Engineering: Solar, Hydro, and Wind Powered
About our engineering class
What is engineering?
Engineering is the use of science, technology, and physics to design and build machines and structures. Legos are a great way to help introduce children to the concept of engineering and building structures.
About our class
Combine engineering and alternative energy (solar, hydro, and wind)! Build cars, cranes, drawbridges, etc. from LEGO® kits and operate them using alternative energy sources. Students working in teams will experiment with wind, water, and solar panels, resulting in a high-powered, high-energy course! Projects include waterwheel, windmill, Ferris wheel, and solar car. Students achieve an understanding of how energy is developed from the sun, wind, and water. Solar energy can be captured by the LEGO® Solar Cell and used to power their models. On the last day, students will use the concepts they learned to design and create a test car to compete against their classmates. Please bring a drink and snack daily.
Continued learning
After the class
In this course, students learned to use several different forms of energy to generate power for the electric motors to move vehicles or lift or push things. Using alternative, renewable energy is a smart thing in the long run, because it doesn’t use up the world’s limited resources.
Parent Activity Suggestions:
- Review different types of energy with your child. Discuss what sources of energy are renewable and what are not.
- Imagine ways alternative energy can be used to change society. If you have Legos at home, try to build some of these ideas.