Introduction to Global Challenges and Solutions Activity
Overview
This activity uses legos to introduce students to a course focused on global challenges and solutions.
Overview
Overview: This activity introduces students to the topic of global challenges and encourages them to think creatively about solutions using LEGO bricks.
Discipline
This activity could be used in any social sciences course that addresses global challenges.
Learning Objectives
1. Students will identify key aspects of a specific global challenge and discuss its significance within their campus or local community context.
2. Students will collaboratively design and build a practical, micro-level solution to a global challenge, fostering innovation and critical thinking.
3. Students will practice effective collaboration, reflect on the creative process, and articulate the impact and feasibility of their proposed solutions.
Time Needed
This exercise will take approximately 45-minutes to complete.
Materials Needed
LEGO sets (enough for small groups of 3-4 students)
Printed cards with different global challenges with specific application to your campus or local community (e.g., climate change, clean water access, poverty, renewable energy, etc.)
Timer
Large paper for group reflection (markers etc)
Sticky notes for gallery walk
Lesson Instructions
Introduction (5 minutes):
1. Briefly introduce the concept of global challenge
2. Explain that today’s activity will involve using LEGO bricks to think creatively about solutions to global challenges.
Form Groups (2 minutes):
1. Divide the students into small groups of 3-4.
2. Distribute a set of LEGO bricks to each group.
Challenge Assignment (3 minutes):
1. Give each group a card with a specific global challenge written on it.
2. Explain that their task is to build a model that represents a solution to their assigned challenge using the LEGO bricks.
3. Let them know if should be a practical, “mirco” level solution that could be implemented on their campus/in their community.
Building Phase (10 minutes):
1. Set a timer for 10 minutes.
2. Encourage the groups to discuss and build their solutions. Remind them to think creatively and collaboratively.
Presentation (7 minutes):
1. Once the time is up, have each group present their LEGO model to the class.
2. Ask them to explain the challenge they were addressing and how their model represents a solution.
Reflection (10 minutes):
Have students go back to their small groups and reflect on the experience.
Ask them to draw/take notes of the large pieces of white paper and hang them up around the room.
Use (some of) the following questions to guide the reflection:
What did you learn about the global challenge your group addressed?
Why do you think this challenge is important to solve?
How did your group come up with the solution represented by your LEGO model?
What were some of the ideas that you considered but didn’t use? Why did you choose the final idea?
How did your group work together to build the model? What roles did each member take on?
What challenges did you face while working as a team, and how did you overcome them?
How do you think your solution could make a difference in addressing the global challenge?
What are some potential limitations or obstacles to implementing your solution in the real world?
Gallery Walk (10 minutes):
1. After the students hang up their reflections (with their LEGO models visible), invite all groups to do a gallery walk to read/reflect on the notes different groups made.
2. Invite students to make comments on the large pieces of white paper by adding sticky notes.
- Comments might focus on how peers think the solution could make a positive difference in addressing the global challenge or potential limittions or obstacles to implementing the solution.
Discussion (3 minutes): Highlight the importance of creativity and collaboration in solving global challenges.