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LEGO Mindstorms EV3 in Your Homeschool

It's been a while since we've shared any of our LEGO escapades with you, hasn't it? 

LEGO® Education Mindstorms EV3 in your homeschool

To be honest, this is because we've hit upon a LEGO® Education product that has truly challenged (and sometimes stumped) my almost 11 year old. 

Up to this point we've been using a lot of the LEGO® Education products for the elementary ages (you can read all of our reviews and experiences if you'd like). Now, however, LEGO® Education Mindstorms EV3 has taken our home by storm and I have a husband and son that are completely in love with this challenging robotics set and software!

Mindstorms enable students to build, program, and test their solutions based on real-life robotics technology. It comes with the EV3 intelligent brick - basically a powerful small personal computer - that allows students to control motors and collect sensor feedback. 

I know, I know. 

It all sounds very confusing, doesn't it?  I had been very intimidated by this set and software (so much so that it just sat on our shelf for nearly a year before I mustered up the courage to delve into the Mindstorms world!) 

My son, however, (with a little help from his dad) jumped right in, has figured out basic programming and is motivated to learn MORE.  

LEGO® Education Mindstorms EV3 has been the perfect addition to our homeschool. I don't have to tell you what valuable skills programming, building, problem-solving, and patience building are in today's world.  

About LEGO® Education EV3 Core Set

The LEGO® Education EV3 set is different than the LEGO Mindstorms retail set sold in most stores. The education version has more motors, sensors, and more advanced programming. 

I would HIGHLY recommend this set. I know it's a HUGE investment, but if you have a STEM minded kid, you will get your money's worth.

I promise. 

(You can read ALL ABOUT EV3 on the LEGO® Education site to learn more.)

The set includes:

  • Three interactive motors with built-in rotation sensors
  • Color sensor, gyro sensor, ultrasonic sensor, and two touch sensors
  • Rechargeable battery and charger
  • Ball Wheel
  • Connecting cables
  • Building Instructions
  • LEGO Technic Building Bricks

A printed booklet of instructions for the LEGO Educator model are included, and 4 additional sets of instructions are embedded in the software (sold separately).

My son immediately built the LEGO Educator model without any problems.  He and his dad spent some time with the software and did the basic programming.

The programming is drag and drop, so it's very easy to learn! 

Then, my son wanted to construct the Mindstorms Crane.  He completed the steps (over 100) and it took him close to three hours.  Then, the programming happened.  

Look what he came up with! 

Creativity with Mindstorms EV3

Of course, my son loves the models he has made with the instructions, but he also loves to be creative with the Technic bricks. 

He's been experimenting with the sensors and programming. 

The beauty of this is that he is thinking through problems and solutions. He is asking good questions. He is fine tuning so many good skills that will serve him later in life. 

We're even thinking  about starting our own First LEGO League Team! 

Creativity with LEGO® Education Mindstorms EV3

The LEGO® Education Mindstorms EV3 has been the next logical step for my LEGO lover. 

I love that these products have taken him literally from preschool to middle school, and I can see many more years of LEGO learning in his future! 

 

LEGO® Education StoryStarter In Your Homeschool

Do you have a LEGO lover living in your house?

If so, you really should become familiar with LEGO® Education and their curriculum for homeschool.

A particular favorite in our home is StoryStarter, a curriculum that gives our children enrichment in reading, writing, creativity, technology, and so much more.

Designed as a SUPPLEMENT to your current language arts curriculum, StoryStarter offers children the chance to create, retell, and document stories. We have used it in a myriad of ways in our homeschool, and I can't speak highly enough of this resource. 

 

LEGO® Education StoryStarter in Your Homeschool

About LEGO® Education StoryStarter

I've written about StoryStarter before - you might want to check out that review. 

StoryStarter is designed for children in 2nd-5th grades.  We have used this set as young as Kindergarten, and I can anticipate my son using it well into middle school.

(After all, we don't really put grade level labels on our homeschooled children, do we?)

StoryStarter can be used in your individual homeschool, and it is also PERFECT for a co-op or LEGO club!

In a nutshell, StoryStarter includes:

  • StoryStarter Core Set -- 1100+ LEGO elements that can accommodate up to three children

  • StoryStarter Curriculum Pack -- 24 scripted lessons that include writing, listening, reading, and presentation skills

  • StoryVisualizer Software -- software that is (Mac and Windows friendly) for children to create their own stories, PLUS access to the StoryStarter App (also IOS and Android friendly)

LEGO® Education StoryStarter in Your Homeschool

The complete StoryStarter set is $139.95. If you consider how much one normal LEGO set costs, this is an EXCELLENT value (plus you receive a full curriculum AND software!).

I would much rather have this education set instead of 4 or 5 licensed character LEGO sets, wouldn't you?  It is an excellent resource for your homeschool that will last for many years. 

How To Use StoryStarter in Your Homeschool

StoryStarter can supplement SO MANY areas of your homeschool:

  • Reading

  • Writing

  • Fine Motor Skills

  • Technology

  • Narration

  • Presentation Skills

As I recently shared with a group of parents and children at the Florida Parent Educators Association Conference, StoryStarter can be used in its most pure form (using the 24 scripted lessons), or can be used creatively.

Below is an example of a lesson from the curriculum I did with my son. This has been one of his favorites because it asked him to design a sports stadium and then add the commentary on a sports game of his choice. He created a basketball arena (in many scenes), uploaded the pictures to the StoryVisualizer software, and typed in the dialogue.  I love it!

Click here to see the full creation

LEGO® Education StoryStarter in Your Homeschool

If you want to get creative consider the following options: 

  • Narrate read alouds with StoryStarter bricks -- if children struggle with verbal narrations, sometimes building a narration can be much easier; then, have your child tell you about their creation. Narration = CHECK!

  • Create a LEGO scene of your choice and use the StoryVisualizer software to write a story about the creation. The StoryStarter app allows children to take their own pictures and immediately put them into story form - add text, backgrounds, and much more for a fun creation. Print these creations and save in a notebook.

  • When learning about poetry have your children build the poem with StoryStarter bricks - then use the StoryVisualizer software to combine the text of the poem with your original LEGO creation.

Please take a moment to view the slides from the recent presentation I made on behalf of LEGO® Education - they will give you a good overview of the curriculum and how we have used the 24 scripted lessons, the software, and also how we have branched out and gotten creative with StoryStarter!

I know you will LOVE the StoryStarter resource for your homeschool!   Please also visit my LEGO Learning page to see more LEGO resources I have reviewed, along with free printables, too!