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Lego WeDo - 8 lesson program

 

Lesson 1: Introduction to Lego WeDo - Building and Exploring Simple Machines

Outcomes:

NSW: ST1-2DP-T, ST1-3DP-T, ST1-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

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​Objective: Students will be introduced to Lego WeDo and explore how simple machines can be constructed using Lego components.

  1. Introduction (10 minutes)

  • Explain what Lego WeDo is and show a demonstration of a simple Lego machine (e.g., a rotating wheel).

 

  2. Main Activity (25 minutes)

  • Provide students with Lego WeDo kits and guide them in building a simple machine, like a windmill or a fan.

  • Introduce the basic components: motor, sensors, and gears.

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  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Discuss the machine’s movement and how force from the motor affects the movement.

  • Students can share their observations.

 

Lesson 2: Understanding Gears and Motors

Outcomes:

NSW: ST1-2DP-T, ST1-3DP-T, ST1-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

​

Objective: Students will learn how gears and motors interact to create movement.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Review previous knowledge about movement and introduce gears as a method to change how objects move.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Students will build a small vehicle using Lego WeDo kits and explore how changing gear configurations affects the speed and direction of the vehicle.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Discuss how gears and motors work together.

  • Ask students to describe what happens when they change gears.

 

Lesson 3: Building a Pull-Robot (Exploring Forces)

Outcomes:

NSW: ST1-2DP-T, ST1-3DP-T, ST1-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

 

Objective: Students will explore the concept of pull forces through building and programming a pull-robot.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Introduce the concept of pulling forces and how robots can simulate these forces.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Guide students in building a simple robot that pulls a small object using Lego WeDo.

  • Introduce basic programming for movement.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Ask students to explain how their robot applies force to move an object.

  • Discuss where pulling forces are seen in everyday life.

 

Lesson 4: Exploring Push Forces with a Pusher Bot

Outcomes:

NSW: ST1-2DP-T, ST1-3DP-T, ST1-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

​

Objective: Students will explore push forces by building and programming a pusher robot.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Briefly review push forces and discuss examples of pushes in the real world.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Students will build and program a pusher bot.

  • Help them understand how the robot applies push forces to move objects.
     

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Facilitate a discussion on how different objects require different amounts of force to be pushed.

 

Lesson 5: Building a Drumming Machine (Exploring Rhythmic Motion)

Outcomes:

NSW: ST1-2DP-T, ST1-3DP-T, ST1-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

​

Objective: Students will investigate rhythmic motion by building a drumming machine using Lego WeDo.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Introduce the concept of rhythmic motion and how it relates to push and pull forces.
     

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Students will build a machine that simulates drumming, exploring how the motor’s speed affects the rhythm.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Ask students to demonstrate their drumming machines and discuss how they changed the speed of the rhythm.

 

Lesson 6: Introducing Sensors - Building a Motion Detector

Outcomes:

NSW: ST1-2DP-T, ST1-3DP-T, ST1-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

​

Objective: Students will explore how sensors can detect movement and be used to control robots.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Introduce sensors, specifically motion sensors, and their role in detecting movement.
     

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Guide students in building a robot equipped with a motion sensor.

  • Program the robot to move when the sensor detects nearby movement.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Discuss how motion detectors are used in everyday life and how students can change the robot’s reaction based on different sensor readings.

 

Lesson 7: Building and Programming a Rescue Helicopter

Outcomes:

NSW: ST1-2DP-T, ST1-3DP-T, ST1-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

​

Objective: Students will use sensors and motors to build a rescue helicopter that can perform specific tasks.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Explain the task of building a rescue helicopter that can move and lift objects using a motor.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Students will build and program their helicopters, using motors and sensors to detect and lift objects.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Reflect on how the design and function of the helicopter could be improved to make the rescue operation more efficient.

 

Lesson 8: Showcasing Projects and Final Assessment

Outcomes:

NSW: ST1-2DP-T, ST1-3DP-T, ST1-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIK001, ACTDIK004

​

Objective: Students will showcase their Lego WeDo projects, reflecting on what they’ve learned about movement, sensors, and forces.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Introduce the lesson as a showcase and reflection on the projects built over the previous 7 lessons.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Allow students to set up and demonstrate their favorite project from the program, explaining how it works and the science behind it.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Facilitate a class discussion on the role of technology and machines in our lives, highlighting how science and engineering are used in problem-solving.

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