Description

Bring bricks to your classroom to engage students with exciting Project-Based Learning activities that make learning fun! BrickLAB Core was developed specifically for grades 1-6 and is aligned with variety of national standards to help strengthen Common Core skills like science, math, social studies and literacy (see Alignments tab for more information). Based on the Madeline Hunter Lesson Model, BrickLAB Classroom reinforces knowledge by teaching concepts repetitively in new ways to develop increased neural pathways in each learner's brain, therefore solidifying new concepts.

With over 6,500 bricks, and a printed curriculum book for the instructor The BrickLAB Core set is a rich resource that brings the Common Core to life in your classroom and enables you to teach up to 30 students simultaneously. Improve student’s retention, engagement and test scores by incorporating bricks into the learning process.

By using bricks to encourage hands-on thinking and creativity, students pursue a variety of exciting and diverse topics from habitats, spatial relationships, map building, storytelling and more. Why teach topics like science, math, social studies and literacy in a 2-Dimensional fashion when you can turn all of them into engaging 3-Dimensional projects? Make the change to experiential Project-Based Learning today with PCS Edventures BrickLAB Core set!

• Supports 30 Students
• 6,540 Building Bricks: 6 different sizes and 8 different colors
• 45 Base Plates
• 2-10 Gallon Sterilite Tubs
• Curriculum Notebook complete with 12 Madeline Hunter style lesson plans: 3 in Math, Science, Social Studies, and Literacy.
• Aligned to National and Common Core Standards
• Non-consumable and Durable

Curriculum Topics

Alignments

The BrickLAB Classroom set was developed by PCS Edventures to bring Common Core subjects to life for students, and to help teachers improve test scores. It is aligned with standards set by the following education associations: International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA), National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

The standards laid out by the ITEEA are concerned with technological literacy including how students develop an understanding of what technology is, how it affects the environment, its impact on the human race and the wide array of technologies used in industries today. In a technologically reliant society, the ITEEA stresses 21st Century understanding of the evolution of technology and how it has the ability to shape the future.

The NCTM is a devoted association which developed one of the first rigorous set of standards which emphasizes college and career readiness in the 21st Century. The group realizes the effectiveness of a program is heavily reliant upon careful organization when assessing and teaching students mathematics, and has therefore set forth good practices for teachers, administrators and parents to create a powerful mathematics education.

Focusing on the ten themes of social studies, the NCSS standards have laid out standards to support and teach these themes, which include: 1) culture; 2) time, continuity and change; 3) people, places and environments; 4) individual development and identity; 5) individuals, groups and institutions; 6) power, authority and governance; 7) production, distribution and consumption; 8) science, technology and society; 9) global connections; and 10) civic ideals and practices. The NCSS highlights the importance of what they call “civic competence” and how to instill it in future generations.

Finally, the NCTE has developed a series of Guiding Visions in addition to their list of standards which help all students have the opportunity and resources to develop adequate language skills to be successful in life. The association believes that literacy growth begins before children start school and should be diversified with a mixture of activities beyond reading and writing. Their standards are meant to facilitate innovation and creativity which are essential to teaching and learning Language Arts.

As evident, the standards used to develop BrickLAB Classroom are extensive and subject diverse. It is one of the most sophisticated and versatile educational tools which can be utilized at the elementary and middle school levels.

Video

Spec Sheet

Click images below to view PDF file.

Description

BrickLAB Tech / After-school  Set

Bricks naturally provide students of all ages a platform for creative and innovative thinking, which is why the BrickLAB Tech set is perfect for extracurricular programs which aim to instill a wide range of STEM skills! Bricks provide opportunities for authentic discovery and collaboration, which PCS Edventures has combined with 12 unique units to develop a variety of topics. Designed to correlate with the national standards from the ITEEA (International Technology and Engineering Educators Association), which promote technological literacy, this series develops a true understanding of what technology is and how it is useful in society. For more information about the ITEEA technological literacy standards and how BrickLAB aligns, check out the alignment tab!

