LEGO STEM Activities for Playful Learning

LEGO bricks are more than just toys; they are a versatile educational tool that promotes essential skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Research has revealed that playing with LEGO can improve spatial awareness, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, making it a valuable asset in a child’s developmental years.

It facilitates hands-on learning that is both engaging and effective, and assembling these bricks can help crystallize complex engineering concepts into tangible understanding. Through LEGO STEM activities, children are empowered to experiment and learn through play, setting a solid foundation for lifelong curiosity and innovation.

Practical Tips and Creative Ideas for Logo STEM Activities

Designate a dedicated space for LEGO play, such as a room corner or a portable storage container. This helps to minimize mess and makes it easier for your child to pick up where they left off. Next, categorize the LEGO bricks by size, color, or type to streamline the building process and teach organizational skills. Provide clear instructions or goals for each activity, but also leave room for creative expression and free play. Engage with your child by asking open-ended questions about their creations to encourage critical thinking and verbal articulation of their thought process. In addition to the activities listed, consider these innovative ways to enrich your child’s STEM education using LEGO:

Counting with LEGOs

LEGOs are not just for building; they can also be used to teach counting and essential math skills. This activity is perfect for young children just beginning to learn numbers.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various colors
• Number cards or written numbers on paper

Instructions:

1. Start by gathering colored LEGO bricks and placing them in a pile or spread out on a flat surface.
2. Next, have the child choose a number card or written number from a bowl or stack of papers.
3. Ask the child to count the corresponding LEGO bricks using only one color for each number. For example, if the number is 5, they would count out five blue bricks.
4. Encourage the child to use their counting skills and one-to-one correspondence to represent the number with LEGO bricks accurately.
5. Once they have counted out the correct number of bricks, have them place them in a line or stack to represent the number visually.
6. Continue this activity with different numbers and colors to reinforce counting skills and number recognition.

Building Symmetrical Structures

Symmetry is an essential math concept that can be taught using LEGOs in a fun and hands-on way. This STEM activity will challenge children’s spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and creativity.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various sizes and colors
• Baseplate

Instructions:

1. First, introduce the concept of symmetry to the child by showing them symmetrical objects in their environment, such as a butterfly or a mirror.
2. Next, have the child choose a baseplate and place it before them.
3. Ask the child to build a symmetrical structure using LEGO bricks on one side of the base plate. For example, they could make a tower using three red bricks on one side and replicate it on the other.
4. Encourage the child to use their spatial awareness to ensure that both sides are identical.
5. Once they have completed the first side, ask them to mirror their structure on the other side of the baseplate using different colored bricks. This will allow them to see how symmetrical structures can be created with different colors and shapes.
6. You can also challenge them to create more complex and unique symmetrical structures, such as a butterfly or a flower.

Exploring Simple Machines

LEGOs are not only great for teaching math concepts but also for introducing basic engineering and physics principles. Children can use LEGO bricks to explore levers, pulleys, and gears.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various sizes and colors
• Small objects to use as weights (pennies, paper clips, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Start by introducing the concepts of simple machines to the child, explaining how they work, and giving examples of each type.
2. Next, provide the child with different LEGO bricks and ask them to build a simple machine using one or more LEGO bricks. For example, they could make a lever using a long brick as the fulcrum and smaller bricks as the load and effort arms.
3. To make the activity more challenging, have them use small objects as weights to see how different weights affect the balance of the lever.
4. Continue this process with other simple machines, such as pulleys or gears, allowing the child to explore and experiment with different designs and configurations.
5. This activity teaches children about simple machines and encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they determine the best design for each type of machine.

LEGO Football

This activity is perfect for older children who love sports and want to incorporate LEGOs into their play. It combines the fun of building with the excitement of a football game.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various colors
• Small LEGO figures or player cards

Instructions:

1. Start by dividing the space into two halves, similar to a football field.
2. Place a goal on either end of the playing area using LEGO bricks connected to form a crossbar and uprights.
3. Divide the children into two teams, giving each team small LEGO figures or player cards to represent their players.
4. Using LEGO bricks, designate a ball and have one team start with possession at midfield.
5. The game is played like traditional football to score a touchdown by getting the ball into the opponent’s end zone. Players can use LEGO bricks to represent tackles, passes, and other plays.
6. This activity encourages teamwork and strategy to incorporate STEM activities through building and problem-solving during gameplay.

