Lego and our future engineers - Revision history

Editor at 08:48, 21 January 2026

2026-01-21T08:48:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:48, 21 January 2026
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	Create a small robotic arm to observe how pivot points and linkages might behave under motion. Assemble a basic gear train from a LEGO engineering kit to see if the gear ratios function as intended		Create a small robotic arm to observe how pivot points and linkages might behave under motion. Assemble a basic gear train from a LEGO engineering kit to see if the gear ratios function as intended

−	“Even the smallest components can make the biggest impact”	+	“Even the smallest components can make the biggest impact” Accu

	= How can children use LEGO to develop engineering skills? =		= How can children use LEGO to develop engineering skills? =

Editor at 08:47, 21 January 2026

2026-01-21T08:47:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:47, 21 January 2026
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−	[[File:Lego-~~708088 1000~~.jpg]]	+	[[File:Lego-708088_1000.jpg\|link=File:Lego-708088_1000.jpg]]

	= Earliest possible stages of engineering =		= Earliest possible stages of engineering =
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	“LEGO also makes it easier to see how infrastructure interacts with human behaviour. As a child, LEGO can be built as a group, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.”		“LEGO also makes it easier to see how infrastructure interacts with human behaviour. As a child, LEGO can be built as a group, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.”

−	[[File:~~Accu press release jan 26~~.jpg]]	+	[[File:Accu_press_release_jan_26.jpg\|link=File:Accu_press_release_jan_26.jpg]]

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings =
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	= References =		= References =

−	* Lego, Engineering & Low Fidelity Prototyping. [https://www.accu.co.uk/shop/precision-components https://www.accu.co.uk/shop/precision-components]	+	* Patrick Faulkner. Lego, Engineering & Low Fidelity Prototyping. [https://www.accu.co.uk/shop/precision-components https://www.accu.co.uk/shop/precision-components]
	* Ben Massey, MEng [https://www.inndex.co.uk/ https://www.inndex.co.uk/]		* Ben Massey, MEng [https://www.inndex.co.uk/ https://www.inndex.co.uk/]
−	* ~~[1]~~ [https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zrfknk7 BBC Bitesize] \| Revealed: New entry in top 10 jobs teenagers want	+	* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zrfknk7 BBC Bitesize] \| Revealed: New entry in top 10 jobs teenagers want
−	* ~~[2]~~ [https://oldwww.engc.org.uk/news/news/new-report-uncovers-parents-influence-on-young-people-on-attitudes-to-engineering/#:~:text=Only%2048%25%20of%20girls%20say,60%25%20compared%20to%2030%25). Engineering Council] \| New report uncovers parents’ influence on young people on attitudes to engineering	+	* [https://oldwww.engc.org.uk/news/news/new-report-uncovers-parents-influence-on-young-people-on-attitudes-to-engineering/#:~:text=Only%2048%25%20of%20girls%20say,60%25%20compared%20to%2030%25). Engineering Council] \| New report uncovers parents’ influence on young people on attitudes to engineering

	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Education_and_Training]] [[Category:DCN_Organisation]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Specification]] [[Category:Education]] [[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]		[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Education_and_Training]] [[Category:DCN_Organisation]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Specification]] [[Category:Education]] [[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Editor at 08:46, 21 January 2026

2026-01-21T08:46:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:46, 21 January 2026
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		+	[[File:Lego-708088 1000.jpg]]
		+
		+	= Earliest possible stages of engineering =
		+
		+	Engineering is now the second most sought-after career among children aged 13-16, [https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zrfknk7 according to the BBC Bitesize Careers survey]. [https://oldwww.engc.org.uk/news/news/new-report-uncovers-parents-influence-on-young-people-on-attitudes-to-engineering Other research Engineering Council] by the has found that 78% of young people whose parents regularly take part in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities with them express an interest in pursuing a career in engineering.
		+
		+	Taken together, these findings point to a connection between early experiences at home and the careers children go on to consider. With this in mind, the engineering and construction experts at Accu believe that LEGO can play a powerful role in inspiring the engineers of tomorrow. They’ve created a guide on how children can use LEGO to mirror real engineering processes, using their creativity to develop highly practical and problem-solving skills in engineering and STEM careers.
		+
	= Low-fidelity prototyping =		= Low-fidelity prototyping =

