SolidWorks releases new LEGO and robotics student tutorials

Why do engineers love being engineers? It’s sort of like playing with LEGO^®s. Take some parts and build something wonderful.

In fact, most engineers start with “kids’ stuff” like LEGOs, Tinkertoys, Erector Sets. Fun with toys can propel young people toward fantastic careers, and make relevant the valuable study of science, technology engineering and math.

Building even the simplest creation from scratch introduces kids to principles of geometry and physics in action. In high school and college, when geometry and physics can make or break a project – whether it’s a LEGO car, robot, or autonomous undersea vehicle for competition – suddenly math and science are more than problems on a page, they’re the pivotal factors in the success of the effort. Engineers rely on this kind of thinking every day.

To help inspire young people this way, yesterday we introduced two new free tutorial programs for creating LEGO cars and sophisticated robots with SolidWorks^® software. The tutorials include a dozen lessons, videos, and part models for download. Projects range from elementary through college level, with straightforward instructions supporting those without prior SolidWorks experience.

Marie Planchard, SolidWorks' Director of Education Marketing, recently returned from Washington, DC, where she saw young people engaged with this kind of constructive play at the inaugural USA Science and Engineering Festival on the National Mall. She blogged about her experiences here and here and offered some comments in this festival highlights video.

As president Obama said at the preceding White House Science Fair, “It’s in these pursuits that talents are discovered and passions are lit, and the future scientists, engineers, inventors, and entrepreneurs are born.”