It’s never fun to sit on the sidelines, and thanks to LEGO® Education’s newest addition to its robotics continuum, WeDo™ Robotics, young learners no longer have to remain benchwarmers!
Designed for ages 7-11+, WeDo engages children in hands-on technology experiments that focus on science, mathematics, social studies, and language concepts.
“I think this is the most fun thing we have done in science,” said Charlie, a third-grade student at one of the selected U.S. test schools. “I hope we could do this every school year!”
Developed as an introduction to robotics, WeDo fits well into the LEGO robotics continuum that also features the LEGO MINDSTORMS® robotic line and new TETRIX™ by Pitsco metal building system.
WeDo, which remains connected to the computer at all times, helps create a clear link between the virtual world (computers and programming) and the physical world (represented by LEGO models).
Through the use of icon-based programming software, students quickly and easily learn how to write and download programs to their LEGO creations.
The basics of programming, engineering, and constructing are all part of the process.
“It was great to work with my hands and to see what the robot could do,” Nick, a second-grade tester, said recently. “Everything that the cheerleader did was the best. I could imagine it jumping (and saying) stuff like ‘Go! Go!’ Someday I want to make a helicopter.”
Educators can use WeDo to teach a variety of subjects represented through 12 activities supported with teaching curriculum. However, WeDo is designed to be easily adapted for use in other ways to help young minds understand a wide range of subject matter.
“The program has really helped me with science,” said Robby, a fourth-grade WeDo tester. “I’m going to do LEGO robotics in high school. Also I might go to the summer camp!”
Each LEGO Education WeDo Robotics Set includes:
- 160+ LEGO elements including gears, levers, a motor, tilt sensor, detect sensor, and LEGO hub.
- Icon-based programming software that allows you to control the models using a standard laptop, PC, the XO, and Intel’s Classmate.
- Curricular-relevant activity pack, including 12 activities with building instructions for 12 different models. The activity pack provides more than 10 hours of instruction and project work.
- Teacher notes supporting each activity with curriculum objectives, discussion questions, and ideas for extension and group interaction.