Virgin Islands Children’s Museum Launches Innovative LEGO Education Workshops

Beginning on Easter Sunday, the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum (VICM) in St. Thomas will offer a unique educational opportunity for children aged eight to thirteen. The museum has scheduled a five-week LEGO workshop series, taking place every Sunday from 12 to 2 PM. This initiative encourages early registration due to limited availability.

The workshops, structured around LEGO Education Kits, are designed to enhance critical thinking and collaborative skills among participants. Through hands-on activities, children will explore concepts in engineering, data analysis, and communication. The LEGO kits incorporate elements of STEAM—science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics—connecting classroom learning to practical, real-world problems. This method allows children to progress at their own pace through various lessons.

LEGO’s journey over the past decade has been remarkable, rebounding from financial difficulties by capitalizing on core strengths and broadening its appeal. In an era dominated by digital gaming, LEGO has successfully integrated virtual elements into its products while maintaining the tactile, hands-on experience that fosters creativity and problem-solving skills. The origins of LEGO trace back to 1932, founded by Danish carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen, echoing the enduring craftsmanship synonymous with Denmark, which is evident in many historical structures throughout the Virgin Islands.

Chantel Hoheb, the Executive Director of Operations and Development at VICM, emphasizes the transformative potential of these workshops. By providing access to costly LEGO kits and expert guidance, the museum offers children educational opportunities that might be unavailable in traditional school settings. Hoheb also highlights the importance of parental involvement in fostering and supporting their children’s interests, which is crucial for the development of local robotics programs and the advancement of students to competition levels.

The workshops will be conducted by Christopher Richardson and Peter Jean-Baptiste, two talented Virgin Islanders skilled in programming and technology, who have played a significant role in the creation of the LEGO workshops. Richardson, who previously competed in the FIRST Tech Robotics competitions in Atlanta, appreciates the chance to introduce local youth to engineering principles through LEGO kits.

The announcement of the workshop has sparked interest for similar programs catering to different age groups. The VICM plans to develop additional workshops, acknowledging the benefits of early exposure to engineering concepts. Meanwhile, the museum ensures an inclusive environment where prior experience with LEGO or coding is not required, welcoming students of all skill levels.

Thanks to substantial support from donors and collaborative efforts with local institutions like the University of the Virgin Islands, the museum has secured essential resources, keeping participation costs low and fostering a supportive community for the burgeoning student Robotics clubs.

For registration and further details, visit the VICM’s website at www.vichildrensmuseum.org or contact them at vichildrensmuseum@gmail.com. Follow their social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram @vichildrensmuseum for updates and more information. The Virgin Islands Children’s Museum, a non-profit organization, continues to dedicate its efforts to create an engaging learning environment that cultivates a passion for knowledge through interactive play.