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6th Grade  Project 6 weeks

Brick by Brick: North County Landmarks

Alicia T
Collaboration
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Effective Communication
Content Expertise
Self Directed Learning
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to enable sixth-grade students to collaboratively create LEGO building sets that represent local business landmarks in North County San Diego. By engaging with community partners such as Pepper Tree Frosty, Sorrento's Pizza, and Super Donuts, students will delve into the core content areas of 3D modeling, graphic design, and reverse engineering to understand the structural and aesthetic elements of landmark buildings. This experience emphasizes collaboration, problem solving, and effective communication, fostering students' ability to present their creations, reflect on their processes, and gain insights into architectural design and history.

Learning goals

Students will collaboratively design and create LEGO sets representing local business landmarks, learning to transform real-world architecture into scalable models through critical thinking and problem solving. They will develop skills in 3D modeling, scale building, and graphic design, ensuring that models maintain structural integrity and visual appeal. Effective communication will be key as they present their projects and engage with community partners like Pepper Tree Frosty, Sorrento's Pizza, and Super Donuts. Throughout the project, students will engage in self-directed learning by reflecting on feedback to continuously improve their designs and build self knowledge.

Competencies
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.

Products

Students will design and produce custom LEGO building sets representing iconic North County San Diego businesses such as Pepper Tree Frosty, Sorrento's Pizza, and Super Donuts. These sets will include detailed instructions, graphic-designed packaging, and feature custom 3D printed blocks tailored to capture the businesses' architectural details. The final product will serve as both a gift to the businesses and a showcase of students' collaborative skills, critical thinking, and creativity throughout the project. Each completed set will be exhibited, allowing students to present their work and reflect on their learning experiences.

Launch

To kick off this learning experience, engage students in the "Brick Like This" game, where they attempt to construct various shapes with limited instructions, fostering creativity and problem-solving. Then, visit Pepper Tree Frosty for inspiration and to explore a real-world example of the local landmark they will translate into LEGO models. This immersion in the physical setting will help activate students' curiosity and set the stage for collaborative brainstorming to design the iconic structures.

Exhibition

Students will host a showcase titled "Local Landmarks: LEGO Edition" at Pepper Tree Frosty, inviting community partners and families to explore their custom LEGO sets. Each student team will present their assembled models alongside their design process, emphasizing the historical significance and architectural features of the chosen landmarks. Interactive stations will allow attendees to try handling 3D printed blocks and explore further details of the graphic design and packaging elements. Feedback stations will encourage visitors to share thoughts and joy in students' work, fostering meaningful dialog and reflection on the impact of community partnerships and experiential learning.