Activity: The imitation game

In this practical challenge, students work in pairs to test who can give the most accurate instructions. One player builds and describes their LEGO model and the other player tries to imitate the build, following only the verbal instructions.

  • Key Stage: KS3
  • Time required: 30 minutes

About this resource

  • Resource type: classroom activity
  • Theme: Working scientifically

Learning outcomes

  • students will build skills in articulating clear and specific instructions
  • students will gain a better understanding of human limitations and biases when writing a scientific method

Curriculum links

England

Working Scientifically Skills

Experimental skills and investigations

  • select, plan and carry out the most appropriate types of scientific enquiries to test predictions, including identifying independent, dependent and control variables, where appropriate

Scientific attitudes

  • pay attention to objectivity and concern for accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility

Northern Ireland

Curriculum Subject Links

  • Overarching themes of Science, Technology and Design

Curriculum Skill Links

  • Thinking, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
  • Demonstrate creativity and initiative when developing ideas and following them through
  • Work effectively with others

Materials required

  • Building blocks or LEGO
  • Both students in each pair should have 5 matching bricks. Bricks can be grouped into sets to save time.

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