Engineering Fundamentals with Lego

Class Description: Design and build motorized machines, catapults, pyramids, demolition derby cars, truss and suspension bridges, buildings, and other constructions.  Explore concepts in physics, mechanical engineering, structural engineering, and architecture while playing with your favorite creations.  This is a hands-on and minds-on class suitable for LEGO® novices to “maniacs.”  This class is not affiliated with the LEGO Group.

SAMPLE PROJECT	ENGINEERING FUNDAMENTALS
Belt Drive Cars	Intro to Motors / Batteries / Pulley Systems
Corbelled Arch Bridges	Bridge Design, Architectural Corbels, Overlapping
Gear Drive Cars	Gear Ratios: Torque Vs. Speed
Inchworms	Eccentric Motion, Complex Gear Train
Castles and Catapults	1st, 2nd, 3rd Class Levers, Fulcrum, Throw
Carnivals	Crown Gears, Meshing Gears at 90 degrees
Spinning Tops	Angular Momentum, Center of Gravity, Centripetal Force
Gondolas	Friction and Slippage, Continuation of Belt-Drive system
Skid Steering Vehicles	Steering Mechanisms, Friction
Battle Tracks	Rack Gear System, Monorail Vehicle Design

GOALS

The goals of the class are to:

(1)       Develop and enhance students’ problem solving and critical thinking skills

(2)       Expose children to concepts and vocabulary of Engineering, Architecture, and    Physics

(3)       Provide an opportunity to have a great time with a terrific building toy

TEACHING METHODOLOGY
Students work individually, in teams, and as a group throughout the sessions.  A short discussion and demonstration of the day’s topic starts each meeting.
Children are given a design/building assignment.
Instructors will provide individual assistance and
instruction and facilitate challenges, performance testing, competitions, and modifications to projects.

Instructor: Andrew Escalera (Andrew@play-well.org).  Feel free to contact Andrew with any questions or for more information.