If you have noticed your child’s inclination toward invention and a penchant for creativity, who knows if he grows up to become a design engineer someday. Thanks to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curriculum in most IB schools across the world, including Dubai and other regions of the Middle East, students are able to discover their talents at a young age in a play-way manner. LEGO® Education solutions have introduced a whole range of exciting learning ‘kits’ to foster these 21st-century skills amongst learners right from the preschool level, to higher grades & beyond. To learn more about LEGO® Education solutions, and avail of the same in UAE or other GCC regions, simply visit our website: https://shop.knowledge-hub.com/

Application of Design Engineering Concepts to LEGO® Education Models

Basically, a design engineer’s job is to work with products and devise the best possible outcome by building models and prototypes that are functional. With the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime, children can do just that; construct, program, and test workable models such as; a weather update device or an intruder alarm, or even a robotic arm that can lift objects.

Engineering Design Processes’ and What We Can Learn:

#1 Defining a Problem

Every product that a company introduces is devised to solve a problem or to substitute the existing product by giving a better solution to the problem. For example, Electric Cars were invented to solve the problem of rising petrol prices and even contribute to a greener tomorrow, by reducing pollution emitted by the petrol car version. Our budding engineers in schools are encouraged to ask questions that help them solve a problem. What problem am I working on? Can I construct a model with LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime kit that will solve the problem? For example: collaborating with team members to power a robot that can solve the Rubik cube in the fastest possible time.

#2 Brainstorm Ideas

‘Great things are never done by one person; they are a result of good teamwork.’ Be it a workplace or a classroom set-up, it’s always beneficial to brainstorm ideas by enlisting them in pointers, and then collectively voting for the best idea, that can be implemented. Brainstorming allows free-flowing conversations that lead to sharing of innovative ideas, that go on to solving problems.

#3 Reference Past Projects

By referencing past projects, you could save time on conducting research and eliminate duplication of efforts required during the product-design stage. Speaking to a credible project manager and learning from the mistakes he made, can help in eliminating unnecessary errors and wasting resources on trial-and-error. Students can be encouraged to speak to senior students who have already successfully passed this learning-phase, and thereby gain interesting insights.

#4 Prepare a Prototype

Before actually implementing the manufacturing process of the product, engineers must prepare a prototype. It costs a huge buck to make modifications in the manufacturing line at a later stage if the mass production did not turn out as expected. Thus, a prototype helps in having a physical product in hand that can be taken into the market to seek feedback from the end-users. Revisiting the plan and making modifications based on reviews, is a wise decision in the prototype phase. Similarly, children can follow a stage-by-stage design process by creating a prototype Robot with SPIKE™ Prime and analyze its functionality before demonstrating a full-fledge model.

The SPIKE™ Prime Set is ideal for students of grades 6 to 8 and it combines the fun factor of colorful Lego elements, along with principles of programming language, such that students get to learn a great deal. At the core of the Spike Prime System is a programmable Hub that features 6 input/output ports, a 5×5 light matrix, Bluetooth connectivity, a speaker, and a rechargeable battery. Students can design, code, & bring to life interesting Robots that are powered by motors/sensors and are capable of performing various functions. Thus, the SPIKE™ Prime is a favorite amongst home schools, hobby classes, and formal IB schools, especially in regions of Dubai and the Middle East.