LEGO camp enhances STEM, language skills

June 29, 2023 – DENTON – Eighteen children from ages 5 to 13 – and with varying hearing capabilities – took part in a unique weeklong summer camp at Texas Woman’s University that uses LEGO building pieces to teach youngsters science-related concepts while at the same time honing their communication skills.

Deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing participants learn science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) applications through a variety of activities using the LEGO pieces to build robots, vehicles, towers and even a “flower” garden.

It’s an eye-popping experience that keeps the young campers, who come from areas across North Texas, highly engaged for six hours each day over five days.

Children improve their social and communication skills, whether it be through talking or using sign language. And graduate students working with campers gain valuable teaching experience no textbook can match.

“They learn to teach better and problem solve,” said Chad Smith, a TWU professor of communication sciences and oral health, and the camp’s coordinator.  

The children not only gain better knowledge of STEM concepts, they improve their interpersonal skills learning to communicate with counterparts who may or may not be able to hear.

“The idea here is we are giving them topics they can discuss outside of camp – we are broadening their vocabulary and social skills,” Smith said.