How to Test LEGO Skills
Lego building blocks are often used in the classroom to help elementary age students develop eye-hand coordination, and build logic and reasoning skills. Legos may also be used as teaching aids for subjects such as math and geometry. Lego Mindstorm and Mindstorm NXT products introduce older students to scientific principles such as motors, sensors, robotics and computer engineering. Testing students' Lego skills should done by assigning age-appropriate tasks. Allow students ample time to complete an assigned task, based on the difficulty of the given project.
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Things You'll Need
- Lego building sets
- Lego Mindstorm or Mindstorm NXT
- Mindstorm for Schools
- Computer
- Batteries
Instructions
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Test kindergarten and first grade students for basic knowledge and skills. The students should understand how pieces fit together, and demonstrate eye-hand coordination that is sufficient to complete this task. Students may demonstrate the ability to duplicate simple structures and to complete a given pattern or sequence using Lego systems with stationery parts. At this age, students should know the names of colors and basic shapes. They should be able to follow simple directions in order to complete a specified project.
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Assess students in second and third grade for intermediate Lego building skills. Examine students' ability to incorporate moving parts into a design, including items like gears, wheels and tires. Evaluate ability to duplicate illustrated and written design plans. Test ability to plan and create projects independently as well as in small groups.
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Evaluate geometry skills. Students should demonstrate age-appropriate skills in geometry, including the ability to construct shapes and duplicate complex patterns. Students in fourth through sixth grade may be evaluated for ability to create objects of a designated height, length and width. They may also be asked to demonstrate mathematical reasoning by defining area, surface area and other mathematical principles.
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Assess advanced skills. Students in grades five and higher may be introduced to advanced concepts using Lego Mindstorm or Mindstorm NXT products. Assess students understanding of scientific principles including motors, sensors, robotics and computer engineering based on age and ability. Encourage students to plan and design working machines. Test students' ability to duplicate projects. Assess basic comprehension of how specific projects are designed and why they work or do not work. Test thinking and reasoning skills by asking students to formulate a solution to a problem, create a machine that can perform a useful function or build a robot that can complete a specified task.
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References
- Westfield State University: Building Geometry With Legos
- Princeton University: Peek Kindergarten Introduction to Building Principles-Stationary
- Minnesota First Lego League: Gears/Mechanics
- Lego Educational Division: Quickstart Guide to computer control and robotics using Lego Mindstorms for students