The BrickLAB Tech set is different from the Classroom version because it allows more variation between grade levels. Choose between grades levels however these levels are more for recommendation and can be used at the discretion of individual insturctors to accommodate different learning environments with a variety of student levels. Additionally, each kit comes with enough manipulatives to instruct up to 30 students at once!

The BrickLAB Tech set is the perfect addition to any program seeking to add diversity! The primarily Project-Based Learning curriculum can be used in multiple ways to encourage student growth and creativity, or the bricks can be used in teacher-devised projects--the possibilities are endless with over 6,500 bricks on hand!

Alignments

In the foreword of their document Standards for Technological Literacy, the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) describes the need for up and coming generations to have an understanding and appreciation of technology. The ITEEA wrote “we are a nation increasingly dependent on technology. Yet, in spite of this dependence, U.S. society is largely ignorant of the history and fundamental nature of the technology that sustains it. The result is a public that is disengaged from decisions that are helping share its technological future,” (2007). In response to this apparent need for technological literacy in today’s society, The PCS Edventures BrickLAB After-School set was developed specifically around the standards laid out by the ITEEA.

The ITEEA began with a broad definition of what technology is: “technology is how people modify the natural world to suit their own purposes.” From there, they developed a set of age-appropriate standards, which outline what concepts should be instilled to develop a sense of technological understanding as students progress. Additionally, it is apparent that there is a vast difference between what technology education entails versus educational technology. Many schools utilize technology in education, but fail to dive into the origins of technology and how it developed with the human race and continues to evolve with us into the future.

In response to this publication and its findings, PCS Edventures decided to develop a curriculum series which directly addressed the concerns laid out by the ITEEA. The BrickLAB Tech series starts with the scope of technology which leads to understanding the effects on the environment and the impact on society. From there, the series dives into various industries which utilize a variety of technologies such as engineering, energy, manufacturing, construction and more. With engaging Project-Based Learning activities, BrickLAB Tech instills a deep understanding of the world of technology!

To read the entire ITEEA document about technological literacy:

Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology, Third Edition. (2007). Retrieved from http://www.iteea.org/TAA/PDFs/xstnd.pdf

Video

Spec Sheet

Click images below to view PDF.

Description

BrickLAB STEM Foundations is perfect for any educational environment as it was designed to be suitable for classrooms, after-school programs, home school groups and more. By utilizing hands-on projects to explore the foundations of construction engineering, communications, mathematics and physics, which can be purchased separately or as a bundle. Bricks are the perfect manipulative to inspire students in unimaginable ways, making any learning environment an authentic experience for students in grades 3-6.

The projects in the curriculum were built upon Bloom’s Taxonomy to combine educational efficacy with fun, experiential activities. In each series, activities 1 and 2 build comprehensive knowledge, activity 3 provides analysis application and activity 4 wraps up with an evaluation synthesis coupled with an assessment journaling aspect. This series builds multiple neural pathways, to reinforce new concepts and challenge students to use these concepts in new ways. In addition, these engaging activities were developed with the ITEEA standards for technological literacy, which is growing in importance as a 21st Century Skill.

BrickLAB STEM Foundations has been developed using modern research and 21st Century alignments to create a powerful teaching tool that is easy for instructors to start using immediately. Additionally, the STEM Foundations BrickLAB is the perfect starter kit for an instructor that may not know exactly how they want to integrate hands-on manipulatives into their current curriculum. Start experiential learning in your classroom today with BrickLAB STEM Foundations!

Engineering

Students become budding architects in this unit as they explore basic architectural elements like the post and lintel and cantilever. Understanding the basics is extremely important when designing structures, and history is also covered to show how long architecture has been used and why it is integral to the success of a society. Greek temples and Egyptian pyramids are studied for their structural finesse and ability to withstand time. Additionally, proper nomenclature is always used in PCS Edventures curriculum, so architectural terminology is introduced as new concepts are covered. Learn about why architecture continues to grow and develop not only as a science but as an art form with this unique construction engineering unit!

