Crompond Fourth Graders Wow BOE with Innovative Lego Projects

We were blown away by the imagination and innovation that was on display at the Board of Education meeting on February 6! Our talented Crompond fourth graders proudly presented their Lego projects and how they connected to ESTEAM, the District’s empathy-based approach to STEAM learning.

With the support of YCSD’s Technology Department, Crompond was able to bring Lego Education kits into every fourth-grade classroom this year. District Tech Specialist Amanda Burns praised the hands-on learning experience the kits provide, saying they not only enhance coding and engineering skills, but they also promote communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.

The students' projects were a testament to their ingenuity, as they tackled a wide range of subjects, such as creating devices to aid wildlife and respond to natural disasters, designing sustainable cities, exploring different forms of energy, and developing new modes of transportation for people with service dogs. Some classrooms tied the kits into their ELA lesson plans, as students constructed scenes and wrote short stories about them.

One student raved about the impact the Lego kits have had in their classroom, saying, "They're an awesome addition to our class. It is so much fun and I love having it to show off my building skills and creativity. Once I complete a build, it is so much fun coding and watching it light up and move. With every new build I get a new set of challenges — challenges that have helped me grow into a better problem solver.”

Crompond Principal Dr. Lori Roberts shared that each student had a unique experience with the Lego Education kits. “This work demonstrates how we are continually considering ways to foster and promote opportunities for our students to think deeply about the challenges faced by others and, most importantly, remembering the essence of the good character and citizenship as we continue to prepare for a changing world.”

Superintendent Dr. Ron Hattar echoed the sentiment, saying that these projects are "so much more than just Legos." He was thoroughly impressed with the students' public speaking skills, as well as their research, design thinking, building, teamwork, and coding abilities. "I am so proud of you all," he told the students.