Genesis Empowers Youth by Building the Block of STREAM at Lego Camp

Photo provided.

(Southeast Indiana) - Genesis: Pathways to Success continued A Summer of STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) with Brick Masters: LEGO Building Camp. 19 students from across Southeastern Indiana spent two days deep diving into building LEGOs, storytelling, and simple mechanics.

The first day of camp consisted of learning the basics of LEGOs, constructing a bridge to hold weight, and creating a simple diorama. Students learned the meaning and official naming of different blocks and LEGO pieces. They were challenged to construct a bridge that met specific math and engineering requirements while collaborating as a team. To add a level of competition and deepen their understanding of mechanics, each group tested their bridge by gradually adding weight.

“Every brick challenges us to think creatively, work together, and bounce back when things fall apart—literally and figuratively. Science and Engineering is limitless, but constrained to universal properties of physics and motion the same way that there is a limited quantity of LEGO brick shapes, but they can be used to make anything,” John Goewert, LEGO expert and volunteer.

The diorama activity was a simple yet complex task. Using a 12x12 base plate and just 15 minutes, students had to create a scene that told a story. Each student then presented their story and why they chose specific people or techniques.

“My favorite part about camp was the creativity that has gone into all the projects. For the diorama activity, I was able to make a tank rampage that happened 30 years ago,” Lucas Whalbring, an incoming 7th grader.

To kick off day two of camp, students were split into 5 groups and given an era of time. They then had to complete a full story within their era and add simple mechanics or moving parts. The eras consisted of Industrial, 21st Century, Medieval, Ancient Greece/Rome, and Futuristic. Ancient Greece/Rome built their era based off of Greek mythology. 21st Century built a theme park, with a moving ride and a water park. Futuristic built a plane flying and a cave with a secret entrance. Industrial took tha challenge of creating a conveyor belt, along with using different shades of grey LEGOs to complete the metal scaffolding. Medieval built a castle with aspects of nature and animals.

They were given the entire day to brainstorm and build. Students ended camp presenting their stories to 5 judges, who then chose the top 3 based on design, story, and mechanics. Each student was awarded a small LEGO award for all their hard work during camp.

“We saw some really amazing builds this week. The two that stuck out to me the most were a diorama story scene from the movie "Homeward Bound" that was framed beautifully and the Industrial Revolution Era train station with plenty of metal scaffolding and conveyor belts that brought out the style of the turn of the century oil boom,” John Goewert, LEGO expert and volunteer.

To learn more information about this summer camp or have questions, please visit www.genesisp2s.org, or contact the Genesis office by emailing info@genesisp2s.org, calling 812-933-1098, or visiting 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville, IN 47006