Legos are a fun way to pass the time but they can also be used as a learning tool.
16 kindergarten and first grade students Saturday at Central Michigan University used Legos to build robots and using coding instructions to animate them during the “Lego We-Do” Workshop through CMU’s Science, Engineering, Technology and Math education scholars program.
“This is a prime age when kids are naturally curious,” said Ashley O’Neil, program coordinator for the Center for Excellence in STEM Education. “We’re trying to encourage younger students to be curious and engage.”
GALLERY: Lego “We Do Robotics” event at CMU
After the students built their robots, they used coding instructions on computers to make them move, make sounds and play music.
“With these, they’re creating technology. When we can have students do that, it’s a much more powerful experience for them,” O’Neil said.
The students built a space rover named “Milo,” a helicopter and a gorilla.
This program is held two times each school year.
- Sean Bradley, Morning Sun