OKdo LEGO® Loan scheme
Published 7th February 2023
The first webinar got underway with Simon Lummis from OKDo and 14 teachers who have received the LEGO® Education BricQ Motion Prime Set as part of the first wave of the Blueprint 1000 LEGO® Loan scheme.
The session included a comprehensive delve into how to utilise the set in the classroom and make the most of the various features available. The kit includes a measure kit and a detailed instructional guide and technical specifications. Simon ran-through the LEGO Education website which is ideal for educators getting started with the kit, with a section specially devised and dedicated to Teachers.
The kit introduces teachers and students to a fully comprehensive learning experience with seven 45-minute curriculum-based lessons. Simon explained how to access various available assets, such as engaging videos, printable worksheets, lesson plans, teacher videos, and assessment rubrics.
Lesson plans have a time range, age range and difficulty level to help educators choose the right plan for their class. There are fields to explain, evaluate and elaborate with tips, tricks and diagrams for each lesson. The LEGO® Education lesson follows the five x E model: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.
There are 562 elements in the set including four mini-figures and special mechanical elements: gears, springs, wheels, balls, weight bricks, pneumatics, fan blades and measurement elements.
Simon explained how to make the most from the kits and all teachers were eager to get started. One teacher had an after school club in the wings and immediately took the kit off to show them how it works.
Many teachers had already unpacked, sorted and labelled their sets and some had already assembled the kit using the instructions. The LEGO® Education BricQ Motion Prime Set helps foster an understanding of forces, motion, and interactions by providing easy hands-on learning experiences.
Simon focused on the Ski Slope lesson, which he explained was his favourite, incorporating pneumatics, structures and pulleys. Angle measurements can also be incorporated into lessons.
The main takeaway is that everyone loves LEGO® and learning through play is an incredibly beneficial medium to promote education. Playful activities can make learning more enjoyable and interesting, which can lead to greater engagement and motivation among students. This kit can help children develop important cognitive skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking.
We look forward to hearing from those taking part as the programme progresses. This case study will be updated as teachers involved feedback on the activities in the classroom
The next wave starts on the 27th February for a duration of 3 weeks. Contact amelia.wright@data.org.uk for more information.
