Podcast Episode #7: Robotics and Literacy Learning - STEM and English Language Arts Connected

      

Featuring Host, Mark Gura’s Interview with Leisha Hoot of LEGO Education


Click arrow above to listen to the podcast -  
The interview starts at 7:28

This episode features a spirited discussion about how LEGO’s WeDo Robotics materials are used effectively to foster Literacy learning in classrooms and beyond.  An overview of easy robotics, appropriate for young students is followed by discussions of how teachers can practically use this approach for a variety of powerful literacy strategies.

Important Links

LEGO Education / WeDo
http://aux.legoeducation.us/WeDoMastery/#loc=WD_W1Nov2012


Leisha's Links

WeDo Common Core and NGSS Correlations – on this page under the Resources tab:  http://www.legoeducation.us/eng/product/lego_education_wedo_ndash_getting_started_package/1685

WeDo Case Studies: http://www.legoeducation.us/etc/images/educatorSpotlight/FeaturedTeacherScottRoper.pdf and http://www.legoeducation.us/etc/images/educatorSpotlight/MansfieldISDCaseStudy.pdf

Tufts Activities: www.LEGOengineering.com and search for WeDo.  One of my favorites is “A Chair for Mr. Bear” http://www.legoengineering.com/chair-for-mr-bear/

Articles discussed in the podcast:

(Washington Post) The Answer Sheet / How to Integrate Literacy with STEM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/how-to-integrate-literacy-with-stem/2012/06/13/gJQAX2DGbV_blog.html

(Charlotte Observer) Fourth-graders turn Legos into robots http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/06/21/4121246/fourth-graders-turn-legos-into.html 

YouTube videos of WeDO Robotics:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w03n-Y18-9I

(This one’s a very good)  Overview Video of WeDo robotics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_L3AIkXiT0

Another Worthwhile Overview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0Jux3uIj0U

The videos below clearly demonstrate the connection between Robotics (and communications technologies) and Speaking and Listening, key literacy skills.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWqmPr08_lo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWqDTpgFxsM

http://www.schooltube.com/video/fb55232adb0248b68ac6/LEGO%20Robotics:%20WeDo:%20Animal%20Design%20Project:%20Giant%20Panda%201

WeDo Curriculum Links
http://ase.tufts.edu/DevTech/courses/readings/WeDoIntro.pdf



Click on book cover for information on Getting Started with LEGO Robotics.

Anyone who works with kids can do LEGO Robotics, a rich and highly motivating platform for important STEM Learning! (surprisingly affordable, too) This books explains it all!