In Lego class 3rd and 4th graders used Legos to learn about simple and powered machines using hands-on activities.
First, they investigated structures and forces, incorporating both rigid and flexible shapes in building deck chairs and drawbridges.
Applying principles they learned about levers, they made drumming machines. Attaching a motor provided more opportunities to explore. For example, the students predicted how many times the drumming machines would tap in a minute and then tested them. They each came up with quite varied predictions, but they found the actual counts were very similar. They also innovated, adding pieces to change the tapping pattern. Next they explored the use of levers in making windshield wipers. When they motorized them, after observing the wipers move in parallel motion, they had them clap together. Again, they predicted the number of claps in a minute and then counted the actual number.
The students explored wheels and axles. They built a vehicle with a flywheel. Changes, such as wheel size and attaching a motor, provided opportunities for measuring and comparing distance traveled, speed, and climbing ability. Some of them got quite creative altering their vehicles!
Although the children worked hard in Lego class, it mostly felt like play.
