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Session 1: Engaging in Purposeful Inquiry: From Immersion to Impact
Session 1: Engaging in Purposeful Inquiry: From Immersion to Impact
Building Community Through Inquiry
Building Community Through Inquiry
Objective: To establish a safe and engaging learning environment by connecting play with purposeful inquiry.
Activities:
LEGO Build Challenges: Hands-on activity to explore the joy of learning through play.
Discussion on Iowa Universal Constructs: Understanding the core skills and competencies essential for successful learning.
Creating Safe Learning Spaces: Strategies to nurture an environment conducive to innovative thinking.
Application and Reflection
Application and Reflection
Objective: To bridge theory with practice by finding connections to personal teaching experiences.
Activities:
Classroom Connection: Participants reflect on how the discussed concepts can be integrated into their current teaching practices.
Collaborative Planning: Working in groups to design a mini PBL activity relevant to their students.
Follow-Up
Follow-Up
Objective: To support the ongoing development and implementation of engagement strategies in the classroom.
Strategies:
Peer Sharing: Regular sessions for teachers to share successes and challenges.
Continuous Support: Availability of resources and guidance for refining engagement and inquiry approaches.
This innovative LEGO-based activity, titled "Think Different", is aimed at fostering a shift in students' conventional problem-solving approaches and operational methods within the educational environment. This activity presents a series of challenges that provide students with a hands-on opportunity to explore new pathways within existing creative constraints. The primary objective is to lay the groundwork for students to unlock their inherent potential and genius.
The activity places a significant emphasis on teamwork and communication, two fundamental pillars of high-quality learning experiences and skill sets. We often underscore the importance of group work, but the traditional approach of simply assigning students to groups and instructing them to "work it out" or "do research" can be vague and unproductive. We aim to circumvent this mindset, as it can lead to frustration, diminish curiosity and inquiry, and fail to spark a passion for learning.
To address this, we have crafted an interactive experience that underscores the importance of these concepts in a group setting. The goal is to create an experience that is engaging, dynamic, and intense. We understand the need to capture their attention early on, to build anticipation and excitement for what lies ahead. We aim to keep them active, engaged in discussions, and working collaboratively to develop these skills.
This activity serves as the launchpad for the deeper work that continues after experiences,emotions and memories of play with a purpose. We understand that for learning to be effective, it needs to resonate with the students. Learning becomes impactful when it connects with emotions and senses, and this can be achieved through hands-on learning. An introductory activity designed to pique a child's interest needs to make a significant impact and generate energy.
We commence the event by setting the stage about the importance of this work and understanding the people we work with. The recurring theme is that this work is within all of them. They all possess unique superpowers (a reference to Captain Planet), and when we combine forces, we can achieve even greater things together (another Captain Planet reference).
Challenge 1: Build a Tower
Challenge 1: Build a Tower
Challenge 2: Tricky Tower
Challenge 2: Tricky Tower
Builders need to build the tallest tower, but the constraints are as follows. Not allowed to connect LEGO pieces using the studs or illegal build techniques Builder can only use their non dominant hand At the end the build should fail the gravity test being that if turned upside down all pieces would separate from themselves.
Challenge 3: Hanging Around
Challenge 3: Hanging Around
This is a partner build.
Each person at table takes a turn adding one piece to the build.
How many pieces can you get to hang off the table?
Challenge 4: Explain This
Challenge 4: Explain This
This is a group challenge.
Time: 6 rounds of 30 seconds
Building Phase: Each participant will have 30 seconds to assemble a creation using five random LEGO pieces.
Group Formation: Participants should form groups, each with a maximum of six members. The activity consists of six rounds.
Prompt Response: In each round, every participant receives a unique prompt. Your task is to creatively explain how your LEGO assembly represents or answers this prompt.
Explanation Phase: You have 30 seconds to articulate your explanation. It's important to keep talking for the entire duration, continuously describing your build without pauses.
Rotation: Once the 30 seconds are up, the next prompt is presented to the following participant. This cycle continues until all members have responded to their respective prompts.
Challenge 5: Coffee Experience
Challenge 5: Coffee Experience
This is a team challenge.
Time: 3:30 minutes
One person will decide to be the "communicator" Everyone else on the team are builders. The communciator will be able to walk over to the build and see the build, the builders are not allowed to see the build. In this round, the communicator is not allowed to use gestures or colors when describing how to build the model. The builders are also not allowed to ask any questions to the communicator or their team.
Challenge 6: Coffee Experience Round 2
Challenge 6: Coffee Experience Round 2
This is a team challenge.
