In recent years, the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education has continued to grow. Educators are constantly searching for new and creative ways to engage their students in these essential subject areas. Enter LEGO® Education’s WeDo 2.0, a new and innovative STEM product that takes a hands-on approach to learning.
What is WeDo 2.0?
WeDo 2.0 is a robotics kit designed by LEGO® Education to provide a comprehensive and exciting learning experience for students aged 7-11 years old. By combining the beloved LEGO® bricks with easy-to-use software, WeDo 2.0 enables students to design, build, and program their own robotic creations.
The Science Behind WeDo 2.0
The curriculum for WeDo 2.0 is based on three core scientific concepts: physical sciences, life sciences, and Earth & space sciences. The activities are structured to develop the students’ critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
The hands-on projects involve exploring topics such as forces and motion, simple machines, habitats, recycling, weather patterns, and more. With over 40 hours of customizable content in total, educators can easily tailor the program to match their curriculums.
The Hardware Components
WeDo 2.0 includes key elements crucial for all budding engineers:
1. LEGO® bricks – These familiar blocks provide the foundation for building models.
2. Smart Hub – This electronic module serves as the “brain” of each creation and features built-in Bluetooth capabilities.
3. Motor – This component allows mechanical movement in projects.
4. Motion Sensor – This sensor detects the distance and direction of objects in its vicinity.
5. Tilt Sensor – This component identifies when a model tilts or changes orientation.
The WeDo 2.0 Software
The accompanying WeDo 2.0 software is designed to be age-appropriate and user-friendly. Featuring a drag-and-drop interface, the software enables children to translate their physical models into digital code.
The software is compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac platforms and seamlessly integrates documentation and assessment tools for teachers.
Implementation in the Classroom
WeDo 2.0 allows for flexibility in learning environments, whether it’s a traditional classroom or distance learning. Teachers can utilize the curriculum content for a variety of educational purposes, ranging from introducing computational thinking concepts to reinforcing specific areas of STEM study.
Educators can also take advantage of the available online training resources, lesson plans, and global community support provided by LEGO® Education.
Conclusion
WeDo 2.0 offers an engaging and fun way to inspire young learners to explore the world of STEM. By combining LEGO® bricks with cutting-edge technology, this innovative product sparks curiosity and creativity while fostering important skills needed for future success. It’s time to take hands-on learning to a new level with LEGO® Education’s WeDo 2.0 STEM product!
