USNA News Article

Naval Academy Uses Legos to Teach Children About Science

Nov 21, 2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alexia Rivercorrea, U.S. Naval Academy Public Affairs

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (NNS) -- The Naval Academy Midshipman Action Group (MAG) started a new outreach program Nov. 14 using Legos to encourage and foster children“s interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The Junior First Lego League is part of a robotics program for students in kindergarten through third grade called, "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology."

Students in the program divide into teams and apply real-world math and science concepts toward building a Lego model of a variety of machines. The project helps young students develop team-building and presentation skills.

“I view this program as a means to introduce the youngest students to STEM-related subjects on a level they can understand,” said Mary Graham, a math and physics tutor in the Naval Academy“s Center for Academic Excellence who helps out with the program.

Every year, the Junior First Lego program organizers release a challenge, which is based on a real-world scientific topic. This year“s challenge is entitled "2011 Snack Attack Challenge: Keeping Food Safe." Participants take a hands-on approach to the topic of food safety by exploring how proper preparation and storage can help keep us healthy.

The challenge builds an understanding of the food we eat and the complex network of food growers, transporters, processors and sellers. The Snack Attack Challenge lays the groundwork for understanding the roles that all kinds of careers play in keeping food safe, fresh and healthy.

As part of the challenge, children learn about and construct simple machines - such as a lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane and wedge, and screw - using Lego pieces.

“The response to the program by children and their parents has been overwhelming,” said Graham. “The children are enthusiastic, energetic and interested. It“s amazing to watch them build a motorized go-cart, a moving swing, a seesaw, a pulley device, from basic instructions, or a photo.”

”The midshipmen help out using their leadership and communication skills by meeting the program“s requirement for mentors or coaches,” said Graham. “The coach is a critical element of the team.”

The first group of midshipmen started participating in the program in early November, but more midshipmen are needed, said Midshipman 2nd Class Lizandro Castro, who helps facilitate the program. Midshipmen are needed at approximately 3 p.m. after school on Mondays and Wednesdays o assist students with Lego building projects.

“I love it when midshipmen get involved in the community,” said Castro. “It develops character in midshipmen and makes the community a better place for everyone. When midshipmen volunteer in the community, everyone wins.”

For more information about the STEM program at USNA, please visit the STEM Web Site.