Product Overview: LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 Core Set
The LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 Core Set is a comprehensive, hands-on STEM solution designed to engage primary school students in science, engineering, technology, and coding. This innovative educational tool combines the familiar LEGO bricks with advanced technology and classroom-friendly software to foster a deep understanding of scientific and engineering principles.
Key Features
Hardware Components
- The Core Set includes 280 LEGO system building elements, a Smarthub (an electronic building brick with Bluetooth low energy connectivity), a medium motor, a motion sensor, and a tilt sensor. The Smarthub is powered by 2 AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack and features two I/O ports for connecting external motors, sensors, or other components.
Software
- The WeDo 2.0 software is an essential component, offering a colorful, drag-and-drop interface that allows students to access projects, program their models, and follow digital building instructions. The software also includes an integrated Documentation tool for students to document their findings and processes.
Project Structure
- The learning process is structured around four phases:
- Explore Phase: Students connect to a scientific question or engineering problem, establish a line of inquiry, and consider possible solutions.
- Create Phase: Students build and program a LEGO model, with each project focusing on one of three types of activities: investigation, designing solutions, or using models.
- Test Phase: Students are given tasks to modify their LEGO models based on the type of project.
- Share Phase: Students present and explain their solutions using their LEGO models and the digital portfolios created with the Documentation tool.
Curriculum Alignment
- The WeDo 2.0 curriculum pack is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) standards, providing over 40 hours of instructional content. It covers subjects including life, physical, earth, and space sciences, as well as engineering.
Collaboration and Documentation
- Designed to support collaboration, each Core Set is intended for two students to work together. The integrated Documentation tool allows students to document their findings, solutions, and processes, which can be exported for assessment, display, or sharing with parents.
Functionality
- Hands-On Learning: Students engage in a “minds-on” learning experience by building, programming, and modifying motorized LEGO models, which helps build their confidence in asking questions and solving problems.
- Cross-Curriculum Solutions: The curriculum packs provide flexible, cross-curriculum solutions that align with various educational standards, reducing the time teachers need to spend on planning.
- Assessment and Feedback: The documentation process and digital portfolios enable teachers to track students’ progress, identify areas where they need more help, and evaluate their learning outcomes.
The LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 Core Set is an innovative tool that not only introduces students to STEM concepts but also fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging manner.