How Is Building Lego Models Related to Math Skills?

Abstract

Math is usually taught using a lot of words. But, is this the way the human brain learns math? We studied how math is related to memory, intelligence, and reading in 7-year-old children. We found that memory for visual information (things you can see) and spatial information (where things are located in relationship to each other) is related to math skills more than memory for words and verbal information. Interestingly, previous studies have found that building Lego models (construction play) by following instructions is related to math skills. This study found that the relationship between construction play and math is influenced by memory for visual and spatial information. The results of this study make us wonder if building Lego models could improve the brain processes needed for learning math! WHY WE DID THE STUDYTo answer the question "How is building Lego models related to math skills?" we first need to figure out which brain processes are involved in learning math. We do this by testing if certain skills and abilities like general intelligence and memory are related to how well children do in math. These skills and abilities are called variables because they change based on