Core Skills Analysis
Mathematics
Tyzalie took part in a challenge to build the tallest structure, which gave him a concrete way to compare height and think about what “tallest” meant. As he built, he could explore measurement ideas such as taller and shorter, counting blocks, and noticing how changing the number or arrangement of pieces affected height. The challenge introduced comparison and early problem-solving through a clear goal. Building alongside children ages 5–13 also gave him opportunities to encounter different ways of approaching the same challenge.
Science and Engineering
Tyzalie used LEGO pieces to create a structure intended to reach as high as possible, engaging in early engineering design. The task connected design choices with a practical outcome: a structure’s height. He could explore how pieces fit together and how the shape and arrangement of a build influenced its construction. The open-ended challenge encouraged him to test ideas and make adjustments as part of the building process.
Social-Emotional Learning
Tyzalie participated in a building challenge with children ranging from ages 5 to 13, placing his work in a shared activity with peers of different ages. The common goal offered a natural opportunity to take part in a group setting and observe other builders’ approaches. Working toward a challenging goal could support persistence and flexible thinking as he developed his structure. The activity also created a setting for sharing ideas and appreciating different building strategies.
Tips
Tips Extend the challenge by inviting Tyzalie to predict how many blocks tall his next structure will be, then count the blocks and compare the prediction with the result. Offer a few different base shapes and ask him to explore which one helps his structure stand while reaching upward. He could draw a simple plan before building, then revise the drawing to show what he changed. To connect the activity to the real world, take a short walk to compare the heights of safe, visible objects—such as a chair, table, and doorway—and describe them as taller or shorter.
Book Recommendations
- Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty: A lively picture book about a young builder whose creativity and architectural thinking help solve a challenge.
- Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty: A story that celebrates invention, experimenting, and continuing to try when a design does not work as expected.
- The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires: A humorous story about planning, building, revising, and persisting through a creative project.
Learning Standards
- Ontario Mathematics Curriculum, Grade 1 — Measurement: Comparing the heights of structures connects to describing and comparing measurable attributes. Counting blocks provides an informal way to measure height.
- Ontario Mathematics Curriculum, Grade 1 — Spatial Sense: Constructing with LEGO pieces supports composing and arranging shapes and spatial reasoning.
- Ontario Science and Technology Curriculum, Grade 1 — Understanding Structures and Mechanisms: Materials, Objects, and Everyday Structures: Designing a tall structure connects to exploring how objects are built and how their form relates to their purpose.
- Ontario Kindergarten Program — Problem Solving and Innovating: The open-ended building challenge supports investigating ideas, making design choices, and developing solutions through play.
Try This Next
- Height-count worksheet: draw the tower and record how many LEGO blocks tall it is.
- Prediction prompt: “How many blocks tall do you think your next tower will be?” Build, count, and compare.
- Tower design sketch: draw a plan before building, then circle one change made during construction.
- Stability experiment: build towers on different LEGO base shapes and observe how each one stands.