highlight teamwork, creativity, and exploration.

2. Choosing Activities & Getting Started (5 minutes)

  • Counselors guide campers in selecting an appropriate robotics unit from https://spike.legoeducation.com/essential/unit-plans/ based on age group and interest.

  • Campers choosing robotics will split into groups, each with a tablet/device and LEGO® SPIKE sets.

  • Campers choosing free-building receive a selection of standard LEGO® bricks and components.

3. Building and Programming (30 minutes)

  • Robotics groups:

    • Follow selected unit instructions step-by-step.

    • Counselors provide support, encouraging campers to take turns in building and programming.

    • Emphasize problem-solving and experimentation with different functions and commands.

  • Free-building campers:

    • Encourage imaginative creations or provide optional challenges (e.g., tallest tower, sturdy bridge).

    • Counselors facilitate creativity and sharing ideas between campers.

4. Showcase and Sharing (15 minutes)

  • Groups and individual campers share their creations.

  • Robotics groups demonstrate their programmed models and explain their processes.

  • Free-builders present their models, discussing design choices and functionality.

5. Clean Up (5 minutes)

  • Campers carefully dismantle models and sort LEGO® pieces.

  • Ensure workspaces are tidy and materials are organized for future use.

Assessment:

  • Observe campers’ engagement, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

  • Conduct a brief group reflection to discuss learnings and favorite aspects of the session.