Read how these Indiana schools are examples of best practices in action as they promote learning in their classrooms.
Watching students in Mrs. Loretta Kosloske’s 8th grade science class at Knox Middle School of Knox Community School Corporation brings back memories of constructing all sorts of obscure structures as a child. There is something about those brightly colored bricks in those different shapes that brings out the creativity and problem-solving skills in a person.
Kosloske’s students use LEGO’s Motorized Simple Machines Sets and Simple & Motorized Mechanisms Base Sets to learn the basics of machines and then solve problems with the help of those machines. Paired students are first given parts and instructions for constructing a simple machine using basic concepts. Then, they connect these simple machines to build complex machines which allow students to make modifications as they solve problems. Later, students are grouped and presented with problem scenarios included with the LEGO sets or developed by Kosloske and community business leaders. An example of a problem scenario called "Who Laid the Egg Here" is presented this way:
"Someone has delivered a shipment of rather large and heavy eggs right in the middle of the warehouse and they are too heavy for one employee to lift. What kind of machine can you build that will lift and move these large and heavy eggs?"
Students then collaborate to define their challenge; research criteria; devise a solution; and design, build and test their machine. A marketing slide show presentation is created which outlines advantages and disadvantages of their construction as well as ideas for improvement of the built machine. As one business associate explains, "Students should always be looking for how their solution can be better." A marketing analysis is also prepared, using spreadsheet software to determine the final cost of the created machine. Students use writing and communication skills as they deliver an oral presentation about their work to their peers, teacher and local business leaders.
Community business leaders have been a key resource for the LEGO project. They not only judge students’ projects but share mechanical information and business ideas. These business partnerships have also provided financial support for LEGO sets when needed because "they now see a use for the sets," explains Kosloske. The presentation day provides an opportunity for additional skills to be showcased by the students. They enjoy planning and organizing the day including the preparation of lunch for the business judges.
"I hear of students going home and working with their own LEGOs to construct and modify machines to do different activities," notes Kosloske. "They now notice things around them and what might be affecting the outcome of a machine such as a slanted floor." The use of these LEGOs allow students to meet Indiana Academic Standards across the curriculum and to develop many 21st century skills while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
This article appeared in the ETC...and More! volume 2, number 10 newsletter and is published by the Buddy
Project
(Corporation for Educational Technology), in
collaboration with the Hoosier
Educational Computer
Coordinators (HECC),
Indiana Computer Educators (ICE),
the Indiana Department of Education, and Promoting Achievement through Technology and INstruction for all Students (PATINS).
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Sample LEGO design of a simple machine created to solve a problem.
Knox Middle School students share their LEGO creation with a local business associate.
