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Hillsborough County Public Schools, Florida
Tuesday, 08/25/2020
School Board Meeting
Title

C6.18 - Approval of the Purchase of LEGO SPIKE Prime Learning Tools for Computer Science and Robotics from LEGO Education North America (Sole-Source Provider) (Academic Services)

Description

LEGO Education North America provides several learning tools for use in grades K-12, ranging from simple building sets to more complex robotics systems, including the new SPIKE Prime for robotics, computer science and programming. 

For grades 5-8 students, the LEGO Education SPIKE Prime Set combines colorful LEGO building elements, easy-to-use hardware, and an intuitive drag-and-drop coding language based on Scratch. Lessons and activities associated with SPIKE Prime continuously engage students through playful learning activities to think critically and solve complex problems as well as build their abilities in literacy. For advanced students, SPIKE Prime can also be programmed through text-based coding with Python, which is an entry-level industry coding program. 

These learning tools are specifically chosen based on the grade levels served by each school at various elementary and middle schools and provides teachers with the ability to Integrate robotics technology with inquiry-based content and assessment, encourages and enhances a discovery-based science learning environment and brings twenty-first century technology into the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) classroom.

Gap Analysis

While our elementary, middle, and high school students have utilized LEGO Educational tools for several years, the new LEGO SPIKE Prime provides versatility to provide scaled learning in both simple programming through block-based coding (Scratch) and more complex text-based coding (Python). Python is an industry standard coding language and the district currently does not use a robotics program in grades 5-8 with this ability.

Many STEM teachers have not had formal training in Python. The LEGO SPIKE Prime robotics will be utilized extensively to provide professional learning to advance teachers’ skill sets for the use of text-based coding which may then be transferred to other engineering products for use in mathematics, science, career and technical and STEM classrooms. 

Previous Outcomes

Implementation of the SPIKE Prime learning tool in Hillsborough County has not occurred. Previous data from school sites include the following:

  • Increased engagement of students across economic and ability levels;
  • Increased achievement in science and mathematics at grades 4 and 5;
  • Increased excitement of teachers for science and mathematics content through replacement lessons.

Expected Outcomes

LEGO SPIKE Prime tools are an emergent tool in education that offer an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding and broader set of skills that students will need to succeed in future education and careers. These skills include:

  • Cognitive skills – ability to concentrate, problem-solve and think flexibly by learning to tackle complex tasks and build effective strategies to identify solutions.
  • Emotional skills – ability to understand, manage and express emotions by building self-awareness and handling impulses, as well as staying motivated and confident in the face of difficulties.
  • Physical skills – being physically active, understanding movement and space through practicing sensory-motor skills, developing spatial understanding, and nurturing an active and healthy body.
  • Social skills – ability to collaborate, communicate and understand other people’s perspectives through sharing ideas, negotiating rules and building empathy.
  • Creative skills – ability to come up with ideas and express and transform them into reality by creating associations, symbolizing and representing ideas, and providing meaningful experiences for others.

LEGO SPIKE Prime Professional Development supports educators in acquiring the competencies necessary to foster student success and engagement. Collaborative, hands-on courses offer educators the opportunity to learn, practice, and master new skills that will help them to deliver effective Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics experiences using LEGO Education solutions. All of the SPIKE Prime Professional Development sessions are facilitated by certified LEGO Education Academy Teacher Trainers.

Strategic Plan Goal

* Improve Student Achievement

Recommendation

That the Board approve the purchase of LEGO SPIKE Prime learning tools for use in professional learning for teachers and student learning in classrooms. 

Contact

Terry Connor, Deputy Superintendent, Instruction, terry.connor@hcps.net, 272-4221
Larry R. Plank, Ed.S., Executive Director, Science Education, larry.plank@hcps.net, 272-4622

Financial Impact

The total fiscal impact is $179,913 from the Florida Department of Education Computer Science Certification grant (Project Number 290-90430-0P001). Regular district funds will not be used for this purchase. 

Review Comments

Gretchen Saunders , Chief Financial Officer (813) 272-4270