Line 5:		Line 13:
	“Lego stands out as a low-fidelity prototyping tool because of its versatility, accessibility in education environments and ease of modification. Lego engineering sets come with modular pieces that snap together seamlessly, letting designers experiment with structural layouts and simple design ideas, including mechanical functions, at minimal cost. When something doesn’t work, you can quickly disassemble and rebuild it, making iterations both fast and intuitive. This hands-on approach also helps you to spot potential design challenges early, well before moving on to more complex stages of product design and development. Lego also has more advanced modules such as gears, hubs, axels, motors and even sensors. These can allow an even greater level of prototyping, allowing both physical and motion prototyping.”		“Lego stands out as a low-fidelity prototyping tool because of its versatility, accessibility in education environments and ease of modification. Lego engineering sets come with modular pieces that snap together seamlessly, letting designers experiment with structural layouts and simple design ideas, including mechanical functions, at minimal cost. When something doesn’t work, you can quickly disassemble and rebuild it, making iterations both fast and intuitive. This hands-on approach also helps you to spot potential design challenges early, well before moving on to more complex stages of product design and development. Lego also has more advanced modules such as gears, hubs, axels, motors and even sensors. These can allow an even greater level of prototyping, allowing both physical and motion prototyping.”

−	~~= Examples of LEGO prototyping =~~	+	See also Products and components in construction: Knowledge hub

−	~~Create a small robotic arm to observe how pivot points and linkages might behave under motion.~~	+	= Examples of LEGO prototyping =

−	Assemble a basic gear train from a LEGO engineering kit to see if the gear ratios function as intended	+	Create a small robotic arm to observe how pivot points and linkages might behave under motion. Assemble a basic gear train from a LEGO engineering kit to see if the gear ratios function as intended

	“Even the smallest components can make the biggest impact”		“Even the smallest components can make the biggest impact”
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	“LEGO also makes it easier to see how infrastructure interacts with human behaviour. As a child, LEGO can be built as a group, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.”		“LEGO also makes it easier to see how infrastructure interacts with human behaviour. As a child, LEGO can be built as a group, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.”

−	~~= References =~~	+	[[File:Accu press release jan 26.jpg]]

−	~~[https://www.accu.co.uk/p/473-lego-engineering-and-low-fidelity-prototyping Accu] \| Lego, Engineering & Low Fidelity Prototyping~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

−	~~[1] [https://www~~.~~bbc~~.co.~~uk/bitesize/~~articles~~/zrfknk7 BBC Bitesize] \| Revealed: New entry~~ in ~~top 10 jobs teenagers want~~	+	* Basement and sewerage LEGO set.
		+	* Bridge Engineering exhibition.
		+	* Caithness Broch Project.
		+	* Cast metal components.
		+	* Craft your Future.
		+	* Data-centric business model.
		+	* Durham Cathedral's Open Treasure project.
		+	* How to rebuild using the debris from disasters.
		+	* ICE articles.
		+	* Inspiration Series for 16 to 18 year olds launched.
		+	* Inspiring young civil engineers.
		+	* Interface between components.
		+	* International LEGO day 2021.
		+	* Leadenhall building opening ceremony.
		+	* Parents are pivotal in reaching future engineers.
		+	* Plug-In to Housing.
		+	* Pre-manufacturing components (non-systemised primary structure).
		+	* Safe room.
		+	* Systemic view on reuse potential of building elements, components and systems.
		+	* The Institution of Civil Engineers.
		+
		+	= References =

