Build a Snowplow

Objective

Students will familiarize themselves with essential building strategies and learn essential LEGO building strategies utilizing the motor and moveable parts.

Description

Procedures

Preparation before students arrive:
Place students into work groups.

In-class Activity:

1. Read Katy and the Big Snow or another snowplow related story. Discuss the positioning of the blade on Katy and offer pictures of different types of snowplows. Or discuss general snow removal with students, using the following questions to generate discussion:
• What does a snowplow do?
• What shape is the blade on the snowplow?
• What direction does the plow face?
• Are the blades on every snowplow facing the same way?
• What other machines have a blade?
• Are the blades always the same?
2. Instruct the students to use their imaginations and build a snowplow. They need to think about the direction of their blade and where they want the snow to go. When the students are ready, have a pile of Styrofoam packing peanuts available. Use masking tape to make the outline of a road on the tile floor. The Engineering Challenge is to push the peanuts out of the roadway. (Note: Younger students have a tendency to build their snowplows with every piece in the kit. Consequently the machine becomes so heavy that it won't move. This is a good time to discuss weight and friction.)

Discussion

Encourage students to apply the LEGO snow removal systems to real life and discuss why snow plows are designed the way they are.

Continuation

• Challenge students to make their snowplows go in reverse without picking them up them.
• Students who quickly complete the challenge and are ready for the next step can be given lights and other advanced LEGO pieces.
• If the students used a pulley in their design, encourage them to change to gears.
• Encourage these students to be a "LEGO Teacher" and share their skills with others.