The Science Behind LEGO: Unveiling 5 STEM Secrets

5 min readJul 30, 2023

Are LEGOs STEM?

Ah, the age-old problem: Are LEGOs more than just colorful, foot-destroying, addictive bricks? Could they be, gasp, educational? The interlocking mysteries of LEGOs have long tormented the minds of teachers, students, and people who like to step on things that hurt. However, the answer to this question is not a straightforward “yes” or “no.” Instead, it requires a nuanced understanding of how LEGO can serve as a gateway to STEM learning, fostering critical skills and igniting a passion for exploration and discovery.

Seamless Blend Of LEGO and STEM

Can LEGOs make science, tech, engineering, and math (STEM) fun? According to educator Gloria “Gigi” Walker, they certainly can! “Integrating LEGO and STEM concepts creates a seamless blend that sparks learners’ creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.” We can’t argue with Gigi, can we? LEGOs can make anything seem possible, from constructing elaborate spaceship models to teaching complicated scientific principles.

LEGOs offer a gateway to exploration and discovery, like a colorful, plastic Narnia, but with more instruction manuals. With their open-ended nature, LEGOs allow kids to see problems from different angles, promoting divergent thinking and cultivating a “hey, let’s see what happens if we do this” mindset.

And if you’re thinking, “But where’s the proof?” University of Cambridge has done the legwork (get it, LEGO, legwork?) with a comprehensive study showing significant improvements in problem-solving skills among the LEGO group. (source)

STEM Concepts With LEGO Sets and Robotics

Now, enter the world of LEGO Mindstorms and LEGO Boost, where bricks meet bots. These aren’t your average stack-em-high LEGO sets; these are the transformers of the LEGO universe. Students can now combine the joys of construction with the wonders of coding, engineering, and making robots do cool stuff.

These sets offer a peek into the future of robotics, automation, and engineering careers. It’s hands-on and engaging, preparing our kids for a world of technology and less stepping on LEGOs.

Critical Skills Through Hands-On LEGO Play

These bricks build more than just fantastic structures; they construct critical skills. LEGO Play is like a gym but for your brain — working out your spatial reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving muscles.

When children collaborate on LEGO projects, it’s like a mini boardroom scenario, but with more imagination and fewer coffee breaks. They learn to communicate, negotiate, and work as a team — essential for those future boardroom battles!

Cognitive Benefits of LEGO and STEM Learning

Apart from the evident joy of creating something out of tiny bricks, LEGOs have been flexing their educational muscles in the cognitive gym. Studies, and likely some very entertained researchers, have shown that LEGO-based activities are like spinach to Popeye for spatial intelligence. Who knew playing with tiny bricks could enhance spatial awareness and visualization skills?

Digital Frontier Of LEGO-Based STEM Education

This digital LEGO landscape enables students across the globe to collaborate, turning the LEGO universe into a vast, interconnected community of little builders with big ideas!

But wait, there’s more! LEGO has joined the digital revolution. With the introduction of software platforms, kids can now design, program, and simulate their creations in virtual environments, making the learning experience richer and cooler.

How Does LEGO Teach STEM?

Curious how LEGO pulls off this educational magic trick? Here is a list of the top ways LEGOs are instrumental in teaching STEM:

LEGO bricks seamlessly blend Play and learning to teach STEM concepts.
In LEGO education, young learners embark on captivating adventures that bridge imagination and knowledge acquisition.
Hands-on exploration develops problem-solving abilities, spatial awareness, and a solid foundation in STEM.
LEGO education engages young minds, igniting a genuine passion for STEM subjects through fun and creativity.
Construction activities expose children to fundamental principles of physics, engineering, and architecture.
LEGO education promotes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, resilience, and a growth mindset.
Spatial awareness develops through manipulating and assembling bricks, enhancing spatial reasoning abilities.
LEGO education equips children with foundational STEM knowledge and essential 21st-century skills.
Experiential learning with LEGOs nurtures creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
LEGO education empowers young minds to become innovators and problem solvers of the future.

Through LEGO, kids are exposed to the foundational principles of physics, engineering, and architecture, all while developing essential 21st-century skills. LEGO education is not just about building blocks; it’s about building innovators and problem-solvers of the future!

Not a Simple Yes Or No

So, are LEGOs STEM? The answer may not be a simple yes or no, but these colorful bricks open up a universe of learning possibilities. LEGO provides a vibrant and engaging pathway to STEM learning through robotics sets, digital tools, or good old-fashioned building while ensuring a fair share of laughter and, occasionally, some foot pain!

Originally published at https://brainybuddies.io on July 30, 2023.