Each and every one of our children loves LEGO® bricks – in any form. The summer months {ok, anytime of the year…} are a great time to get brains in motion, have hands creating and building, and introduce new concepts to the kids through LEGO® Education.

Six months ago, our family purchased the Simple Machines from LEGO Education to begin talking about the science concepts of gears, pulleys, levers, wheels and axles – and approaching those concepts in a fun and engaging way.

Over these last months, we’ve had the chance to build merry-go-rounds, go carts, catapults {and more} and in the process learn so much more about science and the technical side of things – all while having fun! Our time with the Simple Machines kit was one of this kiddo’s weekly highlights.

How We Are Using the Simple Machines kit from LEGO Education

Once a week we set aside time to build one of the 16 different activities that are included in the Simple Machines pack. The instruction sets and guides that come with the Simple Machines set are easy enough for children to work on independently and the teacher’s guide includes further details to explain the principles that are being built in the activity guides.

For example, after Kaleb built one of the gear activities, we worked on labeling the gears {crown gear, driver gear, etc…} and then the teacher’s guide provided additional material for us to work on together to show the differences that gear sizes make – and so much more {but I can’t show you the entire manual, now can I? – wink}.

For each of the main activities that children create, there are in-depth worksheets to go along with the creations that require kids to dig a little deeper and explain the ‘why’ behind their models. Parents {and teachers} can see how much their children are retaining and understanding – and review any areas if needed.

Here are two video clips of Kaleb explaining the different parts of a catapult we worked on and a ‘test’ we tried with the catapult to see how far the load would travel.

Things We Love About Simple Machines

One thing that we really enjoy are the Problem-Solving Activities that are included at the end of each of the four main ‘units’ of Simple Machines. While there aren’t any step-by-step instructions for building the project, children have to use the concepts they have learned to design the modeled project. There are a few pictures for them to base their design on – but the fun is figuring out how it will all fit together and work!

Another thing that I personally love – the lessons are scripted. The program would actually be a great addition to any co-op setting as well as individual homeschool use. The worksheets are also available to reprint from the cd, so you can save print off a copy rather than use the ones in the manual.

This set has been fabulous for our hands-on learners. As the kids are creating, they are touching and learning through their play – which is really a win-win for all of us.

Included in the Simple Machines set from LEGO® Education

The Simple Machines pack has 16 activities focusing on gears, pulleys, levers, wheels and axles. The full kit, consisting of the teacher’s guide and building elements, includes the following:

• 204 building elements
• teacher notes and student worksheets, with tips, a glossary and more
• 4 booklets for building projects
• storage container for building elements

Recommended age: 7+

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I am a blogger for LEGO® Education. Our family purchased the Simple Machines set to use and LEGO® Education provided an additional set as a giveaway for my readers. I was not compensated for my review – we genuinely love the product and recommend it!