LEGO Tessellation

Tessellation is a mathematical concept that involves creating patterns using repeated shapes without any gaps or overlaps. This critical thinking puzzle will challenge children’s spatial awareness and creativity as they create unique tessellations using LEGO bricks.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various colors and sizes
• Square baseplate

Instructions:

1. Start by introducing the concept of tessellation to the child and showing them examples of tessellating shapes, such as squares or triangles.
2. Provide the child a square baseplate and ask them to create a tessellation using LEGO bricks. They can start by placing one brick in the center of the baseplate and then building around it, ensuring each brick connects perfectly with no gaps or overlaps.
3. Encourage the child to experiment with different colors and sizes of LEGO bricks to create unique tessellations.
4. This activity teaches children about patterns and symmetry and allows them to express their creativity through building. It can also be extended by challenging them to create more extensive and complex tessellations using multiple baseplates.
5. 5. You can also introduce the concept of rotational symmetry by asking the child to create a tessellation that is identical when rotated 180 degrees. This will further challenge their spatial awareness and critical thinking skills.

LEGO Volcano

This activity combines the excitement of a volcano eruption with the fun of building with LEGOs. Children will learn about chemical reactions and cause-and-effect as they create their LEGO volcano that “erupts.”

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various sizes and colors
• Bowl or container (to contain the eruption)
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Red and orange food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start building a volcano using LEGO bricks, leaving an opening at the top for the “eruption.” This can be as simple or complex as desired.
2. Place the bowl or container inside the volcano and add ¼ cup of baking soda.
3. In a separate container, mix 1 cup of vinegar and a few drops of red and orange food coloring (if desired) to create the “lava.
4. Pour the vinegar mixture into the volcano, causing an eruption as it reacts with the baking soda.
5. To make the activity more challenging, children can experiment with different amounts of baking soda and vinegar or add other ingredients, such as dish soap or glitter, to see how it affects the eruption.
6. This activity teaches children about chemical reactions and cause-and-effect while allowing them to be creative and have fun building their volcano.

LEGO Zip Line

This activity combines engineering, physics, and outdoor exploration as children build a zip line using LEGO bricks. They will learn about motion, gravity, and friction as they design and test their zip line course.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various sizes and colors
• String or thin rope
• Small plastic toy or figure (to use as the “rider”)

Instructions:

1. Start by building a structure using LEGO bricks supporting a zip line. This could be a tower, treehouse, or any other platform type.
2. Attach string or thin rope between two points on the structure, ensuring it is taut and secure.
3. Using LEGO bricks and the plastic toy or figure, create a “car” that can slide along the string. This could be as simple as a base with wheels or more complex with a seat and harness.
4. Test the zip line by sending the car down the string, adjusting for speed and distance as needed using different amounts of tension on the string, or adding obstacles to the course.
5. This activity allows children to learn about motion and forces while honing their engineering skills as they design and test their platform-type zip line course using LEGOs.

Most Accessible platform-type proof of the Pythagorean Theorem With Lego

The Pythagorean Theorem is a fundamental mathematical concept that states the relationship between the three sides of a right triangle: the square of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of squares of the other two sides. Numerous mathematicians have proven this theorem using various methods, but one of the most accessible and fun ways for children to understand and visualize it is by using LEGO bricks.

Materials:

LEGO bricks in various colors and sizes

Instructions:

1. Start by building two squares using LEGO bricks that have sides of 3×3 and 4×4 studs, respectively. These will represent the squares of the shorter sides of a right triangle.
2. Place the squares side by side to create a “L” shape. The right angle should be formed where the two squares meet.
3. Create a third square using LEGO bricks with sides of 5×5 studs, representing the square of the hypotenuse. Place this square on the other two squares, connecting them at their corners.
4. Encourage the child to count and compare the number of studs on each side of the larger square with the combined number of studs on the two smaller squares. They will see that they are equal, proving the Pythagorean Theorem.
5. This activity can be extended by challenging children to use different sizes of squares or even creating multiple right triangles to reinforce the concept further.
6. This hands-on approach using LEGO bricks allows children to see and understand the Pythagorean Theorem tangibly to reinforce the concept further, making it more accessible and engaging for young learners.