Math

By diving into manipulative-based concepts such as geometry and statistics, students are able to use their hands to get more involved with math! They explore cubes, circles, pi, tesselations, measurement and so much more in this interactive math-filled unit. Correct terminology is also reinforced to aid students with memory recall of math concepts. Whether students enjoy math, or struggle with grasping concepts, the STEM foundations math unit helps students of all abilities see math in a whole new light and mathematics becomes more hands-on than ever before with this engaging unit!

Communications

In an increasingly digital world, communication skills are more important than ever and have become a highly sought after 21st Century Skill. In this unit students must put their current communication skills to the test in order to improve them! Activities require students to follow specific instructions, communicate with precision and use technology to communicate with semaphore and braille systems. One can never have too much experience or practice in the communication arena, so this unit is a beneficial addition to any classroom!

Physics

Force and motion are studied in this unit by giving students the opportunity to experiment with the different types. Newton’s laws of motion, the work formula and the effects of friction are also studied with engaging, experiential activities that would make anyone want to become a physicist! Students are also challenged to examine and relate scientific topics to the world around them using scientific vocabulary, specific to the physical sciences. Get moving and shaking with this exciting unit!

Alignments

In the foreward of their document Standards for Technological Literacy, the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) describes the need for up and coming generations to have an understanding and appreciation of technology. The ITEEA wrote “we are a nation increasingly dependent on technology. Yet, in spite of this dependence, U.S. society is largely ignorant of the history and fundamental nature of the technology that sustains it. The result is a public that is disengaged from decisions that are helping share its technological future,” (2007). In response to this apparent need for technological literacy in today’s society, The PCS Edventures BrickLAB STEM Foundations set was developed specifically around the standards laid out by the ITEEA.

The ITEEA began with a broad definition of what technology is: “technology is how people modify the natural world to suit their own purposes.” From there, they developed a set of age-appropriate standards, which outline what concepts should be instilled to develop a sense of technological understanding as students progress. Additionally, it is apparent that there is a vast difference between what technology education entails versus educational technology. Many schools utilize technology in education, but fail to dive into the origins of technology and how it developed with the human race and continues to evolve with us into the future.

In response to this publication and its findings, PCS Edventures decided to develop a curriculum series which directly addressed the concerns laid out by the ITEEA. The BrickLAB STEM Foundation series focuses on recent research which shows that many students learn best from experiential learning. Bricks are utilized to “provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding of technology and its value to them and society,” (2007, 19). With engaging Project-Based Learning activities, BrickLAB STEM Foundations instills a deep understanding of the world of technology!

To read the entire ITEEA document about technological literacy:

Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology, Third Edition. (2007). Retrieved from http://www.iteea.org/TAA/PDFs/xstnd.pdf

What's Included

• 6,540 Building Bricks: 6 Sizes and 8 Colors
• 40 Base Plates
• 2- 10 Gallon Sterilite Storage Tubs
• 4 Softbound Activity Books: Math, Physics, Communication, Construction Engineering
• Instructor's Guide

Spec Sheet

Description

Bring bricks to your classroom to engage students with exciting Project-Based Learning activities that make learning fun! BrickLAB Core was developed specifically for grades 1-6 and is aligned with a variety of national standards to help strengthen Common Core skills like science, math, social studies and literacy (see Alignments tab for more information). Based on the Madeline Hunter Lesson Model, BrickLAB Classroom reinforces knowledge by teaching concepts repetitively in new ways to develop increased neural pathways in each learner's brain, therefore solidifying new concepts.

These printed curriculum books for the instructor The BrickLAB Core/Classroom kit are a rich resource that brings the Common Core to life in your classroom and enables you to teach up to 30 students simultaneously. Improve student’s retention, engagement and test scores by incorporating bricks into the learning process. Pair them with BrickLAB Brick Set or perhaps an already existing BrickLAB in your facility!

