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  • Author Author: Catwell
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LEGO Set to Release Spike Prime STEAM-Based Educational Platform for Kids

Catwell

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Lego’s Spike Prime kit features over 500 Technic parts and pieces and is programmed using a Scratch-based app. (Image credit: Lego)

 

LEGO has announced a new educational STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art Math) platform designed to teach kids about robotics, engineering, and coding. The company’s Educational Spike Prime Set is targeted at kids in grades 6th through 8th and features over 500 Technic pieces, along with a new coding app that’s based on Scratch.

 

According to LEGO, “Combining colorful LEGO building elements, easy-to-use hardware, and an intuitive drag-and-drop coding language based on Scratch, SPIKE Prime continuously engages students through playful learning activities to think critically and solve complex problems, regardless of their learning level.”

 

 

The Spike Prime kit contains everything needed to build nearly anything- robots, RC/autonomous vehicles, IoT devices, and more. Beyond the Technic pieces, the box of fun features a 3 X 3 frame designed to make building easier, 3X motors, 3X sensors, and a Smart Hub that’s outfitted with six connection ports, 6-axis gyroscope, 5 X 5 LED matrix, Bluetooth, speaker, and a rechargeable battery. The box the kit comes in also contains packaging that doubles as storage units for the various pieces.

 

LEGO’s Spike App provides kids with a Scratch-based programming platform with the same drag-and-drop GUI, making it simple for them to learn how to code their creations. The App can also be used with a myriad of operating systems, including Windows, iOS, Chrome, Mac, and Android. Kids and teachers alike will also have access to LEGO’s Spike Prime Units, which are 45-minute lessons designed to provide critical thinking skills through complex challenges. Teachers can also take advantage of lesson plans in all STEAM areas to help them get started in the classroom. LEGO’s Spike Prime Set will be available in August and is expected to cost $329.95.

 

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  • in reply to neilk

    Neil,

     

    I purchased all my Technic Lego myself, over several years. I have a Mindstorms, plus the R2D2 kit plus some others with motors, such as the Dinosaur. I used to have to go to Southend-on-Sea in the UK for work and during the lunch break I would visit a toy shop that had a great selection of Lego shop kits. Best Lego shop I evet went to as there were kits there I have never seen anywhere else. I wonder if that shop is still there. Regretfully there aren't many (any?) Technic kits around now, they all seemed to be themed and I am not interested in those. I went to Lego Land thinking there would be lots of great kits, but there weren't.

     

    Dubbie

  • in reply to dubbie

      wrote:

     

    I have a fair bit of Technic Lego, although I don't play with it much now

     

    Me too - my wife bought me a kit for christmas - as a joke - a few years ago. Had a great time with it. Sadly, no motors in it....

     

    Neil

  • I have a fair bit of Technic Lego, although I don't play with it much now, although I always intend to, so this kit looked good and I was interested. Almost put it on my Wish list and then saw the price. A bit too much for the fun that could be had. Although .. maybe my grandson might like one, when he's old enough not to eat the parts.

     

    Dubbie

  • in reply to dougw

    Agreed. I see this as a really useful rapid prototyping kit as the design can be adjusted almost immediately. It will be really useful for anyone without a 3D printer or someone who wants to try some mechanism ideas prior to creating them via metalwork, woodwork or 3D printing.

     

    Rod

  • I'm not sure why it isn't suitable for people older than 8th graders. image

    Judging by the opinions expressed here that is not a very accurate assessment of its appeal.

    At this price point it also qualifies as a big-boy toy. image

    How many 6th graders have that kind of cash in their pocket?