Middle School "Lego Masters" Creativity and Social Time
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
TAKE A BREAK. Studies show that adding a "creativity break" actually increases overall productivity, memory, cognition, and decreases stress. Use a Legos break to help your student achieve more this year! The first few minutes of each session starts with casual catch-up conversation between all the friends in the class and introductions of anyone new to the group. The teacher then spins a wheel to select the random theme for the day and provides a little bit of context/clarification. The students then have 20 minutes to design and create something that relates to the theme before everyone comes back together to show off their creations. Each student has time to share their creation and to talk about their ideas while making it. We also discuss challenges faced and alternative approaches to solving tricky parts of the build. This is a great chance for students to practice their public speaking skills in a small and safe environment. Students are never required to share their creation if they do not choose to do so, however the environment is friendly, supportive, and non-competitive so most usually do choose to share. Over the weeks and months, kids in this course get to know each other and develop friendships over the shared interests in Lego building.
Learning Goals
creative design, spacial logic/reasoning, time management, public speaking
Other Details
Supply List
It is very helpful to have a large (and well-organized) supply of Lego. I strongly recommend sorting by shape/type rather than by color. These sorted parts can be kept in zip-lock bags, cheap "Tupperware" food storage containers, or clear plastic storage bins. I typically buy Lego in bulk by the pound from eBay and similar auction sites. Prices these days tend to be around $8-10/pound which is MUCH cheaper than buying sets.
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.
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a High School teacher in Texas. I have taught a variety of subjects from arts to highly technical sciences and engineering. I have been teaching since 2008 and have been working in the industries I teach since the late 1990's. I have 2 elementary-aged kids who occasionally wander by in the background of my online groups. I had never considered elementary education until Outschool, but it is actually pretty fun too!
Reviews
Live Group Class
$10
weekly1x per week
45 min
Completed by 38 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
8-12 learners per class