By using bricks to encourage hands-on thinking and creativity, students pursue a variety of exciting and diverse topics from habitats, spatial relationships, map building, storytelling and more. Why teach topics like science, math, social studies and literacy in a 2-Dimensional fashion when you can turn all of them into engaging 3-Dimensional projects? Make the change to experiential Project-Based Learning today with PCS Edventures BrickLAB Core/Classroom Curriculum!

Alignments

The BrickLAB Classroom set was developed by PCS Edventures to bring Common Core subjects to life for students, and to help teachers improve test scores. It is aligned with standards set by the following education associations: International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA), National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

The standards laid out by the ITEEA are concerned with technological literacy including how students develop an understanding of what technology is, how it affects the environment, its impact on the human race and the wide array of technologies used in industries today. In a technologically reliant society, the ITEEA stresses 21st Century understanding of the evolution of technology and how it has the ability to shape the future.

The NCTM is a devoted association which developed one of the first rigorous set of standards which emphasizes college and career readiness in the 21st Century. The group realizes the effectiveness of a program is heavily reliant upon careful organization when assessing and teaching students mathematics, and has therefore set forth good practices for teachers, administrators and parents to create a powerful mathematics education.

Focusing on the ten themes of social studies, the NCSS standards have laid out standards to support and teach these themes, which include: 1) culture; 2) time, continuity and change; 3) people, places and environments; 4) individual development and identity; 5) individuals, groups and institutions; 6) power, authority and governance; 7) production, distribution and consumption; 8) science, technology and society; 9) global connections; and 10) civic ideals and practices. The NCSS highlights the importance of what they call “civic competence” and how to instill it in future generations.

Finally, the NCTE has developed a series of Guiding Visions in addition to their list of standards which help all students have the opportunity and resources to develop adequate language skills to be successful in life. The association believes that literacy growth begins before children start school and should be diversified with a mixture of activities beyond reading and writing. Their standards are meant to facilitate innovation and creativity which are essential to teaching and learning Language Arts.

As evident, the standards used to develop BrickLAB Classroom are extensive and subject diverse. It is one of the most sophisticated and versatile educational tools which can be utilized at the elementary and middle school levels. For more information on the following standards lists, visit their websites to read their entire list of alignments.

Sources

National Curriculum Standards for the Social Studies. (2010, September 17). Retrieved from http://www.socialstudies.org/standards

NCTE / IRA Standards for the English Language Arts. (2012, November 1). Retrieved from http://www.ncte.org/standards/ncte-ira

Principals and Standards for School Mathematics. (2000). Retrieved from http://www.nctm.org/Standards-and-Positions/Principles-and-Standards/

Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology, Third Edition. (2007). Retrieved from http://www.iteea.org/TAA/PDFs/xstnd.pdf

Curriculum Topics

Spec Sheet

Description

Built from the ground up to correlate with National and International technology educational standards from the ITEEA and ISTE, the BrickLAB Tech helps instructors introduce and meet mandated technological literacy standards while simultaneously reinforcing core curriculum topics they are already teaching.

If you already have thousands of  bricks, you can purchase our standards-based curriculum that enables students to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through exciting, hands-on projects. Our curriculum is broken out by grade for Grades K-4 and can be used once or twice a week for a 45–60 minute session. Meet technological literacy standards and boost test scores, knowledge, and understanding in science, math and other areas.

Spec Sheet

Description

BrickLAB STEM Foundations is perfect for any educational environment as it was designed to be suitable for classrooms, after-school programs, home school groups and more. By utilizing hands-on projects to explore the foundations of construction engineering, communications, mathematics and physics, which can be purchased separately or as a bundle. Bricks are the perfect manipulative to inspire students in unimaginable ways, making any learning environment an authentic experience for students in grades 3-6.

The projects in the curriculum were built upon Bloom’s Taxonomy to combine educational efficacy with fun, experiential activities. In each series, activities 1 and 2 build comprehensive knowledge, activity 3 provides analysis application and activity 4 wraps up with an evaluation synthesis coupled with an assessment journaling aspect. This series builds multiple neural pathways, to reinforce new concepts and challenge students to use these concepts in new ways. In addition, these engaging activities were developed with the ITEEA standards for technological literacy, which is growing in importance as a 21st Century Skill.

