How to do a Lego Engineering Project for Second Grade

"That's so cool. I have to tell Mom!" Over hearing that phrase makes any winter break project a winner on its own, but this LEGO engineering project was also super easy and covers NGSS standard k-2ETS1-2

"Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an objec helps it function as needed to solve a given problem."

Ode to Duplos

With my son's fourth birthday came our household's first set of real Legos.  (Thanks, Grandma!) He plays with them almost every day, as does my daughter.  I'm sure we have many happy hours of building ahead of us.  Stashing the Duplos in the closet made me  nostalgic though.  So, before they disappear into the box marked "toddler toys", let me write a little tribute to the good they've done for us.

Bead Necklaces

This project originated with our creative Aunt Ranae.  When she came to visit us last fall, she arrived with a whole stash of art supplies stowed in her suitcases.  I had been looking for fine motor skill activities to help prepare for writing.  It has since become one of our favorite activities.