Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand and apply basic principles of physics using Lego.

Materials and Prep

• Lego bricks and accessories
• Pen and paper
• Computer or tablet for research (optional)

No prior knowledge is required for this lesson. Just come with an open mind and your creativity!

Activities

• Build a simple Lego car and test how different wheel sizes affect its speed and distance traveled.
• Create a Lego catapult and experiment with different arm lengths to see how it affects the distance a projectile can be launched.
• Construct a Lego tower and investigate how its stability changes with different base sizes and heights.
• Design a Lego parachute and explore how its size and shape impact the descent speed.
• Build a Lego pulley system and observe how it can be used to lift different weights.

Talking Points

• Physics is the study of how objects move and interact with each other.
• For the first activity, we will be exploring the relationship between wheel size and speed. Remember, larger wheels may allow the car to cover more distance with each rotation, but they might also increase friction.
• When constructing the catapult, think about how the length of the arm affects the leverage and the force applied to the projectile. Longer arms generally result in greater launching distances.
• As we build and test towers, consider how the base size and height contribute to stability. Wider bases and lower centers of gravity usually make structures more stable.
• When designing the parachute, keep in mind that larger surface areas and certain shapes can increase air resistance, slowing down the descent.
• Lastly, with the pulley system, we'll see how multiple pulleys can reduce the effort required to lift heavy objects. The more pulleys used, the easier it becomes to lift the weight.