BrickLAB STEM Foundations has been developed using modern research and 21st Century alignments to create a powerful teaching tool that is easy for instructors to start using immediately. Additionally, the STEM Foundations BrickLAB is the perfect starter kit for an instructor that may not know exactly how they want to integrate hands-on manipulatives into their current curriculum. Start experiential learning in your classroom today with BrickLAB STEM Foundations!

Engineering

Students become budding architects in this unit as they explore basic architectural elements like the post and lintel and cantilever. Understanding the basics is extremely important when designing structures, so some history is also covered to show how long architecture has been used and why it is integral to the success of a society. Greek temples and Egyptian pyramids are studied for their structural finesse and ability to withstand time. Additionally, proper nomenclature is always used in PCS Edventures curriculum, so architectural terminology is introduced as new concepts are covered. Learn about why architecture continues to grow and develop not only as a science but as an art form with this unique construction engineering unit!

Math

By diving into manipulative-based concepts such as geometry and statistics, students are able to use their hands to get more involved with math! They explore cubes, circles, pi, tesselations, measurement and so much more in this interactive math-filled unit. Correct terminology is also reinforced to aid students with memory recall of math concepts. Whether students enjoy math, or struggle with grasping concepts, the STEM foundations math unit helps students of all abilities see math in a whole new light and mathematics becomes more hands-on than ever before with this engaging unit!

Communications

In an increasingly digital world, communication skills are more important than ever and have become a highly sought after 21st Century Skill. In this unit students must put their current communication skills to the test in order to improve them! Activities require students to follow specific instructions, communicate with precision and use technology to communicate with semaphore and braille systems. One can never have too much experience or practice in the communication arena, so this unit is a beneficial addition to any classroom!

Physics

Force and motion are studied in this unit by giving students the opportunity to experiment with the different types. Newton’s laws of motion, the work formula and the effects of friction are also studied with engaging, experiential activities that would make anyone want to become a physicist! Students are also challenged to examine and relate scientific topics to the world around them using scientific vocabulary, specific to the physical sciences. Get moving and shaking with this exciting unit!

Alignments

In the foreward of their document Standards for Technological Literacy, the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) describes the need for up and coming generations to have an understanding and appreciation of technology. The ITEEA wrote “we are a nation increasingly dependent on technology. Yet, in spite of this dependence, U.S. society is largely ignorant of the history and fundamental nature of the technology that sustains it. The result is a public that is disengaged from decisions that are helping share its technological future,” (2007). In response to this apparent need for technological literacy in today’s society, The PCS Edventures BrickLAB STEM Foundations set was developed specifically around the standards laid out by the ITEEA.

The ITEEA began with a broad definition of what technology is: “technology is how people modify the natural world to suit their own purposes.” From there, they developed a set of age-appropriate standards, which outline what concepts should be instilled to develop a sense of technological understanding as students progress. Additionally, it is apparent that there is a vast difference between what technology education entails versus educational technology. Many schools utilize technology in education, but fail to dive into the origins of technology and how it developed with the human race and continues to evolve with us into the future.

In response to this publication and its findings, PCS Edventures decided to develop a curriculum series which directly addressed the concerns laid out by the ITEEA. The BrickLAB STEM Foundation series focuses on recent research which shows that many students learn best from experiential learning. Bricks are utilized to “provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding of technology and its value to them and society,” (2007, 19). With engaging Project-Based Learning activities, BrickLAB STEM Foundations instills a deep understanding of the world of technology!

To read the entire ITEEA document about technological literacy:

Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology, Third Edition. (2007). Retrieved from http://www.iteea.org/TAA/PDFs/xstnd.pdf

Spec Sheet

Description

Already have curriculum in your classroom or after-school program that would benefit from the incorporation of hands-on manipulatives? BrickLAB BrickPACK is the solution for you! With over 6,500 bricks in the pack, over 30 students can be building simultaneously. From bridges, to habitats, to maps and more bricks can be used in almost every subject or activity! Bricks can even make mathematics more tangible for students to understand at a variety of levels.