LEGO Rubber Band Car

This activity combines engineering, physics, and creativity as children design and build a car tangibly powered by rubber bands from LEGO bricks. They will learn about potential and kinetic energy by experimenting with different designs and propulsion methods.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various sizes and colors
• Rubber bands of different lengths and strengths
• Plastic wheels and axles (can be found in many LEGO sets or purchased separately)

Instructions:

1. Challenge the child to build a car using only LEGO bricks that can move forward using rubber bands as the power source. This could include adding an axle and wheels for smoother movement or creating a body for the car using different bricks.
2. Have the child experiment with different sizes and strengths of rubber bands and other designs for attaching them to the car. This could include winding them around an axle or using a lever system to wind up and release the energy.
3. Encourage the child to test their car on different surfaces and inclines to see how it performs.
4. This activity allows children to learn about energy and motion while using their creativity and problem-solving skills to design and improve their LEGO rubber band car.
5. This activity can be extended by challenging children to build other vehicles, such as trucks or boats, that use rubber bands for propulsion. They can also add more complex features, such as steering mechanisms or obstacle courses for the cars to navigate.

Geometric LEGO Blueprints

This activity teaches children about geometry and spatial awareness as they use LEGO bricks to create 2D and 3D shapes based on provided blueprints. They will learn about angles, symmetry, and basic geometric principles while building with LEGOs.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various sizes and colors
• Printed or drawn blueprints of different geometric shapes (can be found online or created by the child)

Instructions:

1. Provide the child with a blueprint of a simple shape, such as a square or triangle. Have them use LEGO bricks to recreate the shape, paying attention to angles and symmetry.
2. Encourage the child to experiment with different colors and sizes of LEGO bricks to create more complex shapes, such as a polygon with more than four sides or a 3D cube.
3. For a challenge, have the child create blueprints for others to build. This will reinforce their understanding of geometry and allow them to practice spatial awareness and planning skills.
4. This activity can be extended by incorporating more advanced geometric concepts, such as symmetry and unity, or by creating larger structures using multiple shapes and blueprints.

LEGO Catapult

This activity combines history, physics, and engineering as children build a working catapult using LEGO bricks. They will learn about projectile motion and force while designing and testing their catapults.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various sizes and colors
• Rubber bands
• Popsicle sticks or other small wooden dowels

Instructions:

1. Start by building a sturdy base for the catapult using LEGO bricks. This could include stacking them to create a tower or laying them flat to create a platform.
2. Attach rubber bands to the base, creating tension for the catapult to launch objects.
3. Experiment with different designs and sizes of popsicle sticks or wooden dowels as the throwing arm of the catapult. This could include using a single stick or creating a lever system with multiple sticks.
4. Encourage the child to test their catapult by launching different objects, such as small LEGO bricks or pom-poms, and observe how distance and trajectory are affected by angle and force.
5. This activity allows children to learn about force and motion while enhancing their engineering skills as they design and improve their catapults.
6. To extend this activity, challenge children to build a more giant and complex catapult or incorporate other elements such as wheels for mobility or a targeting system.

LEGO Coding

This activity introduces children to coding and computer programming basics using LEGO bricks. They will learn about commands, sequencing, and problem-solving as they program using simple robots using LEGOs.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various sizes and colors
• Small motors or gears (can be found in many LEGO sets or purchased separately)
• Remote control or app for programming (can be found online or purchased independently)

Instructions:

1. Have the child select a simple robot design using LEGO bricks, such as a car or animal.
2. Using the motors or gears, have them add movement and functionality to their robot, such as moving it forward or turning in different directions.
3. Introduce the coding concept by explaining that they will independently give their robot specific commands to follow using a remote control or app.
4. Encourage the child to experiment with different sequences and combinations of commands to see how they affect their robot’s movements.
5. This activity allows children to learn about coding in a fun and hands-on way while also stimulating their creativity and logical thinking skills as they problem-solve and debug their programs.
6. This activity can be extended by challenging children to add more complex commands or features to their robots, such as sensors for detecting obstacles or sound effects. They can also create a more extensive program using multiple robots.

