Using LEGO Robots to Support Understanding of Absolute Value in a Mathematics Classroom

This presentation will allow participants to become middle school mathematics students as they apply their understanding of absolute value through the use of LEGO robots. A classroom lesson will be conducted (with the participants playing the role of the student) to show how LEGO robots can be an engaging tool to create collaboration among students as well as support the understanding of concepts. Participants will work in groups of 2-3 to operate a robot along a number line and record data on a task sheet as the robot moves forward or backward in random increments. This presentation will culminate with a discussion regarding participants’ reactions to the activity and its implication for classroom use