SDMS Grade 6 Math Curriculum
The following are examples of how to integrate Lego® constructives with the existing SDMS 6th Grade
Math Curriculum.
QUARTER ONE:
Tools For Problem Solving:
Estimation---Use Lego® elements as a measuring tool. For example, "How many 2x4 bricks would go into
a liter container?" "How many 2x4 bricks can be laid from NYC to LA?"
Guess and Check/Solving Equations---After guesstimating an answer, precise solutions can be ascertained.
Order of Operations---Analogy: To build a machine, one problem must be solved before another in order to
create a working machine. If you get out of order, the whole machine falls apart. Create a task where a series
of operations must work in a set order...a manufacturing plant.
Also: Use LOGO programming to demonstrate the importance of Order of Operations.
Programs will simply not work if not created in the
proper sequence. For example: TALKTO "A ON TALKTO "B ON WAIT 20 OFF will simply turn the second motor off.
Other programming situations may be created. Build LEGO® logic gate models.
Graphs and Statistics:
Graphs and Tables---Build a Lego bar graph using different colored bricks correctly representing each
color proportionately.
Data Bases---Create a data base of a bucket of bricks ( randomly selected ). Account for both size and color.
Predicting---Predict the number of 2x2 red bricks
Range and Scale---Analyze brick data base. Define the range of red 2x2 bricks. Create a bar graph
defining red 2x2 bricks in relationship to other 2x2 bricks.
Mean, Median and Mode---Define these in bucket data base analysis.
Misleading Statistics---Create a scenario where you have a Lego® brick collector ( interested in
spending lots of money ) wants to know
the percentages of the class' "valuable bricks." Claim "75% of the bricks are the collectible 2x2s!"
If there are only 4 bricks, you only have 3 red bricks ( misleading the poor collector ). Other
examples may be arranged.
Decimals: Add and Subtract:
Metric Length/Use a Formula---Lego® elements are defined in metric units. Every stud length is .8 cm and the height
of a brick is .96 cm tall ( plates are a third of this at .32 cm ). Challenge students to define the
length or height of different creations ( for example build a wall 4 bricks tall....96cm + .96cm + .96cm
+ .96cm =3.84cm ). Walls with bands of colored bricks 4 tall equal 3.84 cm tall. 4 bands = 3.84cm + 3.84cm
+ 3.84cm +3.84 = 15.36.
Rounding---Have students round measurements to nearest whole number.
QUARTER TWO:
Decimals: Multiplication
Powers and Exponents---Demonstrate using Lego® bricks and studs. For example, require students to
double or triple a number of studs a series of times. Make them count the times they doubled the studs
in while keeping a set shape or LEGO® building symmetrical. Assign students to find other examples.
Spreadsheets---Build a Lego® bridge and calculate cost based on pieces. Create a spreadsheet
of costs and experiment with different elements/items and costs within the tool of a spreadsheet.
Perimeter and Area---Build Lego® sail cars with different sized sails and calculate area. Which
ones work best? Build Lego® castles and calculate perimeter and area of safety for both castle
and keep. ( Squares within squares ).
Circles and Circumference---Using different sized Lego® wheels, calculate circumferences.
Which wheels work best climbing over different obstacles.
Decimals: Division
Metric Capacity and Mass---Build a Lego® scale. Calculate the mass for a block of
8 2x4 bricks.
Patterns and Number Sense
Divisibility Patterns/Prime Factorization/Greatest Common Factor/Simplifying Fractions/Least Common Multiple
---Gear ratios class. Require students to build various gear trains/combinations and have them calculate
the applicable gear ratios. See www.weirdrichard/gears.htm for specifics.
English Length---build a series of measuring sticks in English Units and Metric Units for comparison using
Lego® elements.
Decimals <--> Fractions---build Lego® brick columns 10 bricks tall, 4 blue bricks and 6 red bricks.
Two fifths of the column is blue...( 4/10 = 2/5 ) which in turn equals .40 or 40% ).
QUARTER THREE:
Fractions: Add and Subtract
Rounding and Estimating---Apply Gear Ratios Class. Ask students to guestimate the output of a series of
gear trains based on visual examination. Create a series of fractions based on gear pairs.
Have students round solutions to greatest 10s.
Fractions: Multiplying and Dividing
Find a Pattern/Sequences/Measurement---Apply Gear Rations Class. Have students build specific
machines ( for example the inclinometer and a clock ).
Investigations in Geometry
Angles---Inclinometer. Math of Beam angles ( see website LEGO ON MY MIND ). Logo Programming.
POV RAY rendering. Ellipses using a baseplate, round bricks, axles, and string.
2D Figures---Create Lego model plans using POV RAY, LEGOCAD, or BLOCKCAD.
Line Symmetry--Use Lego Axles as working model for lessons.
QUARTER FOUR:
Ratio, Proportion and Percent
Rations and Rates/Percents---Gear ratio class. Build a clock.
Scale Drawings/Solving Proportions---Building to scale ( for example a doctor's office ). Design and
render models in POV RAY, LEGOCAD or BLOCKCAD.
Area and Volume
Finding Area---How many Lego® bricks would it take to entirely cover the floor of the classroom? The building?
Circle Graphs---Use bricks and large baseplates for graphs. Use bricks to estimate surface with curved
outlines.
3D Figures---How many bricks fit into a 1 liter container? How many bricks would it take to fill a classroom?
POV RAY designs.
Surface Area---What is the surface area of the world's tallest Lego® tower?
Volume of retangular prisms---What is the volume of a Lego block comprised of 5 2x2 bricks on a side
( 5 bricks x 5 bricks x 5 bricks ).
Making a model---Design model in POV RAY, LEGOCAD, or BLOCKCAD.
Investigations with Integers
Negative Numbers---Temperature sensors on CONTROL LAB
Render bricks in POV RAY...3d coordinates require negative numbers.
The coordinate system---Introduction and use of POV RAY. Use bricks as an analogy.
EXTRA:
An Introduction to Algebra
Equation Solving Strategies/Functions/Inqualities---use Lego oriented problems to provide analogies.
Two Step Equations---How many 2x4 bricks would it take to balance a 13 pound rock?
Probablity
Probability---What are your odds of drawing a black brick in a bucket of a number of bricks?
Catapult Shot Spread Patterns. Can you predict statistically where your shot will land?
SDMS Grade 6 Math Curriculum
Dear Richard,
Thanks a lot! Yeah, I live in LA. Right now in science class we
have finnished learning about levers and inclined planes. The wierdest
thing is that before I saw your web site, I had done a couple of
lectures about how Legos can teach math. For me, legos have taught me
mostly all I know about math. They have taught me devision, addition,
subtraction, multiplication, exponents, and even some geometry.....
-Yonah Feinstein
Images of projects developed at training session:
Visit Weird Richard
