“Where Function meets Form”
INTRODUCTION
Advanced builders will love this collaborative learning and engineering skills-building environment. The Creative Engineering Team is designed for mature LEGO-lovers (aged 8 to 12) to engage in a year long project that teaches project management, communication, and a variety of engineering concepts all while applying their creativity skills.
The team will gather weekly (Weds or Sat) to work on a Grand Creative Engineering Project for display in and around Toronto for the year ahead. The team will be coached and mentored in a variety of engineering and team skills, with the specific goal of understanding and applying the Engineering Design Process. Through the year, they will be provided specific tasks and deadlines and are expected to work collaboratively to achieve the overall goal.
SCHEDULE
Members are free to choose to participate on either Wednesdays from 4pm to 6pm or on Saturdays from 9am to 11am. They are able to switch between the days if their personal schedule requires it.
The first practice will be September 11th (Weds) or September 14th (Sat). Our last session will be in early June, along with a reveal for family and friends.
Project Timetable Outline:
- September/October – Individual concept draft and selection, work teams, part sourcing
- November/December/January – Proto-typing, Functional Building, Trials, Redesigns
- February/March/April – Creative Design (form), Testing, Redesigns
- May/June – Grand Model Compilation, Testing, Written Reports, Final Design
- June – Reveal (Date TBD)
GRAND PROJECT OUTLINE
The theme of the grand project is “Purposeful Movement”. Team members will be tasked with creating a series of builds demonstrating how people and items move in society. They will start with conceptualizing and drafting a scene involving a continuous movement of a large number of people or items. After sourcing and selecting their parts, they will build a functioning prototype of the mechanisms needed. After testing and adjustments, they will then move on to adding the form over top their mechanism, Through testing and rebuilding, they will ensure their scene moves both realistically and without failure. Once all devices are completed, they will be arranged on a grand scale display and decorated for the final reveal.
APPLICATION PROCESS
We are looking for 12-14 team members to be part of this exciting project. Team captains have already been chosen and will assist in the selection of team members. Interested applicants should start the application process by clicking the apply now button. Once the initial application has been completed, we may reach out for additional information (photos of previous work or an interview). Final selection and announcement of team members will take place in early September.
We will be using LEGO Technic, Power Functions, and many of the LEGO mechanical systems. Team members will be applying many math and science skills in their projects. Creativity will be essential in the second part of their builds, specifically once their engineering/moment functions are working correctly.
Fees
The annual fee for team membership is $1750 (includes hst). This amount is billed monthly from September to June ($175). There are no additional fees. Team members are welcome to attend on their selected practice day or both. They are also able to attend PA Day camps at no charge. Team members will receive a variety of team apparel throughout the year. Team members may also be given priority for Leader in Training camp invitations.
More Information
If you would like additional information or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please reach out to John Neretlis at 647 229-1664 or by email at john@bricklabs.ca