Using blocks to build STEM skills

5 months ago 70
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Theme resort holds hands-on workshop for 45 schools nationwide, opens competition across Asia

WORKING closely with teachers, this year’s Legoland School Challenge 2024 focused on Lego building techniques needed to bring to life the imaginative creations of contestants.

At the competition launch hosted by SK Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, teachers and students from 45 schools nationwide attended a hands-on workshop led by expert Lego builders from Legoland Malaysia.

The challenge, which was first held in Malaysia in 2022, soon become an anticipated annual event organised by Legoland Malaysia Resort.

Naturally, the resort received feedback from teachers and students eager to do better in subsequent years.

The workshop thus aimed to empower teachers and students for success in the 2024 competition and beyond.

“The Lego workshop gave me concrete techniques to help my students overcome common building challenges.

“I feel more confident guiding them through the creative process in this year’s competition,” said Iznariza Che Izham, a teacher at SK Bukit Damansara who joined the workshop.

Boosting student access to STEM benefits, the challenge is the result of a partnership between Legoland Malaysia, the Education Ministry and state education department.

Among benefits were the distribution of Lego sets, containing a whopping 2,500 pieces of Lego bricks each, to 50 schools.

Ithnin admiring a Lego creation by students and teachers of SK Bukit Damansara.Ithnin admiring a Lego creation by students and teachers of SK Bukit Damansara.

This step aimed to give participants tools to explore their creativity, problem-solving skills and critical thinking – all corner –stones of a strong STEM education.

At the launch event, Sports, Co-Curricular and Arts Division deputy director Ithnin Mahadi, who represented ministry director-general said, “We are proud to continue our support of the Legoland School Challenge.

“We believe this initiative recognises the invaluable contribution of teachers as well as embodies our commitment to providing quality education enriched with STEM elements.

“By fostering creativity, innovation and critical thinking skills, the challenge aligns perfectly with our goal on enhancing the educational experience for students across Malaysia”.

The Legoland School Challenge 2024 has expanded its reach, welcoming students from all over Asia, including China, Taiwan, India, Korea, and Japan, to join their peers across South-East Asia.

This global reach enables young builders to share ideas across borders under the exciting “World of Fantasy” theme.

For teachers and students outside of Malaysia, the resort offers a wealth of building inspiration on its social media platforms.

Teachers can find helpful tutorials, creative challenges and behind-the-scenes glimpses on the resort’s official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Legoland Malaysia’s divisional director CS Lim enthused that Lego bricks inspire limitless potential.

“By fostering skills development and collaboration across borders, we can prepare the next generation to solve challenges and build a brighter, more imaginative future,” said Lim.

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