Lego Geometry - STEAM Lesson

STEAM activities use hands-on learning—like building, experimenting, and exploring—to boost critical thinking and creativity. For children and siblings facing pediatric cancer, these activities are more than just schoolwork; they bring back a feeling of normalcy, success, and confidence during a difficult time.

STEAM education helps kids learn vital skills, connect with others, and have fun! These at-home STEAM activities let children and siblings facing pediatric cancer explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math in a fun, comfortable setting.

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Age Group Best Served: K-8

Child/Adult Ratio: 6 to 1

Take Away Artifact: Yes

Approximate time: 20 minutes

Divisions Covered: All

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Materials:

Graham crackers, frosting with coordinating colored chocolate wafers. Popsicle stick or plastic knife to mix and spread, 3 oz cups and a ruler.

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Questions to ask:

What is a square? What is a rectangle? What is a circle? What are the measurements of a graham cracker? What does symmetry mean? What is vertical and what is horizontal? How can we recreate a Lego using chocolate, frosting and graham crackers?

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Skills Required for Completion of Task:

Motor skills

• Bilateral upper extremity coordination
• Ability to manipulate small objects
• Hand-eye coordination
• Ability to grip objects
• Ability to stabilize objects/task

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Process/Cognitive skills

• Ability to attend to task for greater than 5 minutes
• Follow multi-step directions
• Ability to sequence steps
• Ability to understand safety precaution
• Ability to organize or keep materials organized for task
• Ability to adjust to different workspace requirements

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Social skills

• Ability to communicate and share equipment with peers/staff appropriately

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K-8 Standards:

4.ETS2: Links Among Engineering, Technology, Science, and Society 1) Use appropriate tools and measurements to build a model.

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This activity would be appropriate completed by the following disciplines:

Occupational Therapy, LCSW, Family Services

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Instructions:

Ask the following questions: What is a square? What is a rectangle? What is a circle? What are the measurements of a graham cracker? (5 inches X 2 ½ inches) Wait for students to measure the length and width of the cracker. How can you place chocolate dots so that they are symmetrical?

Provide students with a 3 oz cup of frosting with 3-5 drops food coloring, a popsicle stick and graham cracker placed vertically on a paper plate and eight chocolate wafers that match. Mix frosting and cover crackers with frosting. Using the ruler measure ½ inch from the side and one inch down to place the first chocolate wafer. Continue placing wafers every one inch ½ inch from each side of the vertically placed cracker.  Enjoy!

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The Austin Hatcher Foundation is a nationally recognized leader in psycho-oncology care, providing innovative, evidence-based services for families facing pediatric cancer. Through a holistic approach, the Foundation supports the emotional, mental, and social well-being of children, siblings, and parents—ensuring families have the resources to heal and thrive during and after treatment. 

Through programs like STEAM Club and at-home resources like these, we encourage creativity, build confidence, and strengthen connections through hands-on learning. To learn more about our programs or to request comprehensive support, visit https://www.hatcherfoundation.org/resources/request-an-appointment