Young Engineers ready to help locals learn with the aid of Lego

December 17, 2019

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MOTORISED Lego race cars, jelly blenders and helicopters will feature when robotics and engineering experts visit Bathurst next month.

The experts of E2 Young Engineers Australia say they will be teaching year one to six students about belt transmission, angular momentum and lift force – but in an unconventional way.

Two workshops will be held at Bathurst High and E2 Young Engineers Australia’s Chee Wong says they are set to be an eye-opener.

“When you think of science in schools, most people picture a teacher with a lab coat scribbling formulas on the whiteboard,” Mr Wong said.

“We make functional motorised Lego prototypes of race cars, jelly blenders, drills, compactors and much more.
“Obviously, the students are having fun, but more importantly they are also learning about gears, pulleys, motors and the underpinning science and technology in a highly engaging manner.

“Lego helicopters teach students about the physics underpinning flight.

“Lego washing machines teach students about torque and centrifugal forces. Lego compactors are used to explore the positive and destructive nature of vibration.

“There is so much we can learn using Lego as the prototyping tool.

“These kids are constantly counting, multiplying and solving problems so they can complete their Lego models.”

Mr Wong said it was pleasing to hear from parents “that their child can’t wait for the next lesson”.

He said it was imperative that students develop an appreciation for STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) from a young age “because it is such a big part of the technology-driven world we live in”.

“Even if one does not end up pursuing a career in STEM, there is plenty of fascinating science and technology happening right before our eyes to enlighten and brighten up our daily lives,” he said.

The workshops will be held on Monday and Tuesday, January 20 and 21.

Enrol at https://nwsydney.young-engineers.com.au/enrolment.