The school year ended with a twist, as teachers came to the district office to learn about using Lego Robotics, Little Bits, and Engoineering is Elementary in their MSAS programs.
Thursday's workshop was described thusly:
"Lego Robotics Workshop LEGO® Education’s WeDo 2.0 can engage and motivate students’ interest in STEAM subjects. This all day hands-on workshop will give participants an opportunity to explore the WeDo 2.0 learning system. Come and discover how to grow your students’ creative problem-solving skills and enable them to become the critical thinkers and creators of the future. "
Here are Friday's workshop descriptions:
In this LittleBits workshop, participants will learn how to introduce LittleBits Gizmos & Gadgets Kit 2nd Edition into their Middle School After School Program. LittleBits are small electronic components that can magnetically snap together to create simple circuits to complex electronic mechanisms. Teachers will learn about the various LittleBits components, go over lesson plans created by LittleBits, engage in hands-on activities, and develop adaptations for their school population. At the end of the workshop, participants will take home multiple boxes of LittleBits to bring back to their school.
In this Engineering is Elementary workshop, participants will learn about Engineering is Elementary (EiE) and the Design Process. EiE is a project-based learning after school program developed by the Boston Museum of Science and engages students in problem solving using the Design Process. The program started out for elementary students, but has since expanded to middle school. EiE focus is engineering, but incorporates science, literacy, math, and social studies throughout the various units. Each participant will leave with a teacher's guide, student handouts, and a full kit of materials. It is best to bring a car or multiple large sturdy bags. For more information about EiE please go to their website.
Stay tuned for photographs from the 2-day event.