Learning about transmissions, torque, Newton’s laws, and building and coding robots is something that one would expect in a first year engineering degree, but that’s what primary school children across Melbourne are learning.
More than 200 children across Melbourne’s inner south, including those at Loreto Mandeville Hall, Geelong Grammar Toorak and Armadale Primary, are increasingly embracing innovative learning opportunities.
So why are Lego classes so popular?
“We are innovating education with Lego & STEM,” Shweta Shetty, director of e2 Young Engineers Melbourne South, says.
“When primary school kids enter careers 15-20 years down the line, one can only imagine the jobs they will do.”
“Flying car mechanic, robo-cop technician – perhaps something completely different.
“With a rapidly evolving technology landscape, children need skills that will prepare them for tomorrow’s world.”
STEM (an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) refers to teaching subjects in an integrated manner, through authentic problem solving.
There is no theoretical study – instead these subjects are taught in a hands-on, practical manner with a focus on developing critical thinking, data analysis and 3-dimensional design thinking.
Children are taught to be innovators and creators, even as they explore existing technology in the world around them.
“Lego provides the perfect platform that is universally understood for learning STEM for students aged 5 upwards,” says Ms Shetty.
“Every child already knows how to put Lego blocks together. This means younger children can collaborate on the same activity with slightly older children without needing lengthy pre-learning.”
“Even preppies can build working models of machines like a car, forklift, helicopter, plough or food blender.”
Young Engineers recently ran full day STEM immersion camps for over 50 children for four days over the summer holidays at Melbourne Girls Grammar.
“Our workshops took children through the entire design process. They were building conveyor belts and creating pyramids while learning about Egypt and making working Ballistas and flapping mechanical wings while learning about Europe.”
“We covered multiple learning areas – but for the kids it was just Lego fun. They were learning while playing – naturally and without tedium.”
Along with holiday workshops and after-school clubs, Young Engineers is partnering with schools to assist in better STEM curriculum delivery within the classroom itself.
“STEM education tools require an investment of both time and money. Schools have to purchase classroom sets and train teachers to deliver effective lessons.”
