LEGO has developed incredible toys, programs, and curriculums for kids to learn coding and programming. LEGO plastic bricks can be easily assembled and disassembled, making them seamless for kids to use, while also incorporating some coding into the mix using LEGO Mindstorms EV3.
Coding for kids is easy, fun, and accessible. There are many ways with which parents can introduce their kids to coding, some of which include coding programs, resources, coding subscription boxes and kits, coding boot camps, coding books, apps, games, and many more! The idea behind these is to ensure all kids have equal opportunities to get involved in STEM. So, whether your kids want to learn robotics, Python, website development, games, etc., you can be sure to find a perfect coding program for them.
Overview of LEGO Coding & Projects for Kids
LEGO coding projects involve the use of LEGO building blocks to teach coding to kids. Learning to code with LEGO is exciting, as kids get to enter into the world of robotics and computer science through hands-on LEGO projects.
LEGO and coding are two mutually exclusive terms; this means that kids can learn how to create awesome projects without including coding and computer science. They will also understand certain coding syntax and terminologies, such as variables, algorithms, loops, bits, etc. However, coding is important, and as kids progress, they will have to extend their knowledge to coding with LEGO.
LEGO Mindstorms
The LEGO Mindstorms has also proven to be one of the best in teaching coding and robotics for kids. LEGO Mindstorms is a LEGO robotic set designed to equip kids with the skills to build and program up to 17 LEGO robots. The Mindstorm robots use drag-and-drop-based coding, one of the easiest and most effective methods for kids to learn to code. There are five different LEGO robotic Mindstorm modules - Tricky, Gelo, M.V.P, Charlie, and Blast. Kids can unravel their LEGO Mindstorms with their friends, as this encourages teamwork, collaboration, and critical thinking.
In addition, LEGO robots have a free app with over 50 robotic activities for kids to engage in and have fun with. There are several step-by-step guides, codes, and other activities that make learning with the LEGO Mindstorms seamless. Kids can take various STEM challenges that equip them with problem solving, engineering, math, creativity, critical thinking, and computational skills.
Benefits of LEGO Coding and Projects for Kids
The importance of LEGO coding for kids includes the following.
- Kids understand programming concepts better. Programming is simply a person telling a computer what to do. LEGO coding is practical, and kids will absorb the process more efficiently.
- Coding with LEGO births creativity and independence in kids.
- It promotes independence
- It promotes teamwork and collaboration
- Young children will also acquire other skills, including computational thinking, computer skills, problem-solving, algorithmic thinking, and critical thinking.
Best List of LEGO Coding Project Ideas
There are countless projects you and your kids can create with LEGO bricks. Here are some inspiring ideas of the amazing projects you can build with your LEGO building blocks.
- LEGO Maze
- LEGO Sequence
- Design LEGO Boat
- LEGO Dominion Chain
- LEGO Rainbow
- LEGO Binary Alphabet Rainbow
LEGO Maze
The free, printable LEGO project, LEGO Maze, is an easy LEGO activity that uses hands-on activities to teach kids how to code. Coding a LEGO maze is a free, printable coding activity that makes learning more visual and practical. Younger kids can engage in this project using paper and LEGO bricks, while older kids can include programming concepts and complex challenges.
This project includes varying levels of difficulties, and younger children can hop on the easier challenges, and gradually proceed to the difficult activities. This creates room for growth, as kids can monitor their progress, which gears them to only put in more effort. Kids as young as 5 years of age can attempt learning with the LEGO maze.
There are four levels of difficulty in this project, and at the end, learners should be able to write a program and code various LEGO mazes. Also, it serves as the framework for bigger programming projects for kids.
LEGO Sequence
Did you know that your kids can learn all about numbers, math, commands, and sequence, just with LEGO building blocks? The LEGO sequence project aims to teach kids how to solve problems using sequence. Sequence is important in coding, and LEGO sequence is just the right project for your kids to learn all about it.
This can also be adopted into a classroom activity for kids to play and learn collectively. It is a coding game that births critical thinking, algorithmic learning, creativity, numerical skills, and proactiveness.
Design LEGO Boat
If your kids are excited about engineering, then can you design a LEGO boat project that is the best for them! This is a great classroom activity that can be played with a box of LEGO building blocks, water, a container, and pennies. It is also a simple hands-on project that yields immediate results. Kids can repeat the process until they get it right.
There is no specification on the type of boat for this activity- kids can get as creative as they want, as long as the conclusion is correct.
LEGO Dominion Chain
The LEGO Dominion Chain enlightens learners on how to build a chain reaction using LEGO. A domino effect also called a chain reaction, occurs when an occurrence causes a chain of similar occurrences. The idea behind this project is to compromise the dominoes and use the LEGO bricks as dominoes.
The LEGO dominion chain activity is simple and fun! Kids can learn all about science, especially the mechanism behind kinetic energy. While younger kids might not grasp this concept, it is a good way for them to learn about hand-eye coordination.
LEGO Rainbow
Beyond the conventional activities kids create with the LEGO bricks, they can think out of the box and create other awesome projects like making a LEGO rainbow. The LEGO rainbow is a combination of red, blue, pink, yellow, orange, and green colors.
While it may look like an easy challenge at a glance, the LEGO rainbow project is quite challenging. However, with a little guidance from parents/teachers, kids will quickly learn the specifics of building a LEGO rainbow. This is a fun activity that teaches problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity.
Check out step-by-step guide on how to create a LEGO rainbow!
LEGO Binary Alphabet Rainbow
Just like the LEGO Rainbow, the LEGO Binary Alphabet Rainbow is a screen-free LEGO coding activity for kids. With their LEGO bricks and baseplate, kids can improve their understanding of numbers and binary. This is a relevant skill, not just in coding LEGOs, but also in math and other subjects as well.
To complete this project, you need to download the free, printable LEGO binary alphabet conversion chart. Binary uses the numbers 0 and 1, which makes this project accessible to younger kids as early as 5 years of age. In addition to improving mathematical and computational thinking skills, this LEGO project also equips kids with reading skills. It is engaging, fun, and easy for everyone to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make coding fun for kids?
There are thousands of ways in which your kids can have absolute fun! You can surprise them with a Christmas coding gift kit or programming toys, such as LEGO bricks, Arduino robotic kits, or the raspberry pi kit. In addition, you can also register them on coding boot camps for kids, which serve as a way for kids to network and share ideas.
What are good coding activities for kids?
Building awesome projects with the LEGO building toys, building robots with robotic kits, engaging in STEM challenges, and subscribing to coding programs from large tech companies, are some of the most incredible coding activities for your kids.
Final Thoughts on LEGO Coding Project Ideas
LEGO coding is great at helping your kids learn all about LEGO, coding, robotics, engineering, and other STEM-related subjects. It is also important that your kids understand LEGO and the terminologies attached to it before they dive right into creating projects. Our article on All About LEGO Coding for Kids will guide you through everything about LEGO and coding.
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