LEGO event gives back to High Point community
Child playing at last year’s LEGO showcase. Photo Submitted.
By: Julie Burkett
Organizations Editor
The LEGO Education event is held twice per year, usually in November and April, at the Stout School of Education. This event draws in a great deal of attention, with about 800 attendees last year.
This event gives HPU the ability to show the community what it can do for them. During this event, the education building is turned into a giant learning lab centered around LEGOs. Parents in the High Point area can sign their kids up for the public event for free online. This event takes place from 1-5 p.m. and features several different STEM-themed events including engineering competitions, robotics lessons, storytelling and a free build section, where attendees can build anything they want.
High Point University runs multiple events like this using the colorful building toy throughout the year. This includes the LEGO Showcase, Community Christmas LEGO events, field trips and STEM nights.
The online registration begins at the end of August and in February. This event provides many different opportunities for volunteering on campus. Each student to connect with the greater community of High Point while gaining experience in their field. The education majors not in STEM, as well as Greek Life, are offered the opportunity to volunteer.
This event allows High Point to work with well-known companies while giving back. It also serves as an opportunity to bring national interest to the area, which might not be possible without this event.
Dr. Shirley Disseler, the coordinator of the LEGO education event, discussed in detail why this is important for the community. Disseler hopes to someday take this model nationally with the help of HPU and LEGO.
“These programs instill STEM, engineering and design thinking in participants at a time in America when we need it the most,” explained Disseler. “Beginning early is crucial for creating a pipeline of ‘thinkers and doers’ for America’s future”
Disseler also states that students not in the education major field are free to contact her graduate student Brianna Beard at bbeard@highpoint.edu to request an event and time to volunteer. Dissler mentioned that the program will especially require help with the showcase; however, students can volunteer for specific events if they wish.
This event is important to High Point University’s STEM education majors so they can gain experience in their desired fields. This event also does a valuable service to the community in allowing children to experience STEM projects in a fun and educational environment. Without this event, the community may not get be able to have important experiences to help them develop their skills. This event also allows High Point University to make connections with nationally recognized companies so we can further expand.