Lego has made wonderful programs to teach physics and engineering, two things in which my family delights. We will begin with the Motorized Mechanisms which starts out with simple machines then combines them to make complex and motorized machines. The program walks the children through the step-by-step building process then allows them to critically problem solve a givenscenario where they can adjust or add to see different results. This is foundational material that meets state standards. Even if you have gone over this subject with your children in the past, Lego presents the information in a really fun, memorable way and makes a great jumping off point for the rest of the sets. This program is appropriate for children as young as seven and as old as 15. The next session will be the Renewable Energy Pack. This set has children building wind turbines, solar panels, and a water wheel. Using the energy created by these three sources the children can power a car, a battery, and other cool stuff. I make it a point to include sustainable living as a regular part of schooling, so this set fits right in. The first class begins on June 8th. We will meet every other Wednesday from 1:15- 3:00. I want to reassure everyone that with the flexible class times, make-up builds will be easy to accommodate. Our last meeting before we go into Motorized Mechanisms will be a make-up day where that will be all we do. Maybe we can pair it with a pot-luck lunch and some water play or maybe we can make it a day that, if your children are caught up, you don't need to attend. We can cross that bridge when we get there but I wanted to throw out some ideas. If you are interested in joining Lego Club, we can get discounted prices when we buy in bulk. Please before you buy to see if you can participate in the disount buying program. If the timing of this class doesn't work for you, for future class schedules. Schedule is as follows: - June 8th: Levers, Wheel and Axle
- June 22nd: Pulley, Inclined Plane
- July 6th: Wedge, Screw
- July 20th: Gear, Cam
- August 3rd: Pawl and Ratchet, Structures
- August 17th: Make-up/Pot-luck day
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