Towering Arithmetic: Lego Building and Number Operations

Software: Mecabricks | Subject: Math | Grade: Lower Elementary (K-2) | Domain: Design & Simulation | Topic: Addition , Subtraction , Multiplication

Introduction

Kids instinctively like playing with Legos. Additionally, their genuine interest in the toys makes it easier for them to remember math and problem-solving concepts.

To read more about how Lego aids learning, head to this article.

This lesson plan aims to introduce learners to basic number operations, provide ample practice opportunities, and create a virtual Lego Tower in the process.

Lesson Overview:

	Overview	Activity Objectives
Opening Activity	Learners will refresh their memory of basic number operations like addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Learners will strengthen their problem-solving skills through a fun game of Jenga Tower Arithmetic.	Introduce learners to basic number operations. Provide opportunities for learners to practice number operations in a fun and engaging way using Legos and Jenga.
Main Activity	Learners will be introduced to the platform mecabricks where they will be creating a mystery tower by solving a number operations worksheet.	Create a virtual Lego Tower using math and problem-solving concepts. Familiarize learners with Mecabricks, a design and simulation software.
Closing Activity	Learners will reflect on their experience of the activity through the Rose, Thorn, Bud routine.	Reflect on activity experience.

Prior Knowledge:
Learners should be able to:

Perform basic number operations like addition and subtraction.

Lesson Objectives:

Introduce learners to basic number operations.
Provide opportunities for learners to practice number operations in a fun and engaging way using Legos and Jenga.
Create a virtual Lego Tower using math and problem-solving concepts.
Familiarize learners with Mecabricks, a design and simulation software.

Learning Outcomes:

Solve one- and two-step word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing within 100 using addition and subtraction.
Fluently add and subtract within 20 using mental strategies and know from memory all sums of two one-digit numbers.
Create a 3D Lego Tower by implementing their knowledge of number operations and using Mecabricks design and simulation software.

Resources:

Presentation Deck
Jenga Blocks labeled with number operations sums
Video Tutorial on Towering Arithmetic
Jenga number operation worksheet
Addition tower worksheet
Mecabricks number operations worksheet
Class Reflection Template
Devices like tablets/ laptops/Chromebooks/computers for each team.
Stable wifi connection.
Access to mecabricks on each device.

Pre-lesson Prep

Like all lessons on Eddy, this lesson follows a certain approach. If this is your first time implementing an Eddy lesson, check out our lesson approach for more information.

Prepare necessary logistics in advance.
- Printouts of Lego worksheets - one per group.
- Printouts of number operations worksheet - one per group
Prepare necessary technology/hardware in advance
- Devices (tablets/laptops/Chromebooks/computers) - one per team
- A stable Wi-Fi connection.
- Access to https://www.mecabricks.com/ on each device.

What can I do if I allocate more than three students per group?

In the event of more than three students per group, guide students on ways to be equal and make time within the group to ensure everyone gets their share of hands-on learning. You can also assign the responsibility of monitoring equal making time and an opportunity to voice opinions to one team member.

How does creating a Lego tower lead to durable learning?

Lego construction excites learners and gives them a hands-on into the world of mathematics, leading to durable and fun learning.

Opening Activity

Slide 1	Write your description here...
Slide 2	To conduct this activity, begin by sharing the learning objectives for the day with learners.
Slide 3, 4, 5	You can walk learners through some basic number operations and refresh their memory about the same.
Slide 6	Jenga Tower Arithematic: To conduct this activity, print the number operations worksheet and cut out each problem sum to be put on Jenga bricks as labels. You can watch this video tutorial to see how Jenga could be utilized in the classroom. Based on the number of groups in your classroom, keep Jenga bricks stacked as towers ready. Ensure that the problem label faces the top and the answer label faces the ground, such that when a block is pulled out, the problem is visible to the learners first.
Slide 7	Introduce learners to the task. Share that two groups would compete over a game of Jenga. This Jenga game would be a little different from the usual Jenga games. Each Jenga block has a mathematical problem written on top. A team must answer the problem correctly if they pull a block out. If the answers are correct, they can keep the Jenga block with them. They must put it back safely in the Jenga Tower if it is incorrect. When the tower falls, the team with the most blocks wins the game. Guide two teams to sit facing one another with the Jenga tower in between. The rules for the game, of which the learners are to be informed, are: From any level of the tower, proceed one block on a turn (except the one below an incomplete top level) To finish it, if you’ve answered it incorrectly, place it on the highest level possible. If you’ve answered correctly, you will keep the block to yourself. Players can only use one hand at a time. Players can tap a block to locate a loose block. Replace any moved but unplayed blocks unless doing so will cause the tower to collapse. The turn is over whenever the following player touches the tower or ten seconds have passed. Once the timer starts, teams will begin to compete. (Source: https://jenga.com/about.php) NOTE: Teachers may check out these alternative activities as a less logistics-intensive alternative to Arithematic Jenga.

