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Engineering Design for Kids

Pull out your LEGO collection and discover how you can create your own designs!

Ian Nelson

Average rating:

4.7

Number of reviews:

(2,515)

What's included

1 live meeting

50 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

Get your hands on engineering in this fun introductory design course!

In this class, we will explore how engineers successfully build their ideas from common materials. Learners will discover how engineers ask good questions, brainstorm possibilities, choose ideas to develop, do the work to build the ideas, experiment to see how it works, and fine-tune the design in a LEGO Engineering Alphabet Challenge!

This class starts with introducing how engineers solve problems using the ABCs of Design. From there, learners will choose their challenge letter (A through F). We will then work to build something from LEGO that starts with that letter. Learners will be encouraged to use their powers of observation and imagination while building their projects. Together we will discuss how they can use the ABCs of Design, focusing specifically on how their challenge letter helps engineers solve problems.

To get the most out of the experience, learners should bring a small collection of LEGO bricks with them to class. Learners should have standard bricks (4x2, 2x2, 1x2, 1x4), small flat plates (2x4, 2x8, 4x4), slopes, and assorted small pieces. Families can review the "A is for..." example slide prompt on enrollment to help guide brick selection. Learners should have access to around 250-500 pieces (from either the DUPLO or LEGO collection) in class to enable them to use the engineering design process fully.

Learning Goals

By the end of the workshop, students will be able to:
- Describe why engineering design is a process
- Explain how observation and imagination helps engineers
- Use LEGO bricks to build at least one project

Other Details

Parental Guidance

This class welcomes learners from all backgrounds. To make this class particularly welcoming for autistic learners and other learners with sensory concerns, I actively control microphones to limit the amount of LEGO noise being transmitted through the speakers. Learners using DUPLO bricks are welcome, as are learners who require an adult building assistant when working with smaller LEGO pieces. Learners should have a working webcam to share their designs. If a learner doesn't want to personally appear on camera, that's fine. Please help your learner figure out how to share their LEGO builds. I recommend setting up a "Show and Tell" space on the table where the camera is aimed at the Show and Tell space. Learners who can confidently produce designs from their own imagination in this class are most welcome in to join the LEGO Engineering Challenge or LEGO Engineering Club.

Supply List

Learners should bring a collection of 250-500 LEGO pieces. Standard pieces are fine. If your learner doesn't have an existing LEGO collection, I recommend the Large Creative Brick Box (https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/lego-large-creative-brick-box-10698) or Bricks, Bricks, Bricks (https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/bricks-bricks-bricks-10717 <-- does not have its own case). The Creative Suitcase is a good representation of minimal supplies (https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/creative-suitcase-10713).

2 files available upon enrollment

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Outschool is neither affiliated with, nor sponsored by, nor endorsed by the LEGO Group, owner of the LEGO® and LEGO® logo marks.

Ian Nelson

Joined October, 2017

4.7

2515reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

I'm a mechanical engineer and engineering educator who specializes in the engineering design process. I love facilitating LEGO Engineering experiences with learners on Outschool!