CURRICULUM INDEX

Teaching Science Through LEGO Engineering

The following four curricula are designed to introduce students to various science concepts through design-based LEGO projects. The first several lessons of each unit engage students in scientific explorations sometimes using the LEGO toolset as a resource. The students are then charged with an open-ended design challenge where they use the science they learned alongside the engineering design process to design and build LEGO creations that meet criteria that the students can observe and test.

Mini Intro Unit download PDF (2 MB)

This series of introductory lessons should be completed before beginning a Science Through LEGO Engineering curriculum unit. Students will first be introduced to the engineering design process and its results in the world around us. They will also learn the names and uses of the LEGO pieces commonly used for LEGO engineering challenges. Then, students will practice the different methods of LEGO construction. This introductory curriculum consists of two lessons that are approximately 60 minutes in length.

Design a Musical Instrument: The Science of Sound download PDF (4 MB)         Grades  3-5

This curriculum engages students in explorations about the science of sound, which culminates with students designing and building a musical instrument that plays at least three different pitches. Students will learn about the relationship between vibrations and sound and what pitch is and how it can be changed, and then implement these concepts with some creative LEGO Engineering. The curriculum consists of 9 lessons that are approximately 60 minutes in length.

download zip file (4 MB) containing

1) Engineering Design Process Poster
2) Instrument Pictures
3) WAV Files of Instrument Sounds
4) NXT-G Programs
5) Sample Classroom Posters 

 

 

Design a Model House: The Properties of Materials download PDF (3 MB)           Grades  3-5

This curriculum engages students in explorations about the science behind the properties of materials, which culminates with students designing and building a model house. Students will learn about material properties such as strength, flexibility, insulating ability, sound absorption ability, waterproofing, color, and reflectivity, and then implement what they learn to create a model house that meets the engineering requirements (quiet, waterproof, comfortable, and stable). The curriculum consists of 10 lessons that are approximately 60 minutes in length.

download zip file (4 MB) containing

1) Engineering Design Process Poster
2) NXT-G Programs
3) Sample Classroom Posters 

 

 

Design an Animal Model: Animal Studies download PDF (4 MB)           Grades  3-5

This curriculum engages students in explorations about the physical and behavioral characteristics of the major groups of animals (fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, crustaceans, insects, birds), which culminates with students designing and building a fictional animal that displays physical and behavioral characteristics adaptable to a rainforest ecosystem.  The curriculum consists of 11 lessons that are approximately 60 minutes in length. 

download zip file (15 MB) containing

1) Engineering Design Process Poster
2) NXT-G Programs
3) Animal and Rainforest Images

 

 

Design a People Mover: Simple Machines download PDF (4 MB)         Grades  3-5

This curriculum engages students in explorations about the science behind simple machines, which culminates with students designing and building a people mover. Students will learn about levers, wheel-and-axles, inclined planes, wedges,  screws, pulleys, and gears, and then implement these with some creative LEGO Engineering. The curriculum consists of 11 lessons that are approximately 60 minutes in length.

download zip file (1.5 MB) containing

1) Engineering Design Process Poster
2) Blank Trade-Off Chart
3) Completed Trade-Off Chart

 

 

The preparation of this curriculum was partially supported by grant DRL-0423059 from the
National Science Foundation. Grantees undertaking such projects are encouraged to express
freely their professional judgment. This curriculum, therefore, does not necessarily represent the
position or policies of the National Science Foundation.