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 love Lego Education and I would love to get my son into the robotics.
We love to incorporate lego into our school learning.
Love it!!! Especially loved Grant putting the lion to sleep.
It's be hard to choose! I love the simple machines. I know my kids and my husband would have a blast with the robotics!!
Have been thinking about this for my girls.
This all looks right up our alley. We'd probably start with the We Do Construction set and Simple Machines set. I've got to do this. They have classes in our area for over $100 but you don't get to keep the legos. This would be so much better. Thanks for sharing how to get started.
I'd probably go with the build to express core set or the basic simple machines set. Thanks for the chance!
Love Legos & love robotics so building with robots with legos is a definite LOVE for us!
We would buy the Simple Machines to start out our Lego Education journey, but they all look amazing!
Amazing mechanisms!!!! My guys LOVE Legos!!!
My son loves LEGOs and this would be right up his alley. I can even see my daughter enjoying the Robotics package along with him. Thanks for the review and chance to win!
Our kids love legos but I would love a chance to give them something more.
I've been looking into the Lego robotic stuff for my 6 year old. It would be right uo his alley I think. He is such a Lego kid!
We have been amassing traditional Legos for nearly 15 years and our two younger boys are simply drooling over Lego Education. They are hoping to put a Lego team together for the next year but I would love to start them on this sooner....Christmas? Love your blog my 9 year old is writing a mini fig story as I write this. Have a great day!
I would buy one of the robotics sets
Probably the Construction set.
I'd choose WeDo Robotics or Simple Machines. All of my kids play with Legos almost every day!
This We Do looks perfect for my 7 and 9yos, but we've drooled over the Mindstorm products as well! How can you go wrong?
My son would love all of it!
I love the posts about Lego Education! I think these products look like great educational tools for our kids!
I would buy the Lego Education WeDo Combo. I think my girls would love to try out robotics!
We got the LEGO storystarter curriculum based on your recommendation and we love it! I'm sure that expanding our LEGO learning to STEM with the WeDo curriculum would be right up our alley! Thanks for the chance to win!
We would have to buy the adventure stories. It sounds like so much fun! My boys have worked on amazing mechanisms and LOVE IT!!!!
Thanks!
Cristy
I would totally put the giftcard towards this robotic WeDo set. It's something I could really see my boys getting into, and it's how they "think!"
Lego Mindstorm looks great! :) Thanks for the chance!