Dr. Bo Stjerne Thomsen on The Future of LEGO Education
Jan 17, 2025
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Bo Stjerne Thomsen, Head of LEGO Education and champion of innovative curricula, discusses LEGO's exciting new K-8 science program. He highlights how these hands-on kits make science fun and accessible, igniting curiosity through play-based learning. The curriculum fosters critical thinking and collaboration, especially in small classrooms. Thomsen also explores the importance of affordable resources in reshaping educational landscapes, ensuring every child experiences the joy of discovery while aligning with national science standards.
LEGO Education's new K-8 science curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based, hands-on learning to foster student engagement and creativity in science.
The curriculum aligns with national standards and utilizes a 5E model to ensure effective lesson implementation and collaborative student experiences.
Deep dives
Introduction of Inquiry-Based Learning in Science Education
The new elementary science curriculum from Lego Education emphasizes inquiry-based, hands-on learning, aiming to change the perception that science is unapproachable for many students. Research suggests that children are naturally inclined to explore and experiment, making science a perfect entry point for engagement. Unfortunately, traditional classroom methods often fail to spark this interest. The curriculum is designed to align with national science standards, encouraging creativity while fostering an understanding of scientific concepts through tangible interactions.
Innovative Classroom Solutions and Curriculum Design
Lego Education's approach includes comprehensive classroom kits tailored for different grade levels, offering hands-on materials like motors and sensors integrated with lesson plans that correspond to educational standards. Each kit is suitable for collaborative work among students, encouraging teamwork and shared learning experiences. The curriculum innovates by utilizing a 5E model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate), ensuring that lessons are both engaging and educational. This structure not only facilitates inquiry but also provides educators with resources to effectively implement lesson plans.
Focus on Engagement and Real-World Application
A core goal of the Lego Science curriculum is to foster engagement, which is crucial for effective learning outcomes. Data collected from a wide range of teachers and parents revealed a significant desire for more engaging science education since many educators feel underprepared to captivate their students. The curriculum allows for explorations of real-world scientific concepts and encourages students to ask questions and seek answers through experimentation. These hands-on activities not only enhance comprehension but also aim to reignite curiosity and enthusiasm in science learning.
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we explore LEGOs exciting new venture into science education with their latest K-8 curriculum. Tom Vander Ark chats with Bo Stjerne Thomsen, head of LEGO Education, about how this innovative, inquiry-based learning approach is set to transform classrooms by integrating hands-on science experiences aligned with NGSS standards. Designed to reignite students' curiosity and creativity, these engaging kits are perfect for fostering critical thinking and collaboration. Join us as we delve into how LEGO's playful learning strategies can make science fun and accessible, ensuring that every child can experience the joy of discovery and learning. Listen in to find out how these resources are reshaping the educational landscape for both traditional and micro-schools.