This week in the Eduporium Experiment, we’re delving into the popular engineering packs from PCS Edventures known as BrickLAB. Upon first glance, the components closely resemble LEGO bricks, but after doing some research and exploring, I found out that, while they may look like LEGOs, there is much more academic potential for BrickLAB. It's extraordinarily easy for teachers to integrate these small building blocks into your classroom’s curriculum and how they’re designed to engage students with hands-on learning in almost any elementary grade.
PCS Edventures is a well-known company with a worldwide presence. It was built on the foundation that every child should have a fulfilling, hands-on learning experience while they’re in school. The options they offer for students in Pre-K through high school are primarily STEM oriented and provide ample academic enrichment. BrickLAB is just one of many products that PCS carries and it is the main one we’ve featured on our store. Others, however, include drones, their iQ series, and Cortex programming software.
BrickLAB building bricks are great because they can be combined with any classroom curriculum at any grade level. Just like LEGOs, these building blocks are durable and reusable, but, unlike LEGOs, BrickLAB bricks have rounded edges that make them easier to disconnect. Also, these bricks come in a variety of vibrant colors that LEGOs aren’t available in.
There are several different kits to choose from, each containing enough reusable building bricks to make thousands of projects. These kits provide a hands-on experience through project-based learning and have a number of real-world applications. From the classroom to homeschool groups and after school programs, BrickLAB building bricks take learning to the next level. Check out this video if you’d like to see them in action.
The real academic value, though, comes from the three curricula that accompany the kits. The BrickLAB core curriculum is for students in grades 1-6 and is designed to strengthen common core skills, such as science, math, social studies, and literacy. The BrickLAB Tech Set is for kids in grades K-4 and helps educators introduce technology skills to children early. Finally, the STEM foundations curriculum can be used in the classroom, after school programs, or in home school groups. Educators can pair the curriculum of their choice with building blocks they already have or purchase the bundle that best suits their needs!
If you are looking for even more ways to expand the use of BrickLAB building blocks, you can purchase one of the BrickLAB camp sets. Each kit helps students focus on a specific topic that can be discovered in 12 activities each lasting up to an hour. Teachers can even adjust the time frame of each activity according to their needs.
There are a variety of camps on topics from pirates, to the zoo, genetics, famous architecture, and even one called magic beans camp. There is also a Girls Can Build pack that is geared towards younger girls interested in STEM. This pack is great because it encourages girls to explore STEM topics, like psychics, math, and even urban planning by using simple building materials and collaborating with others.
As always, after visiting the PCS Edventures website, be sure to check out the kits below and grab some from our store at discounted pricing for educators. While you’re at it, don’t forget to follow and like us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you’re interested in getting information on the latest cutting-edge EdTech and all things Eduporium, subscribe to our newsletter. Look out next week as well for our newest Tips & Tricks blog coming at you a week from today!