In addition, according to the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA), “recent research on learning finds that many students learn best in experiential way--by doing rather than only seeing or hearing--and the study of technology emphasized and capitalizes on such active learning,” (2007). More and more instructors are moving towards  hands-on learning and ways to make their lessons increasingly interactive. The most simple and versatile way to make this a reality in your classroom is to purchase the BrickLAB BrickPACK!

Instantly make your current curriculum regime a hands-on learning experience for every student. Whether you have a wide array of student needs, or not, bricks bring students together to encourage imagination, innovation, collaboration, problem-solving and more. Recommended for students in grades 1-6, the BrickLAB BrickPACK has an unlimited amount of uses! If you are looking for accompanying curriculum, check out the BrickLAB After-school or BrickLAB Classroom sets!

Choose from the classic colors BrickPACK or the vibrant colors!

Bring the Power of the Flower to Your Students!

Bricks, bricks and even more bricks! Everybody LOVES building bricks. As a powerful teaching tool or for a fun-time break activity, this pack includes over 3,000 vibrant colored bricks to bring the power of the flower to your classroom or after-school program! Completely compatible with all major building systems. Our newest BrickLAB packs are a great way to expand your primary BrickLAB, OR just bring some building fun to your students with these thrilling new colors. The new colors include purple, pink, teal and lime green in addition to more of your favorite BrickLAB primary elements in green, blue, orange, and brown!

Elements include PINK, PURPLE, LIME GREEN AND TEAL 2x2, 2x3, and 2x4s; ORANGE AND BROWN 2X6s; GREEN and BLACK 2x8s; GREEN and BLUE 2x10s; and 8x16 baseplates in WHITE and BLUE!

Package also includes a 10-gallon, classroom-sturdy tub for storage, brick separator and even a nylon mesh bag to facilitate running these flower-powerful manipulatives through the dishwasher after a full week of learning fun!

History Activity Card Set:

When teaching US History, Government, and/or Patriotism, the BrickLab and the US History Activity Cards bring Washington DC to life in your classroom. From the White House to the Mayflower, these fun and challenging brick builds enliven students and promote creative designs for additional builds. 

Designed for Elementary Students, each of the five cards offer one step-by-step build and three additional themed models. In addition, there is a corresponding Teacher Resource card that provides extension activities in Math, Science, Social Studies, and Literacy and a cooperative STEM activity. 

Flower Power up your classroom or after-school program today!!

Description

Historically, girls have strayed from many of the STEM fields of study and career options. Now, is the time for change! With STEM fields growing faster than any other industry, the gap can be filled with creative and passionate girls. Getting girls excited about these topics at a young age is the answer, and Girls Can Build is the key to change. By using easy-to-use building materials in addition to collaborative activities, Girls Can Build encourages girls to explore, experiment, communicate and problem-solve together.

The Girls Can Build product line comes with 6 one hour segments designed for the primary level grades K-2, as well as 6 one hour segments designed for the secondary level grades 3-5. Each activity of the series uses interest-based learning to develop an understanding of the wide variety of STEM topics. Girls explore urban planning, structural design, physics, math, and storytelling which enables them to gain critical thinking and logical reasoning skills. Envision the possibilities for change with Girls Can Build.

What's Included

• K-2 Instructor and Student Materials - 6 activities designed to fill one hour segments
• 3-5 Instructor and Student Materials- 6 activities designed to fill one hour segments
• Nearly 10,000 durable and brightly colored building pieces for engineering activities
• Brightly colored and long-lasting Gratnell storage containers for easy clean up and storage
• Set of Charade Cards that girls will love - See a Sample!
• Stimulating art supplies
• Useful Instructor background information
• Tips for collaboration and discussion
• Lesson extensions provide diversification of activities as necessary

Spec Sheet