About the Course
Class Overview
In this dynamic STEM enrichment class, students in Grades 3–8 will dive into the world of robotics, coding, and engineering using the LEGO Education SPIKE Prime platform. Designed for upper elementary and middle school learners, SPIKE Prime combines colorful LEGO Technic building elements with powerful motors, intelligent sensors, and an intuitive coding interface to give students the tools they need to design, build, and program fully functional robots.
Through engaging, real-world project challenges—building autonomous driving robots, engineering inventions, coding data-collecting devices, and solving competition-style missions—students will develop critical thinking, computational reasoning, and collaborative problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
What Students Will Learn
Engineering Design Process — Defining problems with criteria and constraints, brainstorming and prototyping solutions, systematically testing and refining designs based on data
Coding & Computational Thinking — Programming with a drag-and-drop block-based language (built on Scratch) and progressing to Python for advanced learners; mastering sequences, loops, conditional logic, variables, and data arrays
Robotics & Sensor Integration — Building and programming robots that use color sensors, distance sensors, force sensors, and motors to interact with their environment autonomously
Data & Mathematics — Applying proportional reasoning, data collection, and analysis to real-world robotics challenges
Collaboration & Communication — Working in teams to design solutions, troubleshoot programs, and present their projects—building the teamwork and communication skills essential for future careers
Course Highlights
Build and program fully autonomous robots with motors, sensors, and a programmable Hub
Start with block-based coding (Scratch) and advance to Python programming
Tackle real-world themed challenges—from inventing devices and launching business prototypes to solving competition-style missions
Learn robotics competition fundamentals, including building a driving base, using sensors for navigation, and completing timed missions
Develop skills aligned with the FIRST LEGO League robotics competition program
Differentiated instruction allows beginners and experienced coders to grow at their own pace within the same class