Turned on to Tech: Lego Programming in Third Grade

I am very excited to introduce a new addition to the third grade technology curriculum - WeDo Programming through Lego Education. The program allows students to work as scientists, engineers, mathematicians and writers while engaging in hands-on building projects. Science themes emphasized through this project-based program include motors and gears, levers, pulleys, motion, friction and sensors.

The WeDo Program enables students to:

Think creatively to make a working model.
Develop vocabulary and communication skills to explain how a model works.
Establish links between cause and effect.
Reflect on the building and learning process by keeping a journal.
Make systematic observations and measurements.
Make fair tests by changing one factor and observing or measuring the effect.
Display and communicate data using tables.
Follow 2D drawings to build a 3D model.
Think logically and create a program to produce a specific behavior.
Work cooperatively and in collaboration with a team.

Each class is organized into six teams, with members of each team acting in one of three roles. Students will rotate roles each class period to ensure all members of the team have equal opportunities.

Builder - The builder is responsible for using the bricks and other supplies to build the model.
Designer - The designer is responsible for reading the blueprint and guiding the builder. This person also finds the needed materials for each step of the process and controls the mouse when programming the model.
Recorder - The recorder takes careful notes documenting all steps of the project in the group journal including progress, findings, challenges and triumphs. The recorder also uses a digital camera to record the building process.

The first project in which the students are engaged is called "Dancing Birds". The first objective is to build and program two mechanical birds to move in the same direction using a pulley and belt drive system. The second objective will challenge students to change pulley and belt positions, reprogram the birds, and observe the effect on the speed and direction of the dancing birds. Results of this second observation will be recorded in a data table and group reflections will be added to the journal.

Here are a few short videos showing the students at work so far!

Lego Animation #3 from Anna Baralt on Vimeo.