80 Lbs of LEGO® bricks and DUPLO® bricks Donated to the Coal Pit Learning Center
February 10, 2011
Let Go Your LEGO®
Many of us started our fascination with science and engineering as toddlers. According to Matt P. our team captain:
"I was born a builder. LEGO® bricks were my first outlet. As a kid, I would spend hours playing with them. I think I was playing with DUPLO® bricks before I could walk."
We want to inspire even the youngest children in our community the same way. If we can foster a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) at an early age, children will seek out programs like FIRST® Robotics.
Children learn with their hands. Studies have shown that children that play with blocks and LEGO® bricks have higher math scores later in life. They learn to visualize spatial relationships and gain problem solving skills. Oh, and did we mention they have lots of fun?
This winter, Deep Run High School – Blue Cheese FIRST® Robotics team 1086 started the Let Go of Your LEGO® bricks program to collect gently used LEGO® bricks and their larger cousins DUPLO® bricks.
We were floored by the response from our community. We collected over 80 lbs of donated LEGO® bricks and DUPLO® bricks. When we dropped off two large bins at the Coal Pit Learning Center, the expressions on their little faces was priceless.
Kyle B. was heard exclaiming:
"I felt like Santa!"
The children attacked the box with such joy and enthusiasm- we knew that the LEGO® bricks would be played with constantly. We hope that a future member of 1086 is developing right now!
The Coal Pit Learning Center, is a Non-Profit learning center that serves at risk children in the Glen Allen, VA area.
