Aiming to demonstrate how computer coding translates to the real world, LEGO Education has launched innovative new classroom technology globally and commissioned global research into how children are learning in the 21st century.
The newest product in the LEGO Education STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) learning portfolio, SPIKE Prime brings together LEGO bricks, a programmable, multi-port hub, sensors and motors all powered by the SPIKE app, which is based on Scratch coding language.
The SPIKE app includes lessons designed to be completed within a 45-minute class.
A completely new design from LEGO Education, SPIKE Prime has been created to reach all levels of learners. According to the brand, it is an inclusive, intuitive and naturally adaptive physical and digital creative approach.
According to results released on 3 April 2019 from a new Confidence in Learning Poll, fielded by Harris Insights & Analytics, hands-on learning builds confidence. The poll found that 87 per cent of students say they learn and remember topics more when the learning involved hands-on projects, and 93 per cent of parents say hands-on learning helps children retain knowledge for the future.
Additionally, while the importance of hands-on learning is clear, only 40 per cent of teachers said their students usually or always get substantial time during the school day for hands-on lessons.
When it comes to STEAM learning specifically, teachers and parents agree that the number one way their students can build confidence in STEAM subjects is working on a hands-on project with others.
The poll showed students who are confident in STEAM are more likely to be confident at school overall and enjoy learning new things.
According to LEGO Education, SPIKE Prime was specifically designed to encourage students to get hands-onwith lessons that challenge them to think critically and creatively, to problem solve and to communicate effectively with others.
To help build students’ confidence in learning and to support teachers who are interested in incorporating more STEAM learning into their classrooms, LEGO Education is providing a Confidence in Learning toolkit and workshops to schools around the world with its continuum of hands-on learning products, including SPIKE Prime.
LEGO Education learning experts will help teachers incorporate hands-on STEAM learning into the classroom to engage all students and promote building their confidence in learning.
“We are seeing a challenge globally in middle school children, typically aged 11-14. At that age, children start losing their confidence in learning,” said Esben Stærk Jørgensen, President of LEGO Education.
“The Confidence Poll data shows that most students say if they failed at something once, they don’t want to try again. With SPIKE Prime and the lessons featured in the SPIKE app, these children will be inspired to experiment with different solutions, try new things and ultimately become more confident learners. And for teachers, time is the ultimate barrier.”
Mr Jørgensen continued, “Our mission at LEGO Education is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow, enabling every student to succeed – and that’s exactly what SPIKE Prime offers.”
Each SPIKE Prime set has 523 pieces which can be used to build many different creations including corresponding STEAM lesson plans that were created by and for educators to help them bring more hands-on STEAM learning into their curriculum and get students more engaged and excited about STEAM subjects.
LEGO Education and the LEGO Group have also created 11 new innovative elements for the LEGO System in Play, which will be first seen with SPIKE Prime. These new elements include an innovative integrator brick, which allows for building together with both the LEGO Technic and the LEGO system platforms, further expanding systematic creativity and the building possibilities.
The new product will be ready for purchase in all markets globally in August 2019.