The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 tends to get all the glory, but it is time to give some props to its little brother, the WeDo 2.0. The second generation of WeDo has been gracing elementary classrooms for the past two years. And this last spring, the WeDo 2.0 software received a nice overhaul. Read on for the rundown on this robotics classroom tool.
What is it?
- An elementary robot-based learning system
- A STEM solution with a large emphasis on science exploration
- Discovery-based approach with collaboration in mind
What is included?
- 280 LEGO building elements
- Electronics include a low-energy Bluetooth smart hub, motor, motion sensor, and tilt sensor
- Drag and drop classroom-friendly software
- 40+ hours of standards-based projects
Who is it for?
- Geared for ages: 7+
- Best for two students per set
- Free LEGO curriculum designed for grades 2-4
- The difficulty level of the open projects covers fifth grade science standards.
What device do I need for programming the WeDo?
- Windows or Mac computer
- iPad
- Chromebook
- Make sure you check out the Hardware Specs before you buy devices.
The WeDo 2.0 Curriculum
- EIght Getting Started Projects
- EIght Guided Projects – Science
- Eight Open Projects.- Science
- Four Guided Projects – Computational Thinking
- Four Open Projects – Computational Thinking
Each of the projects has three phases. In the Explore phase, students connect to a scientific question or an engineering problem, establish a line of inquiry, and consider possible solutions. Next is the Create phase where students will build, program, and modify a LEGO® model. Last, each project ends with the Share phase. Students present and explain their solutions using their LEGO builds. The students document what they have created in the integrated Documentation tool in the software.
(You will not want for ideas and projects with the WeDo 2.O curriculum included in the software.)
Action Plan to Start with WeDo 2.0
- Visit the great website provided by LEGO to get started. This quick start will get you unboxing your pieces, labeling your parts. and downloading the software.
- Try out a few of the Getting Started projects. These small builds will give you an idea of building and programming.
- To get started with the curriculum, I would choose #2: Speed. With this particular guided project, your students will:
- Explore race car features.
- Create and program a race car to investigate what factors would make it go faster.
- Document and present ways to make their race car go the fastest.
Hopefully this blog will get you started on the right track with WeDo 2.0. TCEA is offering a training on it on October 20, 2018.
Feature Image: WeDo 2.0 Milo Rover, by LEGO Education
