This Danish Iconic Toy Brand’s Kit is a Science Class in a Box
There are LEGO kits to build just about anything for kids of all ages. But the newest LEGO kits won’t be available in stores. These science-themed kits will only be found in classrooms.
LEGO Education has introduced a new science-focused educational tool, complete with its iconic building bricks that are designed to do hands-on experiments, reported Fast Company. Scheduled to be released the summer of 2025 these kits are designed to engage students in science from kindergarteners to eighth graders with more than 120 science lessons.
This is not the first time LEGO has developed educational materials. In fact, LEGO Education, a school-focused part of the Danish company, has been making educational playsets for 45 years that have been used in public schools in NYC, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Science education is important
Children need critical thinking skills and an understanding of science to be able to thrive in the future. But according to State of Classroom Engagement Report: Science Edition – a survey that was conducted by LEGO Education – 45 percent of students identified science as their least favorite subject and 37 percent said, “it is too hard.”
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These findings show just how important it is to reimagine science classes, according to a news release from the company.
“Science teaches us to ask curious questions to understand the world around us,” said Victor Saeijs, president of LEGO Education. “If students think they’re not good at the subject or avoid it, we risk losing an entire generation of innovators and problem-solvers. We share your commitment as educators to excite and engage students with high-quality science education.”
How do the kits work?
Each lesson begins with a big question to pique curiosity and a desire to find out more while connecting the students to scientific principles. The students will explore different paths to the solution by asking key questions and working with their peers.
“It was inspiring to see my students’ enthusiasm and creativity flourish,” said Jill Snodgrass, a fourth-grade math and science teacher at Kernan Trail Elementary, Florida, who tested the new solution with her class.
“The tactile nature of working with LEGO bricks helps solidify their understanding by connecting abstract concepts to tangible outcomes. They were so excited to see their finished build for the lesson, especially when the rattlesnake used its shaking tail to ward off predators. Their collaboration and joy were truly a highlight of the day.”
When kids participate in hands-on learning they unlock ‘aha’ moments and this helps to keep them engaged and motivated to learn subjects like science.
The kits were tested by more than 150 teachers in over 100 classrooms throughout the development of the teaching tools. This allowed all the concepts to be finetuned and age relevant.
The goal of the kits, Andrew Sliwinski, head of product experience at LEGO Education told Fast Company, is to make science approachable to young children. He said, “That’s not about just making science fun. That’s about making science relevant more than anything else.”
