LEGO Education Simple Machines Set is designed for elementary teachers to introduce the concept of Simple Machines to their students in the first through third grade levels. Not only does this activity help to encourage skills needed in the workplace such as communication and teamwork. I remember how fun it was to play with LEGOs when I was a child. So, I was very excited to review this product. The set came with an activity pack with binder, a cd with all of the blackline masters, a plastic storage container, and all the materials to build every model. But, if you were using this in a class, you would need to purchase an activity set for each pair of students. In addition, you would probably want to purchase extra pieces as well. There is a lot of technical jargon that needs to be introduced to the students, but you can rest assure that once you have introduced this particular concept from the Physical Science category, you will most definitely provide an environment that challenges their prior knowledge and introduces them to the use of the creative problem-solving techniques. In addition, the students will have numerous opportunities to communicate new ideas with one another as well. Scientific inquiry skills of the students will be enhanced through the use of the scientific method by the use of the 4C approach: Connect, Construct, Contemplate, and Continue.

            Once the package was received, I opened up the 4 sets of materials and counted each piece according to the element inventory. There were no materials missing at all, with the exception of a few extra pieces. A survey was taken of all materials with the use of the Element Survey. I would recommend the teacher buy additional pieces, if at all possible, in order to have each model made for the students to use as a reference point when completing the Principle Models activity. The activity pack with the binder allows the teacher to obtain background information for each type of simple machine, such as, gears, wheels and axles, levers and pulleys. Each activity contained an overview for the teacher and images for classroom use. The images are great to use, especially if you have additional technology within your classroom for presentation of a new lesson. Principle models provided the students with an opportunity to build each model and compare and contrast the materials and how each functions. Observation skills of each student can be increased with the additional concepts that followed gears. There were Main Activities which helped to connect and/or bridge that gap from the classroom to the student to the real world relevancy.

            The Problem-Solving Activity was progressively more challenging than all the previous activities due to the fact that it allowed the students to reach farther than just was written on the student handout, but it allows you the opportunity to critically think and work within a group to solve problem. I can see students relating to this very well and becoming more and more engaged in the concept of simple machines. It is fun, challenging, exciting and it also leaves you with the feeling of wanting to do more with the LEGOs and find more opportunities to incorporate them in your classroom. This is most definitely a product that I would recommend because of the challenging environment that is full of activities that are fun and can bridge that gap of concepts learned in class and how they relate to their everyday lives. It also influences students and exposes them to career paths in the sciences. This product creates a common ground for all students to learn and have fun doing it.