Wed - Lego Club (K-2)

This program encourages creativity, teamwork, and engineering principles while allowing students to explore different building techniques using these versatile materials.

Building Club: Creativity in Construction

Lesson 1: Introduction to Building Materials
 Objective: Familiarize students with Legos, Picasso tiles, and K'Nex.
 Activity: Students explore each material, discussing its features, benefits, and how it can be used. They can create a simple structure/free-build project using each type of material.

Lesson 2: Basic Building Techniques
 Objective: Learn fundamental building techniques and stability concepts.
 Activity: Students are given challenges to build a tower using Legos and K'Nex that can withstand shaking (simulated “earthquakes”). Discuss the importance of a strong base and balance.

Lesson 3: Geometry in Building
 Objective: Understand shapes and geometry in construction.
 Activity: Using Picasso tiles, students create geometric shapes and patterns. Discuss the properties of different shapes (triangles, squares, etc.) and how they can be used in building structures.

Lesson 4: Bridge Building Challenge
 Objective: Learn about structural design and weight distribution.
 Activity: In pairs, students use K'Nex to design and build a bridge that can hold a specific weight (e.g., a small book). Test each bridge and discuss successful techniques and designs.

Lesson 5: Architectural Styles
 Objective: Explore various architectural styles and their characteristics.
 Activity: Students research different types of buildings (e.g., skyscrapers, cottages, arches) and then use Legos to create a model representing one architectural style of their choice.

Lesson 6: Create a Themed City
 Objective: Work collaboratively on a large project.
 Activity: Students form groups to create sections of a themed city using Legos, Picasso tiles, and K'Nex. Each group designs their area (e.g., park, residential area, commercial district), ensuring that their designs integrate with other sections.

Lesson 7: Mobile and Movement Mechanics
 Objective: Learn about motion and mechanisms.
 Activity: Using K'Nex, students create a simple machine (like a Ferris wheel or a catapult) that demonstrates movement. Discuss concepts of levers, gears, and pulleys.

Lesson 8: Design and Build a Vehicle
 Objective: Understand vehicle design and functionality.
 Activity: Students design and build a vehicle using Legos or K'Nex that can roll freely. They will test their creations for distance traveled and speed.

Lesson 9: Inspire and Present
 Objective: Learn to present design ideas and receive feedback.
 Activity: Each group prepares a presentation about their themed city or individual projects, explaining their design choices, materials used, and any challenges they faced. Students share their creations and receive constructive feedback from peers.

Lesson 10: Showcase Day
 Objective: Celebrate creativity and teamwork.
 Activity: Host a showcase where students display all their favorite projects from the club. Friends and family can be invited to view the creations, and students can explain their designs. Consider incorporating a fun competition or awards for the most creative, tallest, or most innovative projects.

Additional Considerations:
 Safety First: Ensure students are using materials safely and appropriately, especially with any cutting tools or small pieces.
 Integration with Other Subjects: Tie in lessons on math (geometry), science (mechanics), and art (creative design).
 Flexible Scheduling: Allow for some flexibility in timing so that students can spend more time on projects that spark their creativity or interest.

This program provides a structured yet fun environment for lower elementary students to explore engineering, architecture, and creativity through hands-on building activities!

Instructor - Susan Eberhardt (ClubZ!)