For beginners or students who may struggle with the concept of shapes, you may choose to:

Use basic addition and subtraction problems on the Jenga blocks by modifying the number operations template for Jenga. Allow the teams to discuss the answer before responding. Use a smaller Jenga tower with fewer blocks to make it easier to play.

For intermediate learners, you may choose to:

Use a mix of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems on the Jenga blocks. Limit the time the team has to answer the problem to increase the difficulty level. Use a standard Jenga tower with more blocks.

For advanced learners, you may choose to:

Use more complex problems involving fractions, decimals, and percentages on the Jenga blocks. Limit the time the team has to answer the problem, and do not allow them to discuss the answer. Use a standard Jenga tower with more blocks.

Main Activity

Slide 8

In this lesson section, learners would solve a number operations worksheet and receive instructions on creating a mystery monument upon solving it.

Begin by asking, “Have you ever created anything with Lego?” Wait for responses. Encourage learners to share what they have created with Lego.
Share that today; we would solve math problems to create a mystery tower. Upon correctly solving a math problem on the worksheet, learners would get to know the number of Lego bricks to be used in every step of the mystery monument creation.

Slide 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Introduce learners to the tool with the help of some guided practice on slides 10-14.
Allow 40 minutes for learners to freely explore the tool and gain familiarity with the same.

Hand out the number operation worksheets to the learners. Share that we would use Mecabricks, an online platform to create things using virtual Lego bricks for mystery monument creation.
Open the floor for questions.

Apprise learners of the time limit for solving the worksheet and creating the mystery monument, which is 45 minutes.

To demonstrate how to use Mecabricks, use this video tutorial.

For beginners or students who may struggle with the concept

Provide extra time for learners to complete the worksheet or build the mystery monument. Simplify the instructions or break the activity into smaller steps. Use manipulatives, such as actual Lego bricks or objects, to help learners visualize the number operations.

For advanced learners:

Once done with the challenge, you may provide learners with the task of adding additional bricks to the creation and further beautifying it, with the constraint that each brick costs a particular amount. They must create it all within a specified budget. You may also choose to provide learners with the opportunity of helping teams still figuring out the task. This would strengthen their learning and allow them to solidify what they’ve learned by explaining the concept to their peers.

Closing Activity

Slide 16

This is the last section of the Lesson, where learners would get the opportunity to reflect on their activity process by sharing three things via a “Rose-thorn-bud” activity. A mindful design-thinking exercise called "Rose, Bud, Thorn" asks participants to reflect on their day's highs and lows and to express their emotions. Learners would share their reflections on the activity by answering the following prompts.:

One accomplishment that makes you proud
What is one thing that excites you?
What is one area where you need more help?

Note: Educators may choose to display the template titled “Class reflection” on the screen or take printouts of the template and distribute them amongst learners to fill up their reflections.

Assessment

Solve number operations

Emerging

The learner can solve some of the mathematical operations correctly.

Developing

The learner can solve most of the number operations correctly.

Proficient

The learner can solve all of the number operations with accuracy and speed.

3 D Lego Tower creation

Emerging

Learner faces difficulty in neatly stacking the Legos and navigating the interface.

Developing

The learner can create a neat Lego tower, but it consumes time.

Proficient

The learner can accurately make the tower utilizing the minimum time possible.