Hello! My name is Maria Andronikou and I am a student at University of Cyprus in the department of Education.
One gadget that can be used in STEAM education is LEGO Education WeDo 2.0. LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 is a robotics and coding kit designed specifically for primary school students. It combines LEGO bricks with motors, sensors, and a drag-and-drop coding interface to engage students in hands-on learning experiences. Lego WeDo promotes creativity and innovation because students can design and build their own creations, allowing them to explore their creativity and develop innovative solutions to challenges.
In addition, it develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills because by designing, building, and programming their own robots, students learn how to solve problems and think critically about design and programming concepts.
Moreover, it is a gadget that enhances collaboration and communication as students have the opportunity to work together in groups to design, build, and test their projects. It also helps students communicate their ideas and findings effectively.
Furthermore, it engages students in hands-on learning. The hands-on nature of Lego WeDo 2.0 activities engages students in active learning experiences that make abstract STEAM concepts more concrete and understandable.
Lastly, it integrates arts and creativity because while primarily focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Lego WeDo 2.0 also incorporates arts and creativity through storytelling, design, and presentation components of the projects.
Here are some examples of how this gadget can be used in STEAM activities:
1. Animal Adaptations: Students can build and program a model of an animal that demonstrates specific adaptations, such as a bird with flapping wings or a fish with moving fins, to learn about biology and engineering.
2. Simple Machines: Students can explore the principles of physics and engineering by building and programming models of simple machines like levers, pulleys, and gears.
3. Environmental Science: Students can design and build models that represent renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines or solar panels, and learn about environmental science and sustainability.
4. Storytelling and Literacy: Students can create interactive stories or scenes from literature by building characters, settings, and props with LEGO bricks and programming them to move and interact in the Lego WeDo 2.0 software.
In conclusion, LEGO WeDo 2.0 is a versatile and engaging tool that can be effectively used to promote STEAM education in primary schools. By integrating hands-on building and coding activities with curriculum-aligned learning objectives, Lego WeDo 2.0 helps students develop essential 21st-century skills and a lifelong love for learning in STEAM subjects.
Thank you
