LEGO Engineering Institute: NXT & NXT-G

Erin Riecker, Kara Miranda & Phil GordonTufts University Center for Engineering Educational Outreach

Center for Engineering Educational Outreach

Why Engineering?

We believe that by getting more learning through engineering processes into the classroom, we

can build and increase students’ interest and excitement for learning math and science

give the students a set of skills that will make learning more effective and more enjoyable for them in all subjects

increase the likelihood that they will become technologically literate citizensTo remind us of the importance of

keeping a playful spirit in everything we do.

CEEO InfluencesConstructionism Instructionism

•Papert

•Hands-on

•Tools to Think With

•Multiple Intelligences (Howard Gardner)

•Vygotsky - Zone of Proximal Development

•Improved materials and teaching choices change what kids are capable of learning

Center for Engineering Educational Outreach

Four "towers of work" make up the CEEO: Engineering education research Educational tool development Teacher/volunteer support Services

LEGO Toolkit

Why use LEGO?

Real engineering components

Quality & Availability Innovative & Powerful

RCX and NXT Sensors & Motors

Familiar & Exciting for Students

Scalable from K-12 to College

What can you make?

What can you make?

NXT Animals

Goals for the Week

LEGO Building Skills NXT-G Programming Integrating LEGO Engineering into your

Curriculum Engineering Design Process Resources Tips & Tricks

Goals for the Week

Confidence Problem Solving Troubleshooting Development Comfort FUN!

What we can help you do:

Help design a custom solution for your classroom

Address specific areas of expertise you wish to develop Building Programming

Structure of the week

Monday: Introduce Building, Basic Programming

Tuesday: Introduce Sensors, Intermediate Programming, Sound & Display

Wednesday: More Programming, Introduce Gears, Systems Project

Thursday: Electives, Connections to Engineering

Friday: Final Projects

Features of Each Day

Work at your own level Choose difficulty for activities Focus on what is most important for you

Troubleshooting Can you figure out what went wrong? What to do when something doesn’t work in

the classroom Resources

Where to find lesson ideas and more

Logistics

Lunch 1 hour each day Optional half hour

demos Fridge & Microwave

Local Map Where to eat, park, buy

a Tufts T-shirt Restrooms

Back left corner of CEEO

For more information

www.ceeo.tufts.edu www.legoengineering.com