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)
This looks amazing! Can't wait to check it out!
I'm sure we would go ahead and purchase the $201 set. My son has been itching to get this but I've said 'no' because of the cost. The $50 would help! :)
We started robotics at our co-op. I would love to have this at home.
LEGOS are a favorite of Evan, an asperger's child, age 10 - who LOVES building with legos. He makes things up with his legos and spends hours thinking out problems with his legos. I would love to see him getting interested in the robotics part of this.I know he would get right into it. I'm looking into it - I am also an art teacher who knows that art is a cognitive activity for our children and designing in spatial concepts with legos increases the thinking and analyzing development parts of the brain.
My daughter is going to love this. She loves legos and wants to include them more in her school day.
I would get one of the Lego Education sets for my grandson who has loved Legos and learned so much from his time with them since he was a little kid, He just turned 13 and still loves Legos. We have spent so much quality time together around building Legos.
Our son has really been into science in the last year and just this year so far has been enamored with robotics. He made his first simple robot last night thanks to a teacher who offers free online classes from time to time. With his growing interest in this field we think it would be a great addition to his curriculum for next year to add in lego education. We'd definitely start with the WeDo collection as he is more advanced for his age. Simple machines he's mastered already....
If we win the $50, we will definitely buy a LEGO robotics set. My son has been asking for this since last year. It would make him uber happy!
I keep looking at the Lego education but after your post I may have to start it:) I wish I could've done Lego ed in school!!:)
LEGO Education WeDo Homeschool Pack with CD Teacher's Guide Only
DUPLO Simple Machines. Or maybe a robot. He built a doodle bot recently with John and was enthralled!
Wow - did not even know about this. My Legomaniac would love any of it!
Great information!! I have been looking to get my son into robotics for awhile but haven't found anything in this area either. Great alternative. thanks for sharing
I am trying to figure out which lego education to start with in January. We just started homeschool this year. I have a 9 year old boy who is LEGO crazy! I went to legoland and he did the alligator wedo and loved it! But there is also the language art set and other items. My son is pretty good with the legos. He can make most sets and then makes his own creations. He has made angry birds and Marios, mostly. But also cars, towers, etc. I want something not only fun, but engaging. Not the simple 10step building a car set. Any suggestions on how to start?
Thank you! We love Lego and Mindstorm.
I would consider the WeDo for purchase with a gift card. The simple machines are neat as well. I love the endless possibilities with Legos!
I would love to win this for my son. We homeschool and he wants to earn the Robotics Merit Badge. I have enjoyed following your blog in the last several weeks. I'm looking forward to your future posts as well!
My 7yo son loves his Lego sets and my 9yo daughter has been begging me to help her get into a robotics class. Perhaps this is the solution! Thanks for the opportunity.
My Lego fans would love to get the WeDo or Mindstorm sets. :)
Can't believe how awesome Lego education is. As a home educator this is an amazing resource. We just got the duplo
Simple machines sets and my boys are so excited !
I would get the WeDo Resource Set or a WeDo Extension Activity Pack.
Oh Wow! How exciting! I just started homeschooling my third grade son last week, and he is obsessed with Legos! Would love to win this giveaway! Thank you for the opportunity!
We love legos!!! Boys can't get enough of them :)
We would DEFINATELY purchase the robotics kit....my 3 boys{12,10and8yrs} have been crazy about legos forever. they dream of working for the lego co. someday to be creators. they are awesome at their own inventions..i have always wanted them to be involved in some robotic program, but we live in a very remote place, so there are no resources of this kind!
My son just joined a Lego robotics club so we would get some sensors.