LEGO Engineering Institute: NXT & NXT-G Erin Riecker, Kara Miranda & Phil Gordon Tufts University Center for Engineering Educational Outreach

Why Engineering? We believe that by getting more learning through engineering processes into the classroom, we can build and increase students’ interest and excitement for learning math and science give the students a set of skills that will make learning more effective and more enjoyable for them in all subjects increase the likelihood that they will become technologically literate citizens To remind us of the importance of keeping a playful spirit in everything we do.

CEEO Influences Constructionism Instructionism Papert Hands-on Tools to Think With Multiple Intelligences (Howard Gardner) Vygotsky - Zone of Proximal Development Improved materials and teaching choices change what kids are capable of learning

Center for Engineering Educational Outreach Four "towers of work" make up the CEEO: Engineering education research Educational tool development Teacher/volunteer support Services

LEGO Toolkit

Why use LEGO? Real engineering components Quality & Availability Innovative & Powerful  RCX and NXT  Sensors & Motors Familiar & Exciting for Students Scalable from K-12 to College

What can you make?

NXT Animals

Goals for the Week LEGO Building Skills NXT-G Programming Integrating LEGO Engineering into your Curriculum Engineering Design Process Resources Tips & Tricks

Goals for the Week Confidence Problem Solving Troubleshooting Development Comfort FUN!

What we can help you do: Help design a custom solution for your classroom Address specific areas of expertise you wish to develop  Building  Programming

Structure of the week Monday: Introduce Building, Basic Programming Tuesday: Introduce Sensors, Intermediate Programming, Sound & Display Wednesday: More Programming, Introduce Gears, Systems Project Thursday: Electives, Connections to Engineering Friday: Final Projects

Features of Each Day Work at your own level  Choose difficulty for activities  Focus on what is most important for you Troubleshooting  Can you figure out what went wrong?  What to do when something doesn’t work in the classroom Resources  Where to find lesson ideas and more

Logistics Lunch  1 hour each day  Optional half hour demos  Fridge & Microwave Local Map  Where to eat, park, buy a Tufts T-shirt Restrooms  Back left corner of CEEO

For more information