Time: 4:00 minutes
In this scenario there are two communicators. Communicator 1 is allowed to look at the build. They are allowed to explain however they wish to communicator 2. Communicator 2 then goes to the builders and explains with no constraints of color or gestures how to build the model. Builders attempt to build the model that Communicator 1 can see.
Further Resources
Further Resources
Below are just some articles and links to resources to further provide ideas about the experience we had through this learning journey together.
A collection of many LEGO PD, lessons, examples used in various schools that I co-created with colleagues and educators to replicate the experiences in classrooms.
In 2019-2020 I ran several rounds of this course for educators to work with other educators around the world to further explore purposeful play. Any of these could be used and applied into the classroom.
An excellent person/author, methodology and resource for going even deeper into learning and thinking. And you might recognize one of the chapters :)
During COVID I I operated a global building challenge to keep minds busy. Feel free to use any of the ideas.
In this episode, I am honored to speak with someone who has as much and maybe even more love for play and learning. Liam Isaac is the Director of Learning and Innovation for SeriousWorks which is an organiztion that creates books, resources, and workshops on LEGO Serious Play. “LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® began as an experiential process designed for use in guided workshops with adults to prompt dialogue and encourage reflection, as well as develop problem-solving skills and use of imagination. However, SERIOUS PLAY® sets like the Starter Kit are also suitable for building critical thinking skills in kids 6+. Each set is designed to enhance different skills, such as reflection and dialogue, which will enhance the workshop experience. This innovative approach to interaction is a valuable asset in business as well as education and helps participants open up through the approachable medium of play.”(from LEGO website)
In this episode of the podcast, I speak with Carol Hill. Carol leads a team of Learning Designers and Content Developers in embedding learning through play in products across the Learning LEGO System. Carol has over twenty years’ experience in education, as a teacher, writer, publisher and product leader, working for learning organisations such as Pearson, British Council, Cambridge University Press & Assessment and IDP Australia. Carol is also a certified LEGO Serious Play Facilitator and is passionate about helping both children and adults learn and develop through play.
In this episode, I engage in a very thought provoking conversation with Mia Eng. Mia is an executive coach, facilitator, and consultant who partners with individuals and organizations on their journey to develop the leadership capability that is aligned to their vision and mission. Mia provides space and structure for individuals and teams to identify development goals that enable improved performance; eliminate barriers to the desired transformation; and design and execute their path to success.
As a facilitator, Mia has facilitated workshops, meetings, and learning events using LEGO® Serious Play® online and in-person. Most recently, Mia has leveraged this method with teams exploring various topics including role priorities for managers in technical services; innovating learning and instructional design for colleges and universities; translating values into action in professional services, and establishing a vision and behavioural norms for under-performing teams.
As a facilitator, Mia has facilitated workshops, meetings, and learning events using LEGO® Serious Play® online and in-person. Most recently, Mia has leveraged this method with teams exploring various topics including role priorities for managers in technical services; innovating learning and instructional design for colleges and universities; translating values into action in professional services, and establishing a vision and behavioural norms for under-performing teams.
In this episode, I am speaking with Boone who is/was a contestant on the FOX LEGO Masters show. As he describes his work on his YouTube channel,I love to build LEGO Creations, Custom TOYS, and Fan Art! As often as I can, I’ll show you how I made the thinks I make and I’ll provide as many resources as possible along the way. I hope you enjoy my projects and giveaways!
In this episode, I am speaking with Krystle and Amie who make up the Team Unicorn. They were one of the incredible duos who appear on the FOX TV LEGO Masters Show. In this chat we talk not only LEGO, but all the other things they create and make and the mindsets needed to be successful as it applies to education.
In this episode I speak with Liam Nilsen. Liam is a Learning Experience Designer at The LEGO Foundation
In this episode I speak with myself! No guests. Just me and my thoughts focused on confidence in STEM.This is the sixth part of a six part podcast series as part of my Purposeful Play with LEGO online course.
In this episode I speak with Damien Kee. Dr Damien Kee is a passionate Educational Technologies advocate, who specialises in bringing technology concepts to teachers and educators around the world. With a focus in Robotics, Programming and Electronics, he works to educate teachers on the benefits and relative ease with which technology can be embedded into their daily classroom activities. (from his website)This is the fifth part of a six part podcast series as part of my Purposeful Play with LEGO online course.
In this episode I speak with two editors/publishers from Brick Math. Brick Math helps students learn the basics of the K-6 math curriculum by modeling with LEGO® bricks. Specific math subjects include: Counting, Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Basic Fractions, Basic Measurement, Fraction Multiplication, Fraction Division, Decimals, and Advanced Measurement and Geometry. When students are taught with Brick Math, they develop a deeper understanding of the concepts that are the foundation of true mathematical knowledge.This is the fourth part of a six part podcast series as part of my Purposeful Play with LEGO online course.
