Why LEGO Dacta

LEGO Dacta is a hands-on learning activity to supplement regular science instruction in the areas of: motion, power, energy and electricity. It also includes connections to math, technology, language arts and social studies. Students learn by doing. LEGO Dacta encourages students to explore, investigate, problem solve and become enthusiastic inventors!

The founder of LEGO was Ole Kirk Christiansen. He was a master carpenter and joiner in the village of Billund, Denmark. Ole Kirk Christiansen set up his LEGO and toy business in 1932. Twenty-six years later the great founder of LEGO died and his son, Godfred Kirk Christiansen took over the company. The Dacta division started in 1980. LEGO Dacta kits hit the market in 1998. The kits were a huge hit!

LEGO Dacta is one of the most exciting and interesting things a student can do in school. How do I know? I asked a fellow classmate, Jane, who was using LEGO Dacta for the very first time in her life. "Each time I use it, it gets more and more interesting because every time I learn how to build something new." LEGO Dacta is hard work. It involves math, science and technology. The problems that you encounter are difficult and will teach students how to be better troubleshooters and problem solvers. LEGO Dacta is also about team work.

Why do teachers love LEGO Dacta?

Mr. Stone and Mrs. Centro, fifth grade teachers, agreed that LEGO Dacta is important to Math, Science, and Technology curriculum because it meets the New York State Standards, let's kids experiment with their own designs, and be creative. Student's learn from their mistakes. Students also learn different skills such as, computer programming, engineering, cooperation, and patience.

We have asked Mr. Wood, our director of curriculum and instruction, to tell us his thoughts about LEGO Dacta. Mr. Wood talked about why LEGO Dacta is important to the math, science, and technology curriculum. "It gives kids a concrete hands on approach to problem solving and using a computer. For our science curriculum, it's using simple machines. Technology is a big part of LEGO Dacta," says Mr. Wood. "It requires mathematical thinking and it uses the logic of computer programming, too."

When we asked what kinds of skills will students learn as a result of LEGO Dacta, Mr. Wood answered, "The students learn to troubleshoot problems. Reflective thinking comes as a big part of the learning. When you use LEGO Dacta, it teaches students how to program a computer. When using LEGO Dacta, the students have to learn and use technical reading and correct terminology."

We also asked Mr. Wood what he thinks makes LEGO Dacta so much fun. "It uses common construction with a toy kids are familiar with and like. If it involves a computer, I'm having fun. I like the immediate result, instead of handing it to somebody then having them give it back and saying it does or does not work."