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The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Exploring Biology Concepts with LEGO Bricks

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Exploring Biology Concepts with LEGO Bricks

A 9-10th grade STEM lesson

Roda Mongen

01/17/2024

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Notes for teachers

This lesson takes place in a classroom for one or more hours.

Students may work in small groups of 2-4.
This lesson is designed to review key biology concepts with 9-10th grade students using hands-on activities with LEGO bricks. I usually implement this a week before our Final exams.
Students will explore topics such as photosynthesis, cellular respiration, macromolecules, food chain, food web, mitosis, observation and inference, scientific principles, scientific method, and lab safety.
The use of LEGO bricks allows for a fun and engaging learning experience while reinforcing key biology concepts.

List of Materials

LEGO bricks (various colors and sizes)
Whiteboard or chalkboard
Markers or chalk
Safety goggles
Safety guidelines poster
Student Biology notes

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Arizona Science Standards

Essential HS.L2U1.19

Develop and use models that show how changes in the transfer of matter and energy within an ecosystem and interactions between species may affect organisms and their environment.

Essential HS.L2U1.21

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate data showing the relationship of photosynthesis and cellular respiration; flow of energy and cycling of matter.

Essential HS.L1U1.22

Construct an explanation for how cellular division (mitosis) is the process by which organisms grow and maintain complex, interconnected systems.

Science & Engineering Practices:

Planning and carrying out investigations
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.

NGSS Standards

HS-LS1-5: Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.

HS-LS2-5: Develop a model to illustrate the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.

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Objectives:

Today we will review key concepts in biology, including photosynthesis, cellular respiration, macromolecules, food chain, food web, mitosis, observation and inference, scientific principles, scientific method, and lab safety.

Today we will apply our knowledge of biology concepts to hands-on activities using LEGO bricks.

Today we will demonstrate our understanding of biology concepts through assessment and class discussion.

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Agenda (60 minutes)

Science Starter

Concept Review

Building/Creating a Model

Share/ Present

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Science Starter

Observe the plant and the animal cells then write down at least three differences between them.

Source: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/plant-cells-animal-cells.htm

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

In a group of 3-4 , build a model showing the process of (ex. photosynthesis and cellular respiration/mitosis) OR create a model of (ex. food chain/food web) using LEGO bricks.

Source: https://sciencelessonsthatrock.com/using-legos-to-model-science-concepts-html/

Each set contains:

4 brown - Fe (Iron)

24 white - H (Hydrogen)

8 pink - Na (Sodium)

8 light green- Cl (Chlorine)

8 yellow Ca - (Calcium)

12 black- C (Carbon)

36 red - O (Oxygen)

32 blue - N (Nitrogen)

Hands-On Activity:

Begin the lesson by briefly reviewing the key concepts that will be covered in the lesson: photosynthesis, cellular respiration, macromolecules, food chain, food web, observation and inference, scientific principles, scientific method, and lab safety.
Explain to the students that they will be using LEGO bricks to explore and review these concepts in a hands-on way.
Distribute LEGO bricks to each group. (You may provide a checklist for each group and ask them to check the contents before proceeding with the activity. This way, you can easily keep track of your LEGO pieces)
Provide each group with a specific task related to one of the biology concepts covered at the beginning of this lesson.

Allow students to use their notes to or use white/chalk boards to write down some important information regarding their topic before building their models.
Circulate among the groups, providing guidance and answering any questions they may have.

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Assessment

Present your LEGO model to the class

how does your model represent the biology concept assigned to your group?

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Differentiation

For students who may have struggled with the concepts, the following remediation opportunities may be provided

Offering additional resources, such as online tutorials or textbooks, for self-study.

Providing one-on-one support through tutoring or after-school help sessions.

Re-teaching the concepts in a different way, using alternative teaching methods or materials.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

For students who have demonstrated a strong understanding of the concepts, offer enrichment opportunities such as:

Assigning additional research projects or independent study assignments related to the biology concepts covered.

Providing extension activities using LEGO bricks, such as building more complex models or designing experiments to test hypotheses.

Encouraging students to explore real-world applications of the biology concepts, such as researching careers in the field of biology or investigating current scientific advancements.