In this episode I speak with Becky McDowell, a LEGO Master Educator, who is a K-5 STEM Teacher/Team Leader for Barrington School District. She is a passionate educational leader who specializes in the development, implementation, and evaluation of PreK-8 science and STEM curriculum. Read all of her awards and recognition here on the LEGO Education site.This is the third part of a six part podcast as part of my Purposeful Play with LEGO online course.
In this episode I speak with Alisha Bridges. She is an educator who has the honor of working in the first LEGO Education Model School at Jesse Bobo Elementary in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She runs the LEGO Lab at the school.We discuss several ways to infuse purposeful play and LEGO into the classroom connected to content standards.This is the second part of a six part podcast as part of my Purposeful Play with LEGO online course.
In this episode I speak with Rob Torok. Rob is a teacher in Tasmania, Australia. He has been using LEGO MINDSTORMS with his students since 2001. He is also the editor in chief for LEGO Engineering as well as the content editor for LEGO Education Australia (LEGOeducation.com.au).We discuss creative thinking in regards to LEGO and hands on learning. This is the first part of a six part podcast as part of my Purposeful Play with LEGO online course.
Resources For Further Learning
Resources For Further Learning
Title: How Project-Based Learning is Helping Me Learn Web Development
This page on Hackernoon shares a personal narrative about how engaging in project-based learning has significantly aided the author in acquiring web development skills. It explores the practical aspects and the hands-on experience gained through this learning method.
hackernoon.com/how-project-based-learning-helping-me-to-learn-web-development-0l233u17
Title: LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® in the Deloitte Greenhouse™ Program (PDF)
Deloitte's PDF document discusses the application of the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology within their Greenhouse Program to foster creative thinking and problem-solving. It elaborates on how this playful approach can help in addressing complex business challenges.
Title: How Playing With LEGO Can Enable a Shared Vision For Your Team
The LinkedIn article by Rita Fevereiro examines how utilizing LEGO play can facilitate a shared understanding and vision among team members. It mentions the benefits of this playful approach in enhancing communication and collaboration within teams.
Title: The Benefits of Hands-On Learning
The blog post on Friends' Central School’s blog explores the advantages of hands-on learning. It discusses how this approach facilitates a deeper understanding of concepts and encourages active engagement and creativity among learners.
Title: Project Based Learning Works
PBLWorks is a resource hub for project-based learning (PBL), providing tools, tips, and examples to educators and schools on implementing PBL to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Title: Exploring Positive Psychology with Lego Serious Play (PDF)
This PDF document from Boston University delves into the intersection of positive psychology and LEGO Serious Play, exploring how this playful methodology can be utilized to enhance psychological well-being and engagement.
www.bu.edu/disability/files/2023/04/Exploring-Positive-Psychology-with-Lego-Serious-Play.pdf
Title: Hands-On Learning
The page on Structural Learning discusses the essence of hands-on learning and how it fosters a deeper comprehension and retention of information. It explains how this learning style encourages active participation and engagement.
Title: Think Outside the Blocks: How Playing With LEGO Can Help Develop Your Career Skills
This post on IZYMES discusses how playing with LEGO blocks can contribute to the development of essential career skills like problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork, through a playful and interactive approach.
Title: Using LEGO Serious Play as a Design Thinking Tool
Designorate's article explores how LEGO Serious Play can be utilized as a tool in design thinking processes to foster creativity, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving among participants.
www.designorate.com/using-lego-serious-play-as-a-design-thinking-tool
Title: The LEGO Challenge: Team Building Activity Instructions and Alternatives
This blog post on Experiential Learning provides instructions on conducting a LEGO-based team building activity, aimed at enhancing teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving skills among participants.
Title: Engaging Students
The University of Washington's page provides strategies and resources for educators on how to effectively engage students in the learning process, to enhance their understanding and retention of the subject matter.
Title: Encouraging Student Engagement Through Anticipatory Set
Grand Canyon University's blog post discusses the concept of anticipatory set as a means to bolster student engagement. It provides strategies on how to capture students' attention and foster a conducive learning environment.
Title: Mission Training: Creative Problem Solving
LEGO Education’s lesson plan focuses on using LEGO to train students in creative problem-solving. It provides a structured approach to teaching problem-solving skills through hands-on, interactive activities with LEGO bricks.
education.lego.com/en-us/lessons/prime-competition-ready/mission-training-creative-problem-solving
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