Using legos to interest high school students and imtrove k12 stem education

Abstract

Wichita State University is actively using LEGOs to encourage science math engineering and technology (SMET). There are two major thrusts in our efforts. The college of engineering uses LEGO blocks to simulate a factory environment in the building of LEGO airplanes. This participative demonstration has been used at middle school, high school, and college classes. LEGOs are used to present four manufacturing scenarios of traditional, cellular, pull, and single piece flow manufacturing. The demonstration presents to students how the design of a factory has significant impact on the success of the company. It also encourages students to pursue engineering careers. The college of education uses robotics as a vehicle to integrate technology and engineering into math and science preservice and inservice teacher education.. The purpose is to develop technologically astute and competent teachers who are capable of integrating technology into their curriculum to improve the teaching and learning of their students. This paper will discuss each effort, the collaboration between the two, and provide examples of success.