Every LEGO® Education lesson follows the 5E Instructional Model—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. This model reflects constructivist theory. It’s widely used and well-proven as a very effective model for STEAM learning. To see this approach in action, review any lesson plan in the online lesson library.

Preparation

• App: Download the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ App and units. Review the Start tutorials.
• Sets: Unpack, sort, label, and number the sets. Update the SPIKE Prime 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: Check and sort the sets regularly. Use the element overview on side 2 of the top card inside the storage box as a checklist.
• Prepare students: 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 groups her students for successful collaboration.

Note: The link above leads to a platform requiring login via LEGO ID. If you don’t have a LEGO ID, you’ll be prompted to create one.