LEGO Parachute

This activity teaches coding concepts about air resistance and the principles of flight as they design and build their LEGO parachutes. They will learn about aerodynamics while testing and improving their parachute designs.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various sizes and colors
• Plastic bags or lightweight fabric
• String or yarn

Instructions:

1. Start by building a sturdy base for the parachute using LEGO bricks, such as a square or circle. Make sure it is large enough to support the weight of the parachute and any objects that will be attached.
2. Cut a plastic bag or lightweight fabric into a circular shape slightly larger than the LEGO base.
3. Punch holes around the edge of the fabric and tie string or yarn through them to create a harness for the LEGO base. This will serve as the parachute’s canopy.
4. Encourage children to experiment with different designs and sizes for their parachutes, such as adding more strings or creating a cone shape instead of a flat circle.
5. Challenge them to test their parachutes by dropping them from different heights and observing how air resistance affects their descent. Encourage them to make improvements and modify their designs based on their observations.
6. This activity allows children to learn about the basic principles of flight while promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they improve their parachute designs.
7. To extend this activity, challenge children to drop their parachutes from higher heights or to add objects of different weights to test how they affect the descent. They can also design and create a parachute for a LEGO Minifigure or other small objects.

LEGO Pulleys

This activity introduces children to pulleys and how they can help reduce the force needed to lift heavy objects. They will learn about simple machines and engineering while building LEGO pulley systems.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various sizes and colors
• String or yarn
• Small weights (such as pennies or washers)

Instructions:

1. Start by building a simple lever using LEGO bricks, such as a seesaw or catapult. This will serve as the base for the pulley system.
2. Attach a string or yarn to one end of the lever and thread it through a small pulley made from LEGO bricks.
3. Tie the other end of the string to a small weight and experiment with lifting different objects by pulling on the lever. Observe how using the pulley reduces the force needed to lift the weight.
4. Challenge children to design and build their pulley systems, incorporating multiple pulleys or levers for a more complex system.

Lego Water Cycle

This activity teaches children about the water cycle and how it works through a hands-on LEGO demonstration. They will learn about evaporation, condensation, and precipitation as they create their mini water cycle using LEGO bricks.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various sizes and colors
• Blue food coloring
• Water

Instructions:

1. Start by arranging LEGO bricks into a circular shape, creating a “lake” in the center. Fill the lake with water and add a few drops of blue food coloring to represent the watercolor.
2. Build a tower or structure around the lake using LEGO bricks, leaving enough space for air to circulate inside. This will serve as the “atmosphere for the water cycle.
3. Cover the structure with a transparent plastic sheet or cling wrap to create a closed environment. Leave it in a sunny spot and observe what happens over the next few hours.
4. As the sun heats the water, it evaporates and collects on the plastic sheet as condensation before dripping back into the lake as precipitation.
5. Encourage children to add more elements to their water cycle, such as creating mountains from LEGO bricks or incorporating a fan to simulate wind.
6. This activity allows children to learn about the water cycle while engaging in a fun and interactive way. They can also make connections between their LEGO demonstration and real-life examples of the water cycle.

The Fidget Cube

This activity introduces children to fidgeting and its benefits as they design and create customizable “fidget cubes” using LEGO bricks. They will learn about the importance of movement and sensory input for focus and concentration.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various sizes and colors
• Small gadgets or objects that can be quickly manipulated, such as buttons, switches, or smooth stones

Instructions:

1. Start by building a base for the fidget cube using LEGO bricks, such as a square or rectangle. Make sure it is large enough to hold various small objects.
2. Encourage children to add gadgets and objects to each side of the cube, using LEGO bricks to create compartments or holders. They can also add buttons, switches, or other elements that can be pressed or manipulated.
3. Encourage children to test their fidget cubes and make adjustments as needed, adding more objects or changing the placement of items.
4. This activity promotes an understanding of the benefits of fidgeting and encourages children to think creatively as they design and customize their fidget cubes using LEGO bricks.

