Exploring Physical Computing with LEGO: From Spike Prime to Mindstorms - Physical Computing TC meeting

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Key Takeaways

• The latest LEGO kits, Spike Prime and Spike Essentials, are the most relevant for modern classrooms, with strong compatibility for Key Stage 2 students.
• Older kits like EV3 and WeDo are still functional, but their apps will lose support after 2026, affecting their long-term use.
• The programming environments for LEGO kits are highly intuitive, supporting both block-based and Python programming.
• First LEGO League is an excellent way to engage students in problem-solving, teamwork, and robotics.
• Even retired kits like NXT and RCX have educational value, but compatibility and software access can be challenging.

At the recent CAS Physical Computing with LEGO thematic community meeting, teachers were treated to a deep dive into using LEGO robotics kits in the classroom. The session, led by Brian Egles, focused on how to make the most of various LEGO kits for physical computing projects. From exploring the latest Spike Prime and Spike Essentials kits to tips on how to breathe new life into older kits like EV3 and NXT, this session had something for everyone.

Brian Egles kicked off the session by introducing LEGO’s Spike range, which is the most current offering from LEGO Education. Designed to work well in both Key Stage 2 and STEM club settings, Spike Prime and Spike Essentials are excellent for introducing students to both block-based and Python programming. Teachers appreciated the versatility of these kits, which come with a range of sensors, motors, and user-friendly interfaces.

For those with older kits such as EV3 or WeDo 2.0, Brian had reassuring news: while these kits are no longer sold, they are still highly functional. However, it’s essential to be aware that their software support will be phased out by 2026, especially for apps used on tablets and Chromebooks. While the desktop software will continue to work, those planning to use these kits in the long term should consider this.

One of the session’s highlights was the demonstration of EV3’s user-friendly programming interface, which allows students to create basic programs using a drag-and-drop environment similar to Scratch. Brian also provided valuable advice on supplementing incomplete kits through second-hand purchases from platforms like eBay or BrickLink.

The session also highlighted the educational possibilities of retired kits like the NXT and RCX. Although these are more limited in terms of modern classroom use, they remain valuable for STEM clubs and can serve as an affordable way to get students into robotics.

A final key topic of discussion was the First LEGO League, a robotics competition designed for students aged 9 to 16. It was highly recommended as a way to get students engaged in real-world problem-solving, coding, and teamwork. Teachers were encouraged to explore how these competitions could motivate their pupils and incorporate them into their teaching practices.

Next Steps

Teachers left the session with several key questions to consider for their own classrooms:

• What kits are you currently using? Are they aligned with your students' needs and future curriculum developments?
• How can you integrate physical computing into your lessons? Whether using new kits or older ones, how might robotics spark curiosity and problem-solving among your pupils?
• What extracurricular activities might engage your students? Could your school or club benefit from entering the First LEGO League or hosting internal robotics challenges?
• Are you prepared for the software changes in 2026? If you’re using older kits like EV3 or WeDo, it might be time to start planning for this transition.

For hands-on activities, you might consider:

• Introducing block-based programming with Spike Prime for simple tasks such as moving a robot along a path or responding to touch sensors.
• Creating simple STEM club challenges with the EV3, like obstacle course navigation or light-sensor based challenges.

Further Resources

For more information on LEGO robotics and physical computing, you can explore:

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