LEGO® Education Launches a Practical Solution for Computer Science and AI
In a significant development for the education sector, LEGO® Education has unveiled a new practical curriculum designed for teaching computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) to students in grades K-8. This initiative aligns with findings from a recent report titled
“Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science and AI Education,” which indicated that while teachers recognize the value of hands-on computer science and AI education, they often lack the necessary resources to spark student interest.
LEGO® Education's innovative approach empowers educators with a comprehensive suite of teaching materials that integrate seamlessly into existing curricula. The focus is on fostering critical skills essential for AI literacy through collaborative, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences.
The Curriculum Framework
The newly introduced
LEGO® Education Computer Science and AI curriculum is set to roll out in April 2026. It will include a variety of kits that comprise LEGO® bricks, hardware, and lesson plans specifically tailored for different age groups, including grades 2-4, 5-8, and high school. Each kit features a structured lesson plan that encourages inquiry-based learning.
According to Atish Gonsalves, Head of Product for Computer Science and AI at LEGO Education, the vision is for children to engage collaboratively rather than isolating themselves with headphones while working on computers. Students will work in small groups, enabling interactive and cooperative learning under the guidance of teachers who utilize this ready-made instructional material.
Addressing Educational Gaps
The report confirms that a significant number of teachers express frustration about the inadequacy of current teaching resources. Over half of the educators surveyed believe that students find existing materials uninteresting. Furthermore, many teachers suggest that computer science curricula do not connect well with students’ personal interests or everyday lives.
Despite recognizing the critical importance of AI literacy, a considerable number of educators feel their institutions are ill-equipped to provide comprehensive training in this field. Andrew Sliwinski, Head of Product Experience at LEGO Education, emphasizes the necessity for children to not only utilize technology but to grasp its underlying principles, question it, and utilize it to contribute positively to society.
An Inclusive Learning Environment
The
LEGO® Education Computer Science and AI solution is meticulously crafted to prioritize safety, privacy, and the well-being of children. The curriculum is designed in such a way that it balances digital interaction with hands-on activities, enabling students to build and experiment with AI concepts safely and responsibly.
In this hybrid model of learning, the curriculum incorporates both screen-free lessons and those that utilize the digital
LEGO® Education Coding Canvas App. This app incentivizes creativity through intuitive block-based programming while ensuring that no student data is collected or stored online, thus maintaining privacy.
Enhancing Collaboration and Creativity
One of the standout features of this curriculum is its focus on collaboration among peers. As students work together, they are encouraged to build their own AI interactions, promoting a spirit of cooperation and innovation. Additionally, the program includes engagement with the
FIRST® LEGO® League Future Edition, further enriching the learning experience.
The launch of the
LEGO Education Computer Science and AI curriculum marks a pivotal shift in how technology-related subjects are taught in classrooms. By making computer science and AI accessible and engaging, LEGO® Education aims to equip the next generation with the skills necessary for the future job market. This significant move is not just about teaching facts but also about inspiring a new wave of creative thinkers and problem solvers.
As this curriculum becomes available in schools across the globe, LEGO Education continues its commitment to providing practical educational solutions that bridge knowledge gaps and inspire students in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. For more information, visit
LEGOeducation.com/CS-AI.