LEGO Mazes

This Lego STEM activity challenges children to design and build their mazes using LEGO bricks. They will develop problem-solving skills as they navigate the maze and can incorporate storytelling or game design elements.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various sizes and colors
• Small toy figures or LEGO Minifigures

Instructions:

1. Start by building a base for the maze using LEGO bricks, such as a large square or rectangle.
2. Encourage children to design the maze layout using LEGO bricks, incorporating walls and obstacles. They can also add elements such as doors or trapdoors for added challenge.
3. Once the maze is complete, children can take turns navigating it with a small toy figure or LEGO Minifigure. They can time themselves to see how quickly they can reach the end or try to find hidden objects along the way.
4. Children can also create multiple mazes and challenge their friends or family members to complete them, adding an element of competition and collaboration to the activity.

Build A Couch Using LEGO

This activity challenges children to build their couches using LEGO bricks while learning about furniture design and construction basics. They can explore different styles and techniques as they create a unique piece of furniture.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various sizes
• Optional: fabric, cushions, or other materials for added realism

Instructions:

1. Start by discussing the different elements of a couch, such as the frame, cushions, and backrest. Children can also research or observe genuine couches for inspiration.
2. Encourage children to design their couches using LEGO bricks, including details such as armrests and legs. They can experiment with different styles and techniques, such as layering bricks or using different colors.
3. Optional: Children can add fabric, cushions, or other materials to make their LEGO couch more realistic and comfortable.
4. This activity promotes an understanding of furniture design and construction and encourages creativity and problem-solving through designing and building a unique couch using LEGO bricks.

Design A LEGO Boat

This activity challenges children to design and build their boats using LEGO bricks. They will learn about buoyancy, displacement, and other principles of naval architecture as they experiment with different designs.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various sizes
• Optional: small container or pool filled with water for testing

Instructions:

1. Start by discussing the different elements of a boat, such as the hull, keel, and sails. Children can also research or observe real boats for inspiration.
2. Encourage children to design and build their boat using LEGO bricks, ensuring it is sturdy and can float on water. They may need to experiment with different designs to achieve buoyancy and stability.
3. Optional: Children can test their boats in a small container or pool filled with water to see how they float and make any necessary adjustments.
4. Once the boat is complete, children can add details such as masts, flags, or even a LEGO minifigure captain. They can also race their boats against each other or create an obstacle course to test their designs and see how different elements affect the boat’s performance.

Build A LEGO City

This activity challenges children to design and build their LEGO city with buildings, vehicles, and other structures. They will learn about urban planning and architecture as they create a mini-metropolis

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various sizes
• Optional: baseplate or large surface for building

Instructions:

1. Start by discussing the different elements of a city, such as residential areas, commercial districts, and transportation systems. Children can also research or observe real towns for inspiration.
2. Encourage children to design and build their city using LEGO bricks, including different buildings and structures. They can use baseplates or large surfaces for building if desired.
3. Optional: Children can also add details such as roads, parks, and other features to make their city more realistic.
4. This activity promotes an understanding of urban planning and architecture and encourages creativity and problem-solving by designing and building a miniature city using LEGO bricks.

LEGO Alligator

This activity challenges children to design and build their own LEGO alligator while also learning about the anatomy and movement of these fascinating creatures.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various sizes
• Optional: googly eyes or other small materials for added realism

Instructions:

1. Start by discussing the different features of an alligator, such as its body shape, jaws, and tail. Children can also research or observe real alligators for inspiration.
2. Encourage children to design and build their alligators using LEGO bricks, including details such as teeth and scales. They can experiment with different techniques to create a realistic-looking alligator.
3. Optional: Children can add googly eyes or other small materials to make their LEGO alligator look more lifelike.
4. As they build, children can also learn about the anatomy and movement of alligators, such as how their strong jaws help them catch prey and their powerful tails aid in swimming.

Math Challenge Game

This activity challenges children to design and build a math challenge game using LEGO bricks. They will use their math and problem-solving abilities to create a fun and educational game for themselves and others.

Materials:

• LEGO bricks in various sizes
• Optional: dice or spinner for determining gameplay

Instructions:

1. Discuss math challenges like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. Children can also develop their ideas for math problems in the game.
2. Encourage children to design and build their game board using LEGO bricks, ensuring a clear path and spaces for players to move along. They can also add fun details and decorations if desired.
3. Optional: Children can use a dice or spinner to determine how many spaces to move and which math challenge to complete on each turn. They can also create different difficulty levels for the challenges as the game progresses.