School Day LEGO Labs Grades 2 - 5

Grade 2

Introduction to Simple Machines

This program provides the basic experiences necessary for understanding the physical forces at work in all machines from simple to complex. Students familiarize themselves with the lever, inclined plane, pulley, wheel and axle through the use of models, projects, and challenges.

Grade 3

Simple Machines (Position & Motion of Objects)

Students will be able to use and build five simple machines (lever, wedge, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane and screw). Each student will be able to demonstrate how simple machines can reduce effort and force. Students will be able to identify tools and gadgets which are actually simple machines.

Grade 4

Using Simple Machines to Make Compound Machines

This lab provides continued experience in the area of simple machines, specifically the wedge and worm gear, before moving into compound machines. Students learn to apply the principles of simple machines as they build compound machines.

Wind Cars Force & Motion

The focus of this lab is predicting and explaining the motion of objects. Using LEGO models, each team will be able to demonstrate that things move only when something moves them and that things keep moving until something stops them (Newton's First Law of Motion). This program provides an in-depth study of the science behind simple machines and all other machines with the focus being on Work, Force and Distance. Students will be able to describe the effects of gravity, friction, and air pressure on objects.

Mars Rovers LEGO Lab

Students design and build their own unique Mars Rovers out of LEGO bricks, based on the real NASA rover that landed on Mars January 2004. They use their rovers to explore a simulated Mars environment, just as scientists explore the strange surface of Mars.

Middle and high school students will build the rover according to given design challenges that set specific limits! These can include a certain weight, or with a certain number of parts, or rovers that operate at certain speeds, or withstand certain conditions.

All age groups will find this a fun and challenging field trip. Experience the thrill of combining engineering and exploration!

The Mars Rover LEGO lab can be combined with our MarsQuest Planetarium show for a thorough exploration of Mars, our closest planetary neighbor.

Program content is adjusted to be appropriate for the grade level in attendance