Explore Jr.FLL - A Structural Engineering, Architecture And City Planning Class For Kids From 5 To 9
Are your kids the ones who:
Then, they'll Love Boomtown Builders! They'll build and build and build - and your house will still be tidy when it's all done. Better still, they’ll be learning all kinds of hard-core engineering and physics while they’re having the time of their lives.
This class will take the kids through the entire process of designing and engineering all sorts of structures. They’ll learn about structural engineering, architecture, city planning and transportation planning. Then, they will work together to layout a city plan and build the model city of their dreams – using LEGOs!
What's On The Menu
Forces & Motion in Structural Engineering – That sounds really techie, doesn't it? What it really means is that we'll be studying what makes structures collapse...and how to prevent it.
Hands-On Testing – We’ll be checking out loads, compression, tension and the other forces that act on structures.
Materials – Structures are only as good as the stuff they’re made of; so, we'll learn about the materials that engineers and architects use, and then you'll test out a variety of materials for building a dog or cat house.
Structural Integrity – Learn what keeps structures standing. Important, right? We will design and build earthquake-proof, LEGO buildings to test what you’ve learned.
Strong Footings – If a structure is going to stand long, it has to be anchored to solid ground – which sounds easy, but it isn’t. You’ll learn just how challenging that is while building your own tower.
Bridge- and Tunnel-Building – Next, you’re going to learn a bit about bridges, tunnels and their various designs. Then, you’re off to prove you’re a master builder by constructing your own weight bearing bridge and ground-supporting tunnels.
Architecture and Design – An introduction to amazing structures
Design a Series of Structures – Put all that new knowledge to work while designing and building a dome to house one of your team mates. Try your hand at other common building forms.
Create Your Own Park – Work with your team to scope out the requirements, design and build a model of your dream park.
City Planning – With the help of city planning experts, you will learn what makes a city a great (or miserable) place in which to live, work and play. Then, you will work in teams to lay out your dream city on paper.
Transportation Planning – Next, we will have transportation experts join us to discuss how you will move around all the “stuff” that cities need to move – commuters, kids on their way to school, groceries on its way to stores, trash on its way to the dump, etc.
Build the City of Your Dreams using LEGOs – This is where you show off your skills! Whether you choose to build a hotel, a waste treatment facility, an amusement park or one of a thousand other structures, it’s your job to make it the best possible for all the people living in your city. (Parents and grandparents are welcome to come, see what the kids have done and enjoy the show!)