STEAM, LEGO and Problem-solving in 5th Grade Expo

Fifth grade students spent weeks building their software and hardware skills using LEGO kits as part of a STEAM Series project. Through hands-on learning, they explored engineering, programming, creativity and problem-solving while preparing for the Safety and Convenience Challenge.

Students designed and built a smart mechanical device that helps make life easier, safer or both. Each device had to stay in one place, either handheld or tabletop and include at least one motor and one sensor. The challenge encouraged students to move beyond making something spin or move when pressing a button.

The process began with brainstorming and sketching ideas. Students thought about the appearance of their device, the parts that would move, sensors they would use and ways the motor would power the design. They also focused on programming by planning the purpose of their device and how the code would use sensor input to make decisions.

Students came up with their own creative designs and continued to improve them through iteration. They tested their builds, found problems and made changes to their devices’ operation. This project required a great deal of testing, debugging, patience and focus. Students learned that making mistakes is part of the engineering process and that each revision helped them enhance their device.

Throughout the challenge, students demonstrated collaboration, critical thinking and perseverance. They adjusted their builds, repositioned sensors and revised their code to improve performance.

At the end of the project, students proudly showcased their work to the Parker community with enthusiasm and pride. Their presentations reflected not only their finished devices but also their growth, effort and problem-solving skills they developed as part of the process.

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