LEGO® Education WeDo Robotics in Your Homeschool
Monday, October 14, 2013 at 5:00AM
"You should get him into LEGO Robotics."
I can't tell you how many times people have told me that, but truthfully, it confused me.
A couple of years ago I enrolled Grant in a camp where we he built LEGO models using a program called WeDo. The camp was nearly an hour away, not to mention it was costly. He had a GREAT time, but we only did two sessions because it just wasn't feasible for our family.
Lo and behold, through my amazing partnership with LEGO® Education I have the great joy of receiving and using truly wonderful products - and this time it is WeDo Robotics.
*Disclaimer: I have received this producation from LEGO® Education in exchange for my honest review {but you already know I'm going to love it!}.
I know many of you might see LEGO® Education products and think they are just for the traditional school market, but nothing could be further from the truth! (Check out all of the products we have used in our homeschool so far!)
The LEGO® Education WeDo Robotics has been a perfect addition to our homeschool this year.
About LEGO® Education WeDo Robotics
This robotics curriculum is designed for ages 7-12. (In our experience, my 8 year old was able to build the models and run the computer all by himself!)
"Students build simple machines featuring working motors and sensors and program their models using special WeDo Software."
There are 12 different models that can be built, in four different themes:
- Wild Animals
- Amazing Mechanisms
- Play Soccer
- Adventure Stories
The set we received comes with a tub of bricks, motors, sensors, and special parts - and also the WeDo sofware and Teacher's Guide.
The WeDo learning process is based on four Cs: Connect, Construct, Contemplate, and Continue.
How Does It Work In Your Homeschool?
We opened all of our materials and of course Grant was SO excited to just BUILD something. I let him experiment with the bricks and all of the pieces of the first several days.
After that, we sat down and installed the software. This was as easy as putting the disc in the computer.
I promise.
- Each model has physical instructions for building, but also the instructions are included on the software. Each model/project starts with the two minifigures on the screen (Max & Mia). A brief clip is presented so your children can CONNECT this new learning experience to one they have had previously with another build. Grant loved these little clips - they are engaging and funny.
- Next, he would CONSTRUCT the model. It takes you through the process step by step and is very achievable for this age level. If he got stuck at a certain point he would check the physical booklet for help. Programming the model is quite simple - a sample is given on screen, and once your child is more familiar with what the different buttons do, they will begin experimenting in all kinds of ways!
- Then, after model has been built, it is time to CONTEMPLATE why things worked they way they did and for further experimentation. (Grant has already learned so much about gears, pulleys, and sensors!)
- Finally, your child is invited to CONTINUE their learning with more experimentation and a challenge to build and program more complex interactions.
These are just a couple of our examples! (You will notice I have a bit of a ham on my hands.)
This first model is the lion - Grant learned all about a tilt sensor in this build.
This model is the alligator. It uses a motion sensor in the alligator's mouth. This was was a TON of fun!
Making the Investment in LEGO® Education
If I were just starting out on this LEGO journey with a child I would invest in LEGO® Education products.
When you purchase many themed LEGO sets the money really starts adding up. For just $209 (don't gasp, let me explain!) you receive a versatile set of bricks, sensors, motors, and a USB connection, along with the software and teacher's guide. This enables your student to build the 12 models, but from there the creativity is LIMITLESS.
This is the stuff that creates young engineers, scientists, mathematicians, and THINKERS!
LEGO® Education is an area of our curriculum. We invest in math books, don't we? I feel this is every bit as valuable.
A Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a $50 gift certificate from LEGO® Education! You can use this on any product LEGO® Education has - there is so much to choose from!
Reader Comments (138)
We would go with the Simple Machines set or maybe the Duplo Creative Builder set for my many little ones.
I'm not sure yet. My son loves legos and builds all sorts of creations. I would have a hard time choosing because he loves all of it!
These sets look great! My kids would love them. :)
My son is also taking a lego robotics course about an hour away - would love a set on machines, but he would probably go towards buying an architectural lego set as well!
This is a great giveaway!
We are currently teaching our 7 yr old the concepts of coding using Scratch. The robotics/computer component would work well with these concepts.
I would def. go with the Robotics!
My 7 and 5 year old just got into Legos recently. I was dragging my heels because of all those tiny pieces but since purchasing a set, they have played with them the majority of most days. They would be pleasantly surprised if we included Legos into our curriculum. I am now a Legos convert :-), seeing that the options for play/learning are limitless!
My son would love these as he is LEGO crazy. Right now he is looking at the DeLorean!!
My 9yold would absolutely LOVE this! I have always been intimidated by Robotics, but this seems very doable and fun! Thanks for sharing!
I would love to get the LEGO Education WeDo Construction Set. So many possibilities for building!
My 9yold would absolutely LOVE this! I have always been intimidated by Robotics, but this seems very doable and fun! Thanks for sharing!
My kids love legos, so I would love to add the robotics into our homeschool.
We love use K'nex Education kits currently but would love to try The LEGO® Education WeDo Robotics. If we win, that is what I'd get, as long as I can order it from Canada.
My olders use the Lego Mindstorm as part of our homeschool learning, but I would love to incorporate We Do Robotics with my younger! It looks like a lot of fun!
We would choose one of the WeDo products for my 2nd and 1st graders. They love creating their own robots already so this would be a treat for them.
Today is the first day our LEGO StoryStarter group: I'm leading a small group of students from our CC campus. I have been dying to bring LEGO Education to my son's homeschool: I knew he would LOVE anything from LEGO! I was having a hard time choosing what we would start with... so I called & spoke with someone that works in the Education division. I told her about reading Homegrown Learners blog & how I had led a LEGO play group for the last 2 years. The rep was able to help me choose the right kit & she explained how to use it in a group setting. She was awesome (like everything else at LEGO)!
The LEGO WeDo kit was tied with the StoryStarter curriculum when I was choosing - I would definitely use the gift certificate to purchase WeDo! After the StoryStarter was delivered... I can now see why these products are worth the investment. They are simply beyond FABULOUS!!!!!
If anyone reading this comment has always wanted to try something from the Education division but are experiencing sticker shock: I encourage you to call the LEGO Education & speak with a representative. They know their products so well & might be able to make a suggestion that would work for you. I'm so thankful I made the call!
My boys would LOVE this! They have always loved Legos and are just getting interested in robotics and computer programming; this would be an awesome combo for them :)
I would get (let my son chose) a set with a motor, that he felt was a bit challenging. He loves Legos, and builds things on line all the time either on-line or with actual Legos. And really wants a motor to be able to do even more.
Thanks for the awesome contest/giveaway!
We love Lego and plan to but Lego Mindstorms in the next few months.
I'm not sure, I would have to do some more research, but my children love LEGO.
My kids are just starting to get into Lego s and they love building things. I know they would enjoy this.
OH please pick us:-D
My sons have taken LEGO robotics classes and are now asking for their own! My younger son has been working with the WeDo sets and loves it! It is entirely appropriate for ages 7-10. My older son loves the LEGO Mindstorm!
We would buy the initial kit. I have wanted to offer this class in our small co-op, but it was a bit too pricey for us to start off. Would be such a blessing to win the $50 off :)
We love All of the sets offered by Lego!! I would love to incorp it into our homeschool. The We Do and Robtic programs look amazing! I'd love to have the resources to get those!