Lego Collaborations

Over the last two weeks, third grade students have been building and programming Lego models in the lab as an extension on their simple machines science unit. After building models using blueprints, the models are attached via USB to the computers and programmed using special software. Students are paired in teams of three and take turns as designers, builders, and recorders:

• Designer: Uses the book or computer and directs the builder on how to build the project. This person finds the needed materials based on the blueprint and hands them to the Builder.
• Builder: Follows instructions from the designer. This person assembles the project and uses the WeDo software to program the project.
• Recorder: Takes notes about the project in the journal. Answers reflection questions with input from the group. This person also uses the digital/video camera to record the overall process.

 Today, students had the opportunity to build kickers, goal keepers, and cheering fans. After the builds, students participated in math extensions. For example, kickers measured the distance of kicks with kicking leg programmed at various heights. When asked "Did the height of the kicking leg impact how far the ball travelled, " one team in Ms. LaDuke's class responded the following:

"If it was positioned low, the leg had less time to get momentum. When it was set high, it over kicked the ball. When it was medium, it had just enough time. The medium kickers had the highest average distance."

 

Students building goal keepers took turns scoring goals by 'flicking' styrofoam balls. They learned that "If you did it from closer, then you would be more likely to score. Also, the goalie moved in a pattern, so you could watch when he was opened."

Two teams in Mr. Wolfrath's class gathered together for a friendly competition to see who could score the most goals. One group built the kicker, while another group built cheering fans that would move up and down and cheer when goals were scored. The second build used a sensor, so when the ball passed through the goal, the fans were programmed to sense the ball and cheer.