From Blocks to Code: LEGO WeDo Programming

What is LEGO WeDo?

LEGO WeDo is an educational platform developed by LEGO Education that introduces children to the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on, fun learning experiences. It is suitable for children aged 7 and over and employs a mix of physical LEGO bricks, motors, and sensors, with a friendly software interface to develop interactive models and machines. LEGO WeDo coding enables children to code their designs, developing problem-solving and computational thinking skills. With LEGO WeDo coding, children are able to try out various commands and sequences to animate their models, rendering learning both exciting and interactive.

The Transition from Blocks to Code

One of the most impressive aspects of LEGO WeDo is how it transitions from physical building blocks to programming code without a hitch. This transition is facilitated by LEGO WeDo coding, which employs a block-based coding language akin to Scratch. Using WeDo blocks and a user-friendly drag-and-drop system, kids can make their LEGO creations come alive while learning crucial computational thinking skills. Here‘s how the process goes:

1. Building Physical Models

LEGO WeDo kits contain building instructions for different models, including robots, cars, and animals. Children initially build these models using LEGO bricks, motors, and sensors. The hands-on nature of this exercise encourages creativity and problem-solving abilities.

2. Connecting Sensors and Motors

After building the model, children connect parts such as motion sensors, distance sensors, and motors. These devices allow their models to interact with the world around them, and learning becomes even more interactive.

3. Writing Code with Blocks

This is where the shift from building to programming occurs. With WeDo programming, children write code by dragging and dropping WeDo blocks in the LEGO WeDo software. These blocks manage movement, sound, and responses, enabling interactive projects.

4. Experimenting and Testing

As kids alter their LEGO WeDo coding sequences, they see instant effects on their models. Through this process, they learn cause-and-effect relationships and improve their debugging abilities.

5. Learning Key Programming Concepts

WeDo programming teaches kids basic coding concepts such as loops, conditional statements, and variables. Through trying out various WeDo blocks, they learn programming concepts while enjoying themselves.

6. Increases Collaboration & Communication

Used frequently in class situations, which fosters teamwork and sharing of ideas. Children are taught to describe thinking and collaborate on problem-solving. The combination of hands-on building and interactive LEGO WeDo coding enables kids to better comprehend both engineering and programming through enjoyable and active learning.

Programming Blocks

How LEGO WeDo 2.0 coding helps kids

1. At home

WeDo coding enables kids to investigate amazing robotics projects! As an example, they can learn the magic of converting their SmartHub into a music box, as they program an on-screen dancer‘s elegant turns according to the angle of the tilt sensor. Not a shred of experience in coding or robotics is required.

2. At school

WeDo coding features 11 enjoyable lessons with 65 activities. They educate you using interactive things like lessons, videos, puzzles, quizzes, and awesome do-it-yourself (DIY) projects.Around these lessons, you‘ll learn how to program using blocks. These programs make the WeDo SmartHub perform awesome things with its environment. While you learn to code, you‘ll become proficient at vital science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts. Also, you‘ll make incredible coding projects!

3. Fosters Creativity and Problem-Solving

Children learn problem-solving skills with WeDo coding through trials of various coding commands and seeing actual results in the real world. They can recreate projects, incorporate personal elements, and invent their own things, enhancing creativity and reasoning.

Conclusion

LEGO WeDo Programming is a powerful educational tool that effortlessly guides children from building with colorful LEGO blocks to writing code. By offering engaging content related to LEGO WeDo, you can tap into a growing audience of parents, educators, and caregivers seeking innovative STEM education solutions for children. So, you can introduce your child to an exciting journey from blocks to code through LEGO WeDo Programming. 

Moonpreneur is on a mission to disrupt traditional education and future-proof the next generation with holistic learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is building tomorrow’s workforce by training students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, enabling entrepreneurship through experiential learning.