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LEGO® Education

SPIKE™ Essential

Unboxing

Assemble your set

Open your box and follow these instructions:

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  1. Apply the stickers to the correct corners of each sorting tray.
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  1. Apply the labels to the box and all of the hardware components.
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  1. Open the bags and sort the bricks into the color-coded sorting trays. Bags without numbers are stored in the bottom of the yellow box.
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  1. Label each box and its hardware with a unique name or number.
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  1. Insert the battery into the SPIKE Essential Hub.
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  1. Store the replacement elements for later use.

Classroom Management

Preparation

  • App: Download the LEGO® Education SPIKE App and units. Review the Start tutorials.
  • Sets: Unpack, sort, label, and number the sets. Update the Hub firmware.
  • Storage: Consider how to conveniently store the sets (e.g., cabinet or wheeled cart) and how you’ll charge the Hubs after use. Store replacement packs separately for when elements go missing.
  • Tools: Gather tape, yardsticks, cardboard, scissors, and student handouts.
  • Space: Clear the tables for working. Use the floor for testing and running programs.
  • Lesson planning: Run through a lesson as if you were a student. Refine and prepare to teach the lesson to your students.

Best Practices

  • Rules: Create classroom rules for hands-on work (e.g., only use elements from one set, use storage box lids as trays for working on/presenting/transporting models, ask peers for help first, guidelines for speaking/listening vs. working).
  • Tidy-up: Reserve time for students to store or disassemble their creations.
  • Lost & found: Create a “lost & found” jar for LEGO elements found on the floor. Students missing an element should look in the jar.
  • Evaluation: Evaluate your lessons and reflect on the experience. Compare notes with a colleague or search social media for tips and tricks.
  • Checking & sorting: Regularly check and sort the sets. Use the element overview on ''side 2'' of the top card inside the storage box as a checklist.
  • Exploration: Allow time for your students to explore the tutorial activities under Start in the app.
  • Grouping: Decide the best way to group your students for effective collaborative learning.

Example: See how one teacher manages small group work.

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Choose Your First Lessons

The LEGO Education SPIKE Essential lessons are organized into themed units that emphasize different aspects of STEAM. Some units are aimed at lower-primary students, while others are aimed at upper-primary students. Lessons progress in difficulty within each unit and build toward a culminating project. A good place to start is usually with lesson 1. Navigate to the first lesson in each unit below.

Lower Primary Lessons

Upper Primary Lessons