Here’s an example of a lesson from our new ELA/Summer School extended learning program, which is available to order for 2022-2023.
Teacher Background:
The ART OF THE BRICK is a global touring exhibition rated by CNN as one of the world’s “Must-See Exhibitions.” These are the first art exhibitions to focus exclusively on the use of LEGO® bricks as an art medium, and artist Nathan Sawya has taken it to new heights.
This award-winning artist has multiple unique exhibitions created solely from standard LEGO® bricks. Each show has countless colorful LEGO® pieces which Sawaya has transformed into whimsical creations.
Lesson Plan:
- Ask students if they’ve ever been to a museum and what kinds of things they saw there. Consider sharing an experience you may have had visiting a museum.
- Have students read the article, LEGO® Bricks and Art, and find the main idea and highlight any supporting details.
- Show students the images of LEGO® creations, from related media, that have been created for display. Have a class discussion about the time, effort, and reasons for choosing these images to recreate.
- Next, have the students think about this question and create a list in response: What is something important to you or something you really like that you’d want to create and share with others?
- Have students create a simple brick structure then take it apart, count the pieces, and create a graph of each type of piece using the graphic organizer Building Structure Graph.
- Have students time themselves putting the structure back together. Let them repeat a few times to see if their score improves.
- Optional: Ask students to create their structure so that it holds up a chosen object. Ask them to remove bricks a few at a time to see how long the structure continues to hold the object. Allow time for them to repeat the process to apply what they have observed.
Notes for Teacher:
- Students will need access to LEGO® bricks to complete the activity with this lesson.
- Students will be asked to graph the legos they use. Be sure that the students understand what the different LEGO® bricks shapes are.
Inquiry Question:
- Why is innovation important to society?
Well Being:
- What are some things that contribute to innovation?
- How does collaboration affect innovation?
- What kinds of things change?
Let’s Write:
- How does art shape and change culture?
Article:
Materials Used:
- Interlocking plastic bricks
- Crayons or colored pencils
- Graphic organizer: Building Structure Graph
Online Related Media (Explore More):
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