4h. Large Lego, Little Lego

Math

Can you build a realistic model of the Empire State Building?  How large will your model be?  Why would you pick that size?  In this class, we build lots of Lego models to illustrate and practice math concepts.  How many Lego bricks do you need to build a model of a bridge to cross the Rivanna River?  If we scaled up a mini-figure to human size, how big a waist would it have?  How crazy will our models look if we mix the scale?  The main focus of this class is a hands-on exploration of scale.  Students will make several builds of the same subject at different scales.  The class provides opportunities to practice multiplication, division, measurement, and estimation, and to make some cool Lego creations.

Instructor: Teela James

I love learning about new things and finding connections between diverse topics. This tendency has lead to a rather wandering career path that has included programming, technical training, writing short stories, designing parks, teaching, and guiding wilderness camping trips. I am currently able to share my enthusiasm for these topics with my two custom educated children. I feel that my role as an instructor involves engaging students by presenting fun material and then supporting them in delving into the parts they find fascinating. Students with learning differences are welcome in my classes and I enjoy working with them to find effective accommodations. I have a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Saskatchewan and a MLA from the University of Georgia.