All around the room, students toyed with their creations. Two girls hunched over a remote-control car that stopped when a Lego
flower was placed before it. A small group of students circled around another Lego construction that resembled a spinning
windmill. Everywhere, students were engaged in activity, as they laughed and excitedly discussed their projects.
On Friday, May 19, PS 676 Red Hook Neighborhood School held an enrichment fair, where students showed off the skills they have been cultivating all year during their allocated club times each Friday. At the event, students displayed newfound talent in activities from chorus to chess to needlepoint.
One of the clubs inspired students love of learning with an unusual medium: Legos. But these are not the average children’s toys. Equipped with motion sensors, moving parts, and tablet computers, students in the club have been learning basic concepts of engineering and computer science. “They absolutely love these projects,” Jennifer Konarski, the teacher in charge of the club, noted. “They especially love the ones with the iPads.”
She appreciates how enriching the Lego projects have been for her students. The toys offer them a chance to troubleshoot problems and collaborate with one another to finish projects.
Students began working with the Legos in back in March, after they were donated by Red Hook local and major supporter of PS 676, Humberto Lopes.
“They had this beautiful room and no Legos,” Lopes explained. “I felt it was a great thing to give to them; it’s so interactive. Look how many kids
are involved.”
As he looked around, Lopes added, “This is a great school. I’m going to continue giving to [P.S. 676] to get it recognized.”
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