−	[2] [https://oldwww.engc.org.uk/news/news/new-report-uncovers-parents-influence-on-young-people-on-attitudes-to-engineering/#:~:text=Only%2048%25%20of%20girls%20say,60%25%20compared%20to%2030%25). Engineering Council] \| New report uncovers parents’ influence on young people on attitudes to engineering	+	* Lego, Engineering & Low Fidelity Prototyping. [https://www.accu.co.uk/shop/precision-components https://www.accu.co.uk/shop/precision-components]
		+	* Ben Massey, MEng [https://www.inndex.co.uk/ https://www.inndex.co.uk/]
		+	* [1] [https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zrfknk7 BBC Bitesize] \| Revealed: New entry in top 10 jobs teenagers want
		+	* [2] [https://oldwww.engc.org.uk/news/news/new-report-uncovers-parents-influence-on-young-people-on-attitudes-to-engineering/#:~:text=Only%2048%25%20of%20girls%20say,60%25%20compared%20to%2030%25). Engineering Council] \| New report uncovers parents’ influence on young people on attitudes to engineering

−	[[Category:~~Articles_needing_more_work~~]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Education_and_Training]] [[Category:DCN_Organisation]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Specification]] [[Category:Education]] [[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Editor at 08:23, 21 January 2026

2026-01-21T08:23:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:23, 21 January 2026
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	Examples might include:		Examples might include:

−	“Can you build something that moves?”	+	* “Can you build something that moves?”
		+	* “Can you make a bridge strong enough for your toy car?”

−	~~“Can you make a bridge strong enough for your toy car?”~~	+	This helps children:

−	~~💡This helps children:~~	+	* Think with purpose
−		+	* Test ideas
−	Think with purpose	+
−		+
−	Test ideas	+

	== Add rules to the build (these are called design constraints) ==		== Add rules to the build (these are called design constraints) ==
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	For example:		For example:

−	“It has to fit on this table.”	+	* “It has to fit on this table.”
		+	* “It must lift something small.”

−	~~“It must lift something small.”~~	+	This helps children:

−	~~💡This helps children:~~	+	* Plan ahead
−		+	* Understand real-world problem solving
−	Plan ahead	+
−		+
−	Understand real-world problem solving	+

	== Choose a LEGO set that encourages engineering skills ==		== Choose a LEGO set that encourages engineering skills ==
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	Being intentional with the LEGO set you choose can make a big difference. Sets that include gears, wheels, axles, and beams encourage children to think about movement, mechanics, and structure rather than just appearance.		Being intentional with the LEGO set you choose can make a big difference. Sets that include gears, wheels, axles, and beams encourage children to think about movement, mechanics, and structure rather than just appearance.

−	~~💡This~~ helps children explore:	+	This helps children explore:

−	How parts connect	+	* How parts connect
		+	* How movement is created
		+	* Cause and effect

−	~~How movement is created~~	+	== Sort pieces together before building ==
−		+
−	~~Cause and effect~~	+
−		+
−	Sort pieces together before building	+

	Before building begins, encourage your child to group similar pieces together and lay them out so they can clearly see what’s available. This small step makes it easier to build, test, and adapt ideas.		Before building begins, encourage your child to group similar pieces together and lay them out so they can clearly see what’s available. This small step makes it easier to build, test, and adapt ideas.

−	~~💡This~~ helps children:	+	This helps children:

−	Learn organisational skills	+	* Learn organisational skills
		+	* Develop independent thinking

−	~~Develop independent thinking~~	+	== Start by building a strong base ==
−		+
−	Start by building a strong base	+

	Encourage your child to create a sturdy base or frame before adding any moving parts. A strong foundation helps everything else work more smoothly.		Encourage your child to create a sturdy base or frame before adding any moving parts. A strong foundation helps everything else work more smoothly.

−	~~💡This~~ helps children explore:	+	This helps children explore:

−	Structural thinking	+	* Structural thinking
		+	* Why things fall over

−	~~Why things fall over~~	+	== Add one piece at a time and test often ==
−		+
−	Add one piece at a time and test often	+

	Encourage your child to add just one gear, lever, or wheel at a time rather than all at once, and test it before moving on. This mirrors how real engineers check each part of a design as they build.		Encourage your child to add just one gear, lever, or wheel at a time rather than all at once, and test it before moving on. This mirrors how real engineers check each part of a design as they build.

−	~~💡This~~ helps children develop:	+	This helps children develop:

−	Patience	+	* Patience
		+	* Logical thinking

−	~~Logical thinking~~	+	== Encourage rebuilding and trying again ==
−		+
−	Encourage rebuilding and trying again	+

	When something doesn’t work as expected, encourage your child to take apart only the most recent section and try a different approach. LEGO makes it easy to experiment without fear of getting it wrong.		When something doesn’t work as expected, encourage your child to take apart only the most recent section and try a different approach. LEGO makes it easy to experiment without fear of getting it wrong.

−	~~💡This~~ helps children explore:	+	This helps children explore:

−	Problem solving	+	* Problem solving
		+	* Failure as a part of learning
		+	* Iteration

−	~~Failure as a part of learning~~	+	== Test the strength and stability of the structure ==
−		+
−	~~Iteration~~	+
−		+
−	Test the strength and stability of the structure	+

	Once the build is complete, gently test it. Press lightly on the structure or place a small toy on top and observe what wobbles or stays firm.		Once the build is complete, gently test it. Press lightly on the structure or place a small toy on top and observe what wobbles or stays firm.

−	~~💡This~~ helps children understand:	+	This helps children understand:
−		+
−	~~Weight~~	+
−		+
−	~~Balance~~	+

−	Support	+	* Weight
		+	* Balance
		+	* Support

	Why engineers test designs before using them!		Why engineers test designs before using them!

−	LEGO develops health and safety awareness in children	+	= LEGO develops health and safety awareness in children =

	Ben Massey, MEng and customer success coordinator at health and safety software provider innDex, explains how playing with LEGO also helps develop health and safety awareness:		Ben Massey, MEng and customer success coordinator at health and safety software provider innDex, explains how playing with LEGO also helps develop health and safety awareness:
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	“LEGO also makes it easier to see how infrastructure interacts with human behaviour. As a child, LEGO can be built as a group, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.”		“LEGO also makes it easier to see how infrastructure interacts with human behaviour. As a child, LEGO can be built as a group, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.”

−	References	+	= References =
−		+
−	~~Sources:~~	+

	[https://www.accu.co.uk/p/473-lego-engineering-and-low-fidelity-prototyping Accu] \| Lego, Engineering & Low Fidelity Prototyping		[https://www.accu.co.uk/p/473-lego-engineering-and-low-fidelity-prototyping Accu] \| Lego, Engineering & Low Fidelity Prototyping

Editor at 08:20, 21 January 2026

2026-01-21T08:20:29Z

Editor at 08:15, 21 January 2026

2026-01-21T08:15:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:15, 21 January 2026
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−	~~By using LEGO for~~ prototyping~~, engineers and designers can quickly create and adjust models, making it ideal for initial concepts.~~	+	= Low-fidelity prototyping =

−	Patrick Faulkner, Lead Engineer ~~at Accu, a leading~~ provider ~~in reliable~~ engineering and precision components, explains how LEGO can be a simple yet effective prototyping tool:	+	By using LEGO for prototyping, engineers and designers can quickly create and adjust models, making it ideal for initial concepts. Patrick Faulkner, Lead Engineer for provider of engineering and precision components Accu, explains how LEGO can be a simple yet effective prototyping tool:

−	“Lego stands out as a low-fidelity prototyping tool because of its versatility, accessibility in education environments and ease of modification. Lego engineering sets come with modular pieces that snap together seamlessly, letting designers experiment with structural layouts and simple design ideas, including mechanical functions, at minimal cost.	+	“Lego stands out as a low-fidelity prototyping tool because of its versatility, accessibility in education environments and ease of modification. Lego engineering sets come with modular pieces that snap together seamlessly, letting designers experiment with structural layouts and simple design ideas, including mechanical functions, at minimal cost. When something doesn’t work, you can quickly disassemble and rebuild it, making iterations both fast and intuitive. This hands-on approach also helps you to spot potential design challenges early, well before moving on to more complex stages of product design and development. Lego also has more advanced modules such as gears, hubs, axels, motors and even sensors. These can allow an even greater level of prototyping, allowing both physical and motion prototyping.”

−	“When something doesn’t work, you can quickly disassemble and rebuild it, making iterations both fast and intuitive. This hands-on approach also helps you to spot potential design challenges early, well before moving on to more complex stages of product design and development.	+	= Examples of LEGO prototyping =
−		+
−	~~“Lego also has more advanced modules such as gears, hubs, axels, motors and even sensors. These can allow an even greater level of prototyping, allowing both physical and motion prototyping.”~~	+
−		+
−	Examples of LEGO prototyping	+

	Create a small robotic arm to observe how pivot points and linkages might behave under motion.		Create a small robotic arm to observe how pivot points and linkages might behave under motion.

Editor at 06:17, 21 January 2026

2026-01-21T06:17:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:17, 21 January 2026
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	“LEGO also makes it easier to see how infrastructure interacts with human behaviour. As a child, LEGO can be built as a group, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.”		“LEGO also makes it easier to see how infrastructure interacts with human behaviour. As a child, LEGO can be built as a group, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.”
		+
		+	References
		+
		+	Sources:
		+
		+	[https://www.accu.co.uk/p/473-lego-engineering-and-low-fidelity-prototyping Accu] \| Lego, Engineering & Low Fidelity Prototyping
		+
		+	[1] [https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zrfknk7 BBC Bitesize] \| Revealed: New entry in top 10 jobs teenagers want
		+
		+	[2] [https://oldwww.engc.org.uk/news/news/new-report-uncovers-parents-influence-on-young-people-on-attitudes-to-engineering/#:~:text=Only%2048%25%20of%20girls%20say,60%25%20compared%20to%2030%25). Engineering Council] \| New report uncovers parents’ influence on young people on attitudes to engineering

	[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]		[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]

Editor: Created page with "By using LEGO for prototyping, engineers and designers can quickly create and adjust models, making it ideal for initial concepts. Patrick Faulkner, Lead Engineer at Accu, a lea..."

2026-01-20T07:18:05Z

Created page with "By using LEGO for prototyping, engineers and designers can quickly create and adjust models, making it ideal for initial concepts. Patrick Faulkner, Lead Engineer at Accu, a lea..."

New page

By using LEGO for prototyping, engineers and designers can quickly create and adjust models, making it ideal for initial concepts.

Patrick Faulkner, Lead Engineer at Accu, a leading provider in reliable engineering and precision components, explains how LEGO can be a simple yet effective prototyping tool:

“Lego stands out as a low-fidelity prototyping tool because of its versatility, accessibility in education environments and ease of modification. Lego engineering sets come with modular pieces that snap together seamlessly, letting designers experiment with structural layouts and simple design ideas, including mechanical functions, at minimal cost.

“When something doesn’t work, you can quickly disassemble and rebuild it, making iterations both fast and intuitive. This hands-on approach also helps you to spot potential design challenges early, well before moving on to more complex stages of product design and development.

“Lego also has more advanced modules such as gears, hubs, axels, motors and even sensors. These can allow an even greater level of prototyping, allowing both physical and motion prototyping.”

Examples of LEGO prototyping

Create a small robotic arm to observe how pivot points and linkages might behave under motion.

Assemble a basic gear train from a LEGO engineering kit to see if the gear ratios function as intended

“Even the smallest components can make the biggest impact”

How can children use LEGO to develop engineering skills?

This guide mirrors how engineers use LEGO for prototyping, allowing children to explore the ideation and practical stages of engineering and building through play.

Start with a question

Begin by giving your child a simple challenge or question to guide their build. This helps them build with intention rather than just stacking bricks.

Examples might include:

“Can you build something that moves?”

“Can you make a bridge strong enough for your toy car?”

💡This helps children:

Think with purpose

Test ideas

Add rules to the build (these are called design constraints)

Introduce a few gentle rules to shape the challenge. Engineers always work within limits, and children can learn to do the same through play.

For example:

“It has to fit on this table.”

“It must lift something small.”

💡This helps children:

Plan ahead

Understand real-world problem solving

Choose a LEGO set that encourages engineering skills

Being intentional with the LEGO set you choose can make a big difference. Sets that include gears, wheels, axles, and beams encourage children to think about movement, mechanics, and structure rather than just appearance.

💡This helps children explore:

How parts connect

How movement is created

Cause and effect

Sort pieces together before building

Before building begins, encourage your child to group similar pieces together and lay them out so they can clearly see what’s available. This small step makes it easier to build, test, and adapt ideas.

💡This helps children:

Learn organisational skills

Develop independent thinking

Start by building a strong base

Encourage your child to create a sturdy base or frame before adding any moving parts. A strong foundation helps everything else work more smoothly.

💡This helps children explore:

Structural thinking

Why things fall over

Add one piece at a time and test often

Encourage your child to add just one gear, lever, or wheel at a time rather than all at once, and test it before moving on. This mirrors how real engineers check each part of a design as they build.

💡This helps children develop:

Patience

Logical thinking

Encourage rebuilding and trying again

When something doesn’t work as expected, encourage your child to take apart only the most recent section and try a different approach. LEGO makes it easy to experiment without fear of getting it wrong.

💡This helps children explore:

Problem solving

Failure as a part of learning

Iteration

Test the strength and stability of the structure

Once the build is complete, gently test it. Press lightly on the structure or place a small toy on top and observe what wobbles or stays firm.

💡This helps children understand:

Weight

Balance

Support

Why engineers test designs before using them!

LEGO develops health and safety awareness in children

Ben Massey, MEng and customer success coordinator at health and safety software provider innDex, explains how playing with LEGO also helps develop health and safety awareness:

“Using LEGO as a building tool taught me as a budding engineer about incidents and near misses in a controlled and playful environment. A collapsing LEGO tower becomes a physical metaphor for structural failure without any real danger, and it teaches you as a child to test different builds and be cautious of failure in the future. After all, health and safety is a number one priority in our industry.

“LEGO also makes it easier to see how infrastructure interacts with human behaviour. As a child, LEGO can be built as a group, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.”

[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:20, 21 January 2026
Line 13:		Line 13:
	“Even the smallest components can make the biggest impact”		“Even the smallest components can make the biggest impact”

−	How can children use LEGO to develop engineering skills?	+	= How can children use LEGO to develop engineering skills? =

	This guide mirrors how engineers use LEGO for prototyping, allowing children to explore the ideation and practical stages of engineering and building through play.		This guide mirrors how engineers use LEGO for prototyping, allowing children to explore the ideation and practical stages of engineering and building through play.

−	Start with a question	+	== Start with a question ==

	Begin by giving your child a simple challenge or question to guide their build. This helps them build with intention rather than just stacking bricks.		Begin by giving your child a simple challenge or question to guide their build. This helps them build with intention rather than just stacking bricks.
Line 33:		Line 33:
	Test ideas		Test ideas

−	Add rules to the build (these are called design constraints)	+	== Add rules to the build (these are called design constraints) ==

	Introduce a few gentle rules to shape the challenge. Engineers always work within limits, and children can learn to do the same through play.		Introduce a few gentle rules to shape the challenge. Engineers always work within limits, and children can learn to do the same through play.
Line 49:		Line 49:
	Understand real-world problem solving		Understand real-world problem solving

−	Choose a LEGO set that encourages engineering skills	+	== Choose a LEGO set that encourages engineering skills ==

	Being intentional with the LEGO set you choose can make a big difference. Sets that include gears, wheels, axles, and beams encourage children to think about movement, mechanics, and structure rather than just appearance.		Being intentional with the LEGO set you choose can make a big difference. Sets that include gears, wheels, axles, and beams encourage children to think about movement, mechanics, and